thanks deb

[Guest guest]

Hi Deb, Thanks for the letter...it made me smile and feel

better...actually we are very happy...it has been a long 6 years...it

could still be a while before he gets one but at least it is

progress...nothing worse than being in limbo...we remain positive and

patient...

They say that timing is everything...well yesterday was my husbands

49th birthday and you never seen such a sad man...I told him to be

happy...it beats the alternative...=) He was in the shower this

morning and I asked if he was alright and he said that he was tired

of being tired...then the phone rang...when I told him the news he

got the biggest smile on his face...(haven't seen him do that in a

long time)...I said...see now aren't you happy you turned 49???

lol...It was the best birthday present we could have got.

We know the battle isn't over after surgery...I've done my best to

prepare myself for life with a man on steroids...I know when I took

them for a severe case of poison sumac that I couldn't stand

myself...but everyone is different and I am extremely patient person

so i'm sure we will survive...we've survived through his mood swings

while on TX and also while living with this disease...this is just

one more chapter in our journey...

thanks for caring...you all are in my prayers...

>

> I'm so happy for your entire family and I hope and pray your

husband gets the call very soon.

>

> For me I was never scared to have a transplant. I think when a

person reaches that stage they are welcoming it and anxious for it to

happen.

>

> I got the call late at night actually arrived at the hospital on

March 4th after midnight. My family was with me and we were all

excited beyond belief even the transplant staff was in a very happy

mood. The emotions are very hard to explain and everyone was relived

for me that the waiting was over. It does affect the medical team

also and they were very emotional especially the surgeons because

they are experiencing and performing another true miracle - The Gift

Of Life.

>

> We went straight to the Transplant Unit to a very large and

comfortable room before surgery that looked like a Hotel Suite. Most

transplant units are set up for comfort of the pt. their family and

whoever wants to stay. We all kissed laughed hugged and cried. I

was brought to a sterile area and room had a wonderful shower and

actually scrubbed from head to foot with a betadine type solution and

than hopped on a gurney to go to the OR. I was a nice shade of

orange. They gave me some good drugs than and I didn't care what the

hell they were operating on or for how long. Family had to say down

the hall in a special waiting room and we got to wave and yell at

each other in the hallway as they wheeled me in for my transplant.

They called me an orange smurfette and told me I better behave

myself - never !!!!!!!!

>

> We were all joking around and I went into surgery with a happy

positive attitude and frame of mind. Hell I was loaded and enjoyed

it.

>

> They keep my family updated as much as possible ordered them food

if they wanted and the coffee continuously flowing. Social workers

and someone for the religious ministry for the hospital also keep

everyone company and seen to their needs.

>

> The transplant surgery can take up to 12 hours or more and they

knew they were in for a long wait.

>

> It all depends on the level of care that is needed after transplant

but the units are usually self contained all within the transplant

unit with Surgery ICU a step-down room after that and than regular

pt's rooms if needed.

>

> Each pt is different and so is the level of meds and machines that

are needed post transplant and the level of semiconsciousness and for

how long. They keep me comfy and high.

>

> Steroids may be given after surgery with lots of other meds and

anti rejection meds. I was mean as sin for awhile from the steroids

and the morphine. They changed the morphine when they could and I was

a happy camper after that.

>

> A large amount of patience is needed by everyone now, while waiting

on the list, during the long surgery and for the aftercare.

>

> Tell your hubby now he knows what it feels like with his suitcase

packed and waiting just like for pregnant woman waiting to go into

labor.

>

> Stay positive keep your spirits up and pray.

>

> I'm thrilled your husband is next on the list for your region.

>

> All of you will be in my thoughts and prayers.

>

> Love and Hugs.

>

> Take Care and God Bless.

>

> Deb