So let me officially introduce you to my new partner, life-long companion, Linus. Linus is my new liver by the way, and I'm hoping he likes his new residence at the Crenshaw Resort because we have all the amenities he will need to enjoy his life-long stay. I'm sure you would like to know why the name Linus –well for some odd reason I was thinking about the Peanut Gallery and I remembered that Linus has attachment issues (the blanket and thumb sucking.) So it hit me that I need this new liver to bond with my body and it's already attached so that's just half the battle.
Speaking of battle, I'm still in the ICU and I know nurses are constantly coming in my room for hourly checks. I wish I could remember some of the events that took place after I left the O.R. but that is all a blur to me. All I know is I'm finally alert and awake and can recognize my family in my room. I know my mom and dad have been here non-stop around the clock. I see my sister arrived (she came in the early am) and she is sitting down next to "KJ" talking. I don't remember much, but I do know that I had a bunch of doctors coming in to check on me as well. On my 2nd day in the ICU, I went for a walk with my dad around the hallway. The Transplant Team expects you to walk and move around; it helps with the healing process. After that walk, I was exhausted and the bed was where I was headed. I believe I slept most of the day because that is about all I remember.
On the 3rd day (which was my last day in the ICU) I was feeling better but still tired and heavy (water retention from the meds) so walking was the last thing on my mind. Well, just my luck, the physical therapist was walking in my room and was ready to walk. (I've had previous experience w/ PT in another hospital so I'm just hoping this is a good interaction.) Well, I started out with a walker and went around the hallway – I think the PT was impressed with my progress. I decided to drop the walker off at my room and go for lap 2 without it. I must say I was impressed myself at how well I was moving but was glad to make it back to my room. As I made it back to my room and got comfy in my chair I had a couple of visitors. My mom was already in my room, cleaning of course and Aida had walked in with her coffee in hand. Of course, she needed all the updates so I did my best to fill her in and my mom helped fill in the "blur" moments. Shortly after my high school/college friend, JP arrived and we talked for a while before he had to get back to Delaware for work. My last visitor for the morning was Isha (my friend for over 20 yrs.) It never fails that whenever we are together we still manage to pick right back up regardless of how much time that has passed since we have seen each other. She stayed for a couple of hours and then she headed home to let me get some rest.
I get in my bed to take a much-needed nap (the morning tired me out) and sleep away some pain. I think I slept for a couple of hours because Aisha was walking into my room as I was waking up. It was now the afternoon and I was hungry but still on a liquid diet. (Anybody that knows me knows I love my food and snacks.) I filled Aisha in on the events of the day and the progress I made. She stayed for a couple of hours and then she headed out. My nurse came in my room and informed me and my family that I would be moved from ICU to Tower 8 (the liver transplant floor.)
I guess I'm progressing along! These days are filled with nurses, techs, doctors, family/framily and sleep. I remember some things and some things I don't, but I'm glad I have a good support system to see me through this journey!