01.25.11

365!

One year ago there we were… waiting, praying, talking, trusting, hugging, preparing, and finally rolling down the hall on a (God Willing) once in a lifetime journey.   What an amazing story we have to tell of Divine providence and mercy, of friends and family that have surrounded us with untold prayer and kindness, and of good health and recovery that has exceeded our highest hopes.

Last week I visited Mayo Clinic and Hospital for my one-year follow up exams.  Day one was a visit with the dermatologist.  This is made necessary due to the immunosuppressants that are now part of my daily dose.  These tend to compromise my ability to resist skin cancer.  The dermatological department has their own special supply of “gowns”.  More like bibs.   Like you were headed for the Outback Steakhouse to get a plate of ribs, but in your undies.  In spite of the apparel the results were good, but strong precautions in the sunshine will be a way of life from here on out.

Day two was a fasting blood test and a follow up biopsy. They must have been experiencing a shortage of blood samples to test, ’cause they drained about a dozen vials off before I ran dry. The biopsy was accompanied by a renal ultrasound.  The ultrasound really is a fascinating procedure as they squoosh the transducer (probe) over the site of the new kidney.  The monitor displayed a vivid (shadowy sort of oval) image of the kidney in bright red, blue and yellow colors and the shooka-shooka-shooka sound of blood coursing through the arteries.  The biopsy is a lot less fun, but its all part of the package.  The biopsy syringe draws a pencil-lead diameter by 3 centimeter sample of tissue from the kidney.  Ow.  From this sample the doctors will be able to detect any signs of rejection, inflammation, viruses or DingDongs.  A one hour trip to the recovery room and we are on the way home.  Lunchtime.

Day three was a short trip to the Clinic for bone mineral analysis (BMA). There is apparently some connection between transplant recipients and decreased bone strength.  Was this in the fine print? The BMA test is short and requires laying on a table while a giant arm moves slowly back and forth over the patient, and since the technician didn’t run from the room during the procedure I’m guessing it did not include x-rays. From here I was off to the hospital to collect my 24 hour blood pressure cuff (murse).

Day four was to return my blood pressure cuff and a final visit with the doctor to review the findings from all of the tests.  His assessment: a great success!  The blood test showed all of the many factors tested were within the acceptable ranges.  The creatinine level that had before the operation been hovering above 4.5 (dangerous), has now fallen to 1.5 (good).  The biopsy showed no indicators of rejection or inflammation. Basically, he was just about as pleased as could be with the overall results of our transplant.

How good is God that He should pour out such goodness on us?  How good is God that He should provide me with such a bride?

 

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!

 

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