Roller Coaster

This is some crazy stuff. One minute I feel like I'm on cloud 9 and the next minute it feels like cloud 9 is raining on me. Ok, I must say that it did rain most of Saturday and Sunday up here in NEGA, but today has been beautiful.

I'm reminded of times where I've been on roller coasters that I didn't care for too much. When that happens I usually sit back and ride it out until I get to the next ride. Man, I don't even want to imagine what the next ride is gonna be like after this one. No sir!

After lunch today I thought I'd check the mailbox and then take a very short walk. Apparently it wasn't short enough. Hopefully tomorrow will be better. Did some time on the front porch with my neighbor dudes as well. Nothing like bro-time on the front porch and comparing scars.

I tell ya, I really can't wait to get back on my game. Having the small things wear me out fast can be disconcerting, but having people encouraging me along the way is reassuring.

ps. Thanks Uncle Jon

It never hurts to help

Just when I thought it would be easy to forgo a social Internet presence, I decided to blog again. I tried in the past, but Facebook got in the way.

To bring anyone who is interested up to date, after a mountain bike ride in the fall of last year, I had sort of an epiphany while sitting and overlooking Nancytown Lake. "Wow, I'm so fortunate and able to enjoy all sorts of experiences in this world. It would be great to give in a way that would help someone else enjoy life to the fullest."
Then it hit me! There was a radio ad about living organ donation and from that moment on it was pretty much set.

Much research was done on my end to educate myself on the subject and I decided that a kidney would be the most suitable way for me to go. Looking around for organizations who specialized in this field began and I settled on Emory here in Georgia.

Fast forward through more research and some prelim work on this end and my time at Emory was here. I would spend about two days undergoing tests and speaking with a wonderful team of people who would be part of the process. There's more to this than a lot of folks realize and I was truly impressed with how much they value the health of the recipient as well as the donor. What really got me was that they assigned a social worker to me, a donor advocate of sorts. This was reassuring to say the least.

The scare.
They say that during this stage of the process, donors sometimes discover that they have underlying medical issues as well. And yep, they noticed that something might be up with me. Tests found that I have an extremely low white blood cell count. Not having WebMD handy, I had to ask what causes low wbc. So after picking my jaw up off the floor what some of the causes could  be I was told that they would wait a week and I could have another test because it could fluctuate. Thankfully I have several friends in the medical field and the internet and after some digging, I realized that my diet and ethnicity plays a role in my wbc. So after the next test I was relieved to hear that I was not HIV+ and I am just one of those who just don't have a normal wbc. But what is normal about me?

On to the next phase! The search for Spock, I mean a Match.

Please forgive me for leaving out chunks of stuff, and I could kick myself for not starting this months ago, but I sort of felt that it may have not gotten this far. But oh wow, it did.

I received a call from my nurse coordinator yesterday with the news. It was surreal. They have a match! When asked when I wanted to do this I was like now! So I tried for the 19th of this month, but I have since then learned that that date isn't possible. So the next date on the list is the 26th. This within itself is a blessing. A little more time to wrap things up here at the hall of justice (City Hall) and some more quality time with family/godfamily/friends/fishing/hiking/biking is always welcomed.

Yep, that's where we stand. Stay tuned for a Q&A.

Humbleness and lessons learned

Part of me has always confused humbleness with a sort of dependency. Oh how wrong is that? Laying here on the couch for a few days have taught me that the two have nothing in common and how flawed some of my thinking was. Many friends have came to my aid this past week in so many ways. And many more continue to ask how they can help. This is very humbling. This is causing me to grow as well. To be 42 years old and to finally begin to get a hold of what it means to be humbled, well I'm humbled.

So here's a few updates. I don't mean to cause anyone any alarms, but let's just say that I'm trying to keep it real. The past few nights have been very interesting. Two nights ago I had a dream that something started jabbing me on my right side. Well, I was sleeping on my left side. This feeling caused me to jerk suddenly towards my right like I was dodging something. Yes, yes it did hurt. Let's just say that that morning I didn't get out of bed until 9:30AM I think. That left me with a whole day where I had very little to none in the area of an appetite. It's very hard to tell when one is hungry or if the pain is coming from the incision.

Last night was sketch as well. In my discharge papers I have instructions on what do if certain things happen. I still wasn't feeling well after a long day and I was feeling some slight nausea and so I thought I'd take my temp. 99.1F Well, if my temp reaches 100F I have to call Emory. Yes, yes I was freaking inside. It was just about time to take my scheduled meds and I figured I'd take the temp again after I took my meds. This brought my temp back down to 98.7F and gave me some relief. Fortunately I had some motion sickness pills from my last trip and so I took one of those as well. Oh let me back up. I wasn't doing a stellar job of keeping up with my meds at night/morning, so I set alarms to go off every 4 hours. This has helped dramatically as well! That being said, outside of the crazier than usual dreams I've been having, last night and this morning was much better!
Oh yeah, there was an angel at my door this morning with some delicious waffles and syrup.

Next goal: A healthy BM

The Emory Experience

Going home!

A few days have passed since the surgery and I believe I'm at a good point to share the experience at Emory. Let me start with saying that they took very good care of me and my friends who were there with me.

Q: Why donate a kidney while you are alive when you can do it in death instead?
A: There's a much higher success rate in transplants with living donors. To get word that the kidney began functioning almost immediately in the recipient was such a blessing to hear. Plus there's no guarantee that one's organs will be useable after a fatal accident.

My buddy Matt B stayed over so he could drive me down to Emory Tuesday morning for the 5:30AM appointment. I had no clue what to expect. I'm so glad that he was there with me though. It's much easier to stay grounded when you have another person with you. At 5:30 the cattle-call started. They took a group of us back to pre-op and it rolled on very efficiently and quickly from there. Matt did a great job of keeping my anxiety levels low and my laughter high. He traded off with Cindy who did an excellent job of continuing that pattern.
Due to a technical problem with an IV in my hand, I didn't start the sedation process until I got into the OR. Yeah, not too good. But I tell ya, the tech was on his A game. I went from thinking about my last hike up in TN last weekend to waking up in what I thought was a scene from The Walking Dead. I wake up every morning at home alone, but waking up alone in a room with other people around you waking up as well was a bit much to bear. And feeling groggy with very little control of ones body didn't make for much for festive moment.

From there I was moved into another room with Cindy and Matt while we waited for a room in the transplant unit. They are such troopers! They along with everyone who visited, texted, and called made this fly by so quickly. I'm forever grateful for everyone in my life!

The time in the transplant unit was amazing to say the least. My daytime nurse, Allison, is a donor as well. She went through the process last January of 2012. Seeing her back at her job with so much dedication and passion assured me that I was gonna be alright. Allison also offered me a lot of insight and advice and encouragement. And the opportunities to share with others in the hospital as to what led me to do this was great as well.

Listening to what the doctors and nurses tell you to do pays off. I was figuring that I would be out of there on Friday, but considering that I'm typing this at home, things changed. They had it in their minds on Wednesday night to probably let me go on Thursday afternoon. There was one obstacle in my way. Lack of flatulence. Yes, what every 12 year old boy takes for granted was distending my belly and hurting like heck. And the only way to help with that was to walk around. And walk around I did. I finally found a sleeping position that helped that night with the moving of the gases. Seems like the fetal position isn't just good for curling up into after a crazy day of work, it's also good for working out flatulence. When I told one of the nurses about this she was surprised to say the least. But hey, if it worked then keep it up. And yeah, you can't fake not farting. These ladies know their stuff. Next hurdle? A good old fashioned BM, but they are letting me work on that here at home. Hopefully today will be the day that I drop the kids off at the pool.

Thursday morning I got the word that I was going to be discharged and I quickly arranged a ride to come and get me after lunch. I made a few more laps around the unit and packed up and waited. And yes, that's when time slowed down to a crawl. But isn't that usually how it is? Nurse Allison came in around 12:30 and proceeded to process me out the door! I decided to walk instead of taking a wheel chair to the car, in hindsight that might have not been the best idea, but it made it faster getting out I think.

Balloons and wonderful neighbors were at home to greet me when I arrived. The food has already begun to pour in as well. I'm going to gain so much weight in the next few weeks! Sometimes we single folk wonder if we are really loved. I have no doubt that we are. I'm truly blessed by all who are around me and even blessed by those who aren't able to visit. Just knowing that everyone is there is satisfying enough.

Now I have to relax into the chill and heal phase. I can do most things except for heavy lifting and driving for two weeks. Then I go back down for a checkup and hopefully I will be released to desk duty at work. This waiting is going to be the hard part for me I think. Yeah, there's some crazy pain in my abs, but all this great weather is killing me!


A lot has been left out in this entry because so much has happened this week, but hopefully the message in my medicated mind is coherent to everyone. Thanks to everyone who has been a part of this. In our own very special way, we have all helped to save another person's life and enrich it as well.


Q: Would you recommend living organ donation after this experience?
A: Yes! But do your research and ask lots of questions. Its not for everyone for many reasons and there are so many other ways in we have the ability to enrich the lives of others around us.

Home

It's all but over, but after coming home to some love and hugs (and balloon and peanut brittle), there does seem to be some sense of closure to all of this. I have a few more goals to reach, but if things go as well as they did in the hospital, recovery should go smoothly. Albeit lengthy with no short cuts and if you've ever hiked with me, you know I'm not big on short cuts. They can be very damaging to the environment.

Being home is great and I'm very thankful to everyone who has helped me and prayed for me through all of this. I was gonna write about the last couple of days in the hospital, but after the ride home, I'm feeling pretty worn out so that will have to wait until later. A nap is in order.

Jail Break

Good news everybody! I'm on the radar to be discharged this afternoon.
The staff here is top-notch, but I'm so ready to get home! I can't wait to get to where I can share more about the past few days.

Post Op

"It never hurts to help."

I'm laid up here in unit 7G room 756. The transplant was successful for both of us! I tell ya, this has been quite the experience. I'm thankful and grateful for all the prayers and  support. And medication is making it hard to think. So I'm done the might.

Spaztastic

Well the office is cleaned up and my desk is clear. This will make room for when I get back. And the out of office reply is enabled. Won't lie. I'm feeling a myriad of emotions right now and for some odd reason I'm feeling sort of somber. Wait a minute, I closed the blinds in my office so that may be the cause? Well I'm going with that.

I don't see how I'm gonna get any sleep tonight with my mind racing like it is. But don't think I won't try!

Ok, back to that horse. I want to thank everyone again for being so supportive and offering so much prayer and other positive thoughts during all of this. I have the utmost confidence that things are going to go smoothly and quickly.

I'm not planning on writing anything again until after the operation. Not right afterwards of course, but probably on Wednesday.

Peace be with you!

Hospital Info

For anyone who is interested in where to go, here's a few options on where to park. I highly recommend the valet parking at the Emory Clinic. You will have to walk farther, but its easier to get in and out of with traffic from what I'm told.

Surgery is scheduled (could change) to start at 8AM. Should last about 3 hours.
Family and Friends are welcome to stay in the Same-Day Surgery Waiting Area.
A room may not be assigned until after I'm done in the recovery area.
Emory is located at 1365 Clifton Road in Atlanta.
Emory Guest Services: 404-712-5619

Grilled Cheese

View from Mt. Leconte, TN

The weekend is almost over. I suppose that 12:00 midnight is the demarcation line. Breakfast time Monday morning is the last normal meal I will be permitted to partake of. From that point on its clear liquids for the rest of the day and then NOTHING after midnight on Monday. So I made that grilled cheese sandwich really count.

Hiking up the mountain yesterday gave me 10 miles in Creation to think things through again. While sitting in church Sunday morning reaffirmed my decision. It's almost go time...

Q: Are you nervous?
A: Yes, yes I am. But I'm ready for this.

Q: Can you have visitors in the hospital?
A: Yes. Though I don't recommend coming on Tuesday. The address is 1365 Clifton Rd in Atlanta. I won't know until after the operation where I will be exactly in the hospital.

Gratitude

I don't know if I've beat this horse enough yet. I can't thank everyone enough for the outpouring of support and prayers. I am sure that the recipient is going through the same thing on their end during this time as well.

Yesterday was pretty much a blur. Had about 4 meetings. Only 2 of which where scheduled. Came out of all of them pretty much unscathed and none worse for the wear. And business after lunch was pretty much normal. I don't know if it was because I was so busy or because I was looking forward to spending some fishing time with my boy, who is now a man, Slim, or what? But there was no feelings of nervousness or anxiety that I've been feeling on and off. And I'm proud and humbled to admit that he finally beat me at bass fishing. Oh he worked for it, and oh how good it made me feel to pass the torch. And oh don't worry, I'll be taking that torch back after I'm back on my feet again.

That time, plus spending time with the J-Man really made my day. So how does one wind down after such a great afternoon/evening? You pick up a few $5 movies for the hospital stay from Walmart (Army of Darkness, The Princess Bride, and Jeremiah Johnson - there's a balance there, trust me) and then you head home and go to youtube and look at more surgery vids. I'm not suggestion that anyone do this, but I like being informed. So I searched for laparoscopic kidney transplants, ate a peanut butter sandwich for dinner and went from there.

You're gonna die!

View from Mt Leconte, TN

Ok, that heading is a bit much, but looking at this from the view of a much younger person, well I was actually told that. But when it was said, no doubt the words carried the weight of someone not wanting any harm to come to me. That means so much! So after explaining to my dear little buddy that there's almost no chance of me dying from this procedure and in fact there's a greater chance for another person to live - well that made things a little better on his end. But still, I don't he was too keen on this.

There's almost always risk in any sacrifice. No matter how large or small. The more I share with people about this, there seems to be some enlightening on both sides of the table. There are many things that I would almost never consider doing in my life. Heck, I don't like crawl spaces, but sometimes I have to go into them for building inspections. I may not like it, but I do it. Slowly that fear is being conquered. Then there are other things that I love doing. Helping others. I'm sure there are limits to what one can do for his fellow man, but I haven't hit that ceiling cap yet. So even in death - we are given the chance to help others. What we leave behind is a testament to that.

Q: How are you spending the last few days before Tuesday?
A: Enjoying as many people as I can! I may not get time to spend with everyone, but that doesn't mean that you haven't crossed my mind. And this only puts me on pit road for only several weeks. I'll be back in the race afterwards or mountains that is. 

More Q&A

Just thought I would toss in a few more Q&A/comments

Q: Are you nervous about this?
A: Yes, yes I am. Hopefully this will eventual return into balance with the excitement. Then again, I'm glad that I won't be waking up in an empty room sitting in a tub of ice with a cell phone beside me.

Q: How much do you get paid to donate an organ?
A: Zilch. The operative word here is 'donate'. As a matter of fact, there's expenses on this end as well that the recipient's insurance doesn't cover. Things such as travel expenses and PTO. So basically, when a person does this, they are also giving their time and actually some of their finances. So its best to be prepared. But in the event of hardship, the Georgia Transplant Center does step in and cover many expenses such as rent and bills.

Q: What will you do if you get injured in the remaining kidney?
A: First if the pain is bad enough, I'm gonna yell. Second, I'll go to the hospital. But seriously, in light of a lot of things that could happen, this has crossed my mind and the doctors have stressed the importance of being extra careful and staying healthy.

Q: What if you need a kidney transplant down the road?
A: I'll will have to go through the same process that the recipient is going through with hopes that there will be someone to be there for me in my time of need. Plus there's a slight advantage, from what I'm told, for folks who have previously donated. I realized yesterday that some of the team, in a round about way, tries to really talk you out of doing this. I like this. I have until I'm sedated to change my mind. But my mind is made up.

One more observation: There's this lady in the pre-admin department who really reminded me of my grandmother, Mary Fruster. She had almost the exact same skin tone, facial structure and there was even something familiar about her laugh. But what really got my attention was that she had drinks and snacks hidden behind her desk for patients and their families. My grandma used to do that, except she had her stuff under lock and key in this pantry type room. Whenever I'm outside doing something that causes me to pause and enjoy what is around me, or when I go somewhere that she has never been; I pause and enjoy some of it for her as well. Yesterday, I stopped and paused for her.

Game On

So all is good. After spending the day at Emory and undergoing more blood letting and talking to the team, I'm set to be at the hospital next Tuesday. Early! I can honestly say that this all feels surreal. The folks there were awesome as usual and did their best at making me feel at ease. So you can imagine my relief and surprise when I was told that the recipient had already been there and all was good on their end and that they are really excited! The only thing I know about this person is that they are a young adult. Now I wait. And cram as much extra curricular activities as I can into the next week. Leaving only room for work and sleep. I was given some suggestions about visitors and other tips that I'm gonna post up later. Time to watch #27 get his game on.

Pre Op

So today is the day that I go down to Emory in Atlanta for more tests and to meet with the donor team. I can't say that I'm not nervous. The nervousness isn't because of that crazy fear of being knocked out. An old friend brought something to my attention this past weekend that I failed to realize. I go to sleep every night without the aid of a team of doctors and wake up fine every morning. The fear is that this is the final hurdle before the surgery and I'm really wanting all to go as well as possible. And it shall.

Unlike next week. Its all good that I eat lunch before I arrive. Yes, my appointment is at 11:00AM and they want me to eat lunch? Challenge accepted!

Menu:
Boca Chik'n patty sandwich/w tomato (yes, its fake chicken)
& Potato salad
It may not sound like much, but when you tag on the Lays Stax - mmmhmmm good!

I'm looking forward to an evening update!

The Last Supper

Have you ever really wondered what the food tasted like at the Last Supper?
Believe it or not, I really like eating and I often think, "What would I want my last meal to be?"

Well, now I have the chance to ask that question plus wonder, "What would I want my first meal be?"
Yes, it probably doesn't make any sense, but allow me to explain. On noon the 22nd I will have to begin a fast that only includes basically clear liquids. So that breakfast, which they suggest to be 'normal' will be a sort of last meal. Ok allow me to have a little fun with this. Breakfast for me is always a toss up and sometimes not even tossed in. But I assure you that no matter what it is, I will try and make it memorable.

Now on to the first meal. I was asked today about what I would want to eat while I'm laid up in the hospital. This never crossed my mind because I have some beans and tater's lined up after I get home. A man's gotta have a focus. So back to the hospital. Home is taken care of, what about while I'm still laid up? Mama 'Liz's potato soup! Yes! Now that would be kick'n as well. So it seems that the food spectrum is taken care of now I can relax and not freak out.

Segue (not to be confused with those two wheeled deals that some security personnel use)

I read a blog that a gentleman wrote from NJ last night and he actually touched on something that I never thought about. The pain. Oh the pain! For some odd reason, I was thinking that there wouldn't be much pain involved. But I was relieved by the comment that his wife made to him. "You're not having a baby."


Moving on. I'm really thankful for all the support that has been coming my way. Offers of prayers, food, service, etc have been tremendous!

The Connection

Kings Creek Falls

Just returned from a camping trip with a buddy over at Burrells Ford, SC. If you haven't been there, go! It's a beautiful area with many trails that make up some of South Carolina's best trail system (Georgia's better btw). Everyone knows that camping gives one ample amount of time to access, reflect and look ahead.
Well, I was caught up in all three.

I've begun to prepare in my head, home and work for the next couple of weeks. This weekend helped bring a few more things into perspective:
1) I'm grateful that I won't be doing this alone.
2) The excitement of being chosen is at times exhilarating.
3) My life is gonna change (again).
4) Another person's; whom I may never meet, life will change.

That's when it hit me. There by the campfire enjoying myself in all of creation, somewhere out there is another person who is even more excited than I! There's the connection.

Date Set

Just got off the phone earlier with the nurse coordinator. The date has been set for April 23rd. Not the weekend date I was wanting, but at least its concrete.

So my mind is begining to race. How much fun in the sun can I squeeze into now and the 23rd? Oh yeah, there's other stuff to do as well.

Q&A

So I figured that I would tackle a few questions that have come my way since this journey began. A few comments from folks will be sprinkled in as well.


Q: Why would you want to do this?
A: This is one of the more popular questions. Oddly enough I sometimes go blank when asked this. But keeping it simple all I can honestly say that I have an overwhelming built in desire to help others. I'm grateful that during my life, there have been a myriad of people who have helped me to get where I am today. During this time, I have made sure that I have taken every opportunity to pay it forward as well. Added that the only thing that I ever desire of those that I'm able to help is that they help someone else when they are able to do so as well.

Q: Don't you know this will only leave you with one kidney?
A: I really dig the obvious. Yes, yes I do know this will leave me with one kidney. The sudden departure of Lefty will cause the orphaned one to pick up the slack.

Q: (more of a statement) You do know that they can do this when you're dead.
A: This one left me laughing. Oddly enough, I'm not listed as a donor on my drivers license. I tend to be somewhat of a control freak at times. And what happens if nothing in my body is useable by that time? Yeah, I like the idea of tipping the odds in both mine and the recipient's favor.

Q: Can you afford this?
A: Heck no! Ok, sort of. I have enough time saved up at work and I wonderful boss who is willing to work with me on this. Other coworkers are stepping up as well. And all the medical stuff is covered by the recipient's insurance. I do have coverage of my own in case anything happens down the road.

Q: How long will you be out of commission?
A: This time varies from person to person. It could be as long as 6 to 8 weeks or shorter. I'm shooting for shorter. Though I won't be able to do any strenuous activities for at least 8 weeks. Yeah, this is really going to put a damper on my outdoor activities for a while, but that doesn't mean that I can't live vicariously through others ;-)

Q: Are you crazy?
A: Depends on what day you ask me that question.

Q: Are you scared?
A: I have a crazy fear of being sedated. But I hear that Valium is made for that. So I've been watching videos on youtube about laparoscopic kidney removal. Fascinating stuff. So if you are with me when I wake up. None of the crazy stuff I may say is true. No matter how juicy it may sound.

Q: Couldn't you die from this?
A: Yes. But I could also die from crossing the street. Hwy 441 in front of city hall can be sketchy at times.

Q: Can you change your mind?
A: Yes. Up until the very last minute. From what I've been told, this has happened.

Comment: You're a better person than I am.
Reply: No I'm not.

Comment: Wow.
Reply: Yep.

Q: Who is the recipient?
A: I'm clueless. I will remain clueless. The only say I have in the matter since I'm donating to someone I don't know is whether or not that person is a child or an adult. My recipient is an adult. I will not know anything else about this person. I won't even know if their body rejected my kidney. For me this is comforting. I can go through life with this picture in my head of a person roaming through the mountains with a healthy body and able to take advantage of all that I've been blessed with. On the flip side, they will be clueless about me as well.

This doesn't cover all the questions/comments that I've heard, but if anyone has any questions, by all means ask!