The next thing I remember was waking up as they rolled my stretcher into my room. I did it! It was the middle of the night when they rolled me back in. Even though I was pretty out of it still, I insisted on being the one to call my loved ones and tell them I was done. My dad answered first. I’m out Dad, they did it. I love you. Then my mom, sister, husband. I will see you guys in the morning.
I am certain a slept most of the next week. I have some vague memories of seeing visitors, getting up, learning how to sleep on my back instead of my side. The new kidney was functioning well immediately and I DID NOT HAVE DIABETES! After a few days, or a week, it kind of all runs together, I was up walking. I had gained close to 70 lbs of water weight. None of the comfort clothes I brought fit, I couldn’t wear my wedding ring. I wasn’t counting carbs, and I wanted to go home. They estimate that you will be in the hospital for 10 days and I can’t remember why initially I was kept in longer, but I remember on September 25, 15 days post surgery and my birthday, I was allowed to have a day pass to go home and see my family. I cried, I missed home, and missed my puppies.
I was sent home on September 28th, 18 days after my surgery. My incision and staples hurt, but I assumed it would after a major operation so I had no reason to think anything was wrong. I did my morning blood work that day, and they prepared me to be discharged. I got home in the afternoon and spent a very uncomfortable but welcomed night in my own bed. I was looking forward to being able to recover at home. I had enough of being in the hospital.
The next day I had to be at the hospital for blood work again. My mom came in and took me back, I wasn’t allowed to drive for 6 weeks. I arrived home around noon. I remember feeling like I had just settled into a good spot on the couch for a nap when the hospital called. There was an issue with my blood work and they wanted me to come back. My white blood count was dangerously low. Really? Do you think this will be an overnight? She said I had better pack for the weekend. Well shit, there goes my nap! So I packed my bag back up and prepared myself for a few more days.
I do not remember getting back to the hospital or anything else for the next few weeks. There was an infection interfering with my recovery and it would end up being the reason that weekend stay turned into 85 days in the hospital. I haven’t posted in a while and it’s because it’s a difficult time for me to talk about, and I’m still not sure how to properly describe what that time was like for me, and my family. We are now able to laugh about some of the things that were scary at the time. Stay tuned for those stories too! Until next time!
Kari's Kidney 