Recovery

Nate's recovery continues. Each day he is stronger and feels better. He has lost a total of 20 pounds. The tube in his nose was removed on Wednesday. One IV and his drain tube was removed today. It appears he will leave the hospital tomorrow but he will stay in Denver due to the numerous appointments he will have. The appointments are called "clinic" and this will start with every other day. As Nate improves the clinic appointments will lessen but he is expected to stay close for about 6 to 8 weeks.

 

 

We thank you all again for your comments, calls, thoughts, and prayers. I will continue to update.

 

Day 1 after transplant: Up for his first walk.

 

Day 2: Resting

 

Day 3: Today...lookin better!

 



Transplant..so..far so good!

Today Nate had his kidney transplant at University of Colorado Hospital. Everything went as well as could be expected. Nate had a very intense surgery due to removing his kidney's. He is expected to stay in the hospital for 5 to 7 days depending on his recovery. A mid-line incision was made along his stomach.  After the kidney's were removed the new kidney was put in and produced urine right away. Nate's donor is recovering as well. I am overwhelmed and amazing by this entire process. Long days ahead.

 

I've included some pictures and a few are graphic.

 

Nate and his donor Bing before surgery

 

Nate in recovery after surgery. (Looks pretty good I think) :)

 

GRAPHIC PICTURES BELOW:

 

 

 

 

 

The following pictures are of Nate's kidney's. It's no wonder he felt the way he did.

 

 



Family Dinner

Tonight approx. 19 of us enjoyed dinner together. This included Nate's family as well as Bing's family. It simply amazing me how 1 act of kindness will forever link so many people together.

 

 

As time gets closer we are anxious, nervous, and excited for the process to begin.

 

 

Watch for further updates....

 

 

 

Family Picture Before Dinner

 

 

Nate, Bing, Chandell



Pre-Op's Complete!

On Tuesday September 18th Bing (donor) had his surgery pre-op and today the 20th Nate had his. So far all tests went well and surgery for Nate is scheduled for 7:30am on the 25th at University of Colorado Hospital in Denver.

But...

A change did occur.

When discussing options for Nate with the surgeon regarding the size of Nate's current kidney's the surgeon stated they are the biggest he has ever seen and they are estimated at 15 pounds each. (PKD cause kidneys to grow in size)

After some research and discussion with the surgical team Nate's surgeon decided he would remove both of his kidney's before the transplant takes place. The intention is to still do the entire procedure (including transplant) at the same time.

This change will increase the surgery time from 3-4 hours to 7 hours and may require a longer stay in the hospital. Nate will also have a larger incision along his stomach rather than the one that would have been on his side.

Normally, the kidney's would have been removed during a later surgery. 

Nate is excited for this to happen as the size of his kidney's has caused great discomfort.

I am a bit nervous but know that the doctor's know best. We ask for continued prayers and thank all of you for your love and support.

Round 2 and Feeling Blessed...

In May of 2011, Nate was scheduled to have his kidney transplant but due to unforeseen circumstances it did not happen. In July of 2011 (a month after we welcomed a baby girl) :) Nate went on Peritoneal Dialysis which he continues to be on today. Peritoneal Dialysis has allowed Nate to do dialysis from home and return to work. We are very thankful for medical technology and it's advancements.

In June of 2012, we received a call from a distant family member Tad wanting to discuss his options for being a donor. During his testing process Tad's father Bing stepped up also wanting to be tested. Thus the process of "Round 2" began...

Both Tad and Bing have been through the testing process and Bing is scheduled to give his kidney to Nate on September 25th. We are excited, nervous but also cautious. We know well the "let down" we experienced last time. So as of right now we have faith things will go as planned.

This past weekend Tad and Bing came to the house. I had not met either of them. How do you entertain angels? Well we decided to go for lunch, head to Cabela's, make homemade salsa, brats, chocolate chip cookies, and watch Big Red football. :)

We are blessed! I have decided that through the next couple weeks I will update the blog to inform everyone of the progress. We have many caring people who want to know and this is the easiest way I know how.

Tad, Nate, Bing (holding Gabbie)

Until next time....