Transplanted

I am very happy, relieved and grateful to tell you all that my husband has successfully (so far) undergone his liver transplant. He went into surgery at 5:45 pm Tuesday and came back out at 4:00 am Wednesday. Doc says it was one of the harder he has done, he spent 4 hours alone just geting through the scar tissue left behind from his appendix fiasco and the 5 surgeries he had starting Oct. 16. Of course, we are not out of the woods yet, but things are looking good so far. His vitals are strong and all blood chemistry and CBC's are either leveling out or moving in the right direction. They are starting to wean him off the ventilator and he is awake and alert.

Mike, he's going to make it, I just know it. He'll be riding that bike next summer, just wait and see. Thanks for the info the other week, you're great.

Mattie

[annainitaly]

mattie,
all my good thoughts to you and your husband. you are going through a real tough time, and facing boldly all the challenges                                                                                          you are meeting on your path. so admirable.
tell mr. couch that we are with him, and YES we want to see him on his bike very soon!
anna

[bystander2002]

Thats great! Congrats to your husband!
I hope he does well

how high did his meld have to go before he got the call?

[layla]

Wow sounds like such an ordeal for him. My thoughts are also with both of you and I hope his recovery is quick. LL

[fsplink]

I'm so happy to hear he's doing better. I hope your lives become so full of happiness now that all this will be a bitter memory.

[ringeding]

oh my GAWD mattie....wow, i had no idea, i am soooooo thrilled to know everything went smoothly and will add my prayers to the long list of others for a speedy recovery for your hubby....how are YOU holding up sweetie pie.....i hope you are looking after yourself......

love, hugs, smuches and prayers
kimmy

[couchpotato]

Thanks for the replies, thoughts, prayers and considerations. It has been a very long haul but finally seeing a bit of light at the end of the tunnel.

Bystander, I don't know what his MELD score was but I can tell you this. His bilirubin was in the high 500's..........INR was over 2.59. He was also in ICU, Intebated and on kidney dialysis. The last part happened Sunday and the transplant Doctor's put a call out Nationally (we're in Canada), for a B+ Liver. We got the call Tuesday morning one was available back east and it was flown in. 3 days later they are already weaning him off the ventilator, he is still on the dialysis but that will be for a short time only also. It is a frikken miracle to see someone come from the brink of death, to how he is today. To tell you the truth, I don't know if it has even sunk in yet.

Mattie

[derail]

hey darling just checked in tonight to see if there was word from you about hubby great news for sure I am so happy the prognosis is positive  how relieved you must be
prayers are still being said for you and your man
What a tower of strength you are
Love and hugs Daryl

[sher_]

This is very exciting to watch this whole thing going down. I am thrilled for you and Mr Couch....I agree he is going to be fine, now. Keep that bike oiled and ready to roll, babe.

[mikesimon]

I am positively elated for you. When you said you don't know if it has sunk in yet I can relate. I'm more than 4 years out and I doubt it has really sunk into me yet. It's really a miracle and a blessing but it is very hard to get your mind around it. Your husband's surgery was lengthy but I've always heard that previous scar tissue does present an obstacle which is generally fairly time consuming. Mine would have taken the same amount of time had I had that type of scar tissue so it would seem to me that everything else went smoothly for your husband. I send my prayers and best wishes for a speedy and event free recovery. Don't be alarmed if there are some bumps in the road. I sure hope there aren't but often there are minor setbacks. Just be prepared and don't allow you or your husband to get demoralized. I know with this disease and particularly this procedure it sometimes feels that all you get is bad news and it's very easy to become discouraged. It happened way too much with me and if I have any advice it is to remain positive and hopeful and just keep putting one foot in front of the  other. I am so happy for you Mattie. You're a very strong and loving wife and that's the very best medicine for your man. Keep him well and yourself too. Love, Mike

[cuteus]

with all the strong, supportive love you surround him with,  HE IS going to make it!

[bystander2002]

I dont know if canada uses the same numbers that we do here, but if they do... your husband wouldve been a 40 for sure! (meld here (USA) tops out @ 40)
they also have something called statis 1, it sounds like he wouldve been that too!

It sounds like youve sure been through hard times. I had no idea he was in that bad ofshape (last week)!
My old lady read your message, shes pretty scared.
They seem to wate until somebodys on death door before tp, esp if its rare blood type. I think it worrys her more than me.

ALL THE BEST TO YOUR HUSBAND. Hope this new liver kicks in and gives him a brand new life

[Amerabrit]

Your post brought tears of joy to my eyes.  May each new day bring you both much joy:)
Great news Mattie, thx for sharing..

[woodbeegood]

wonderful news! you & your family will continue to be in my thoughts.