I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: General Discussion => Topic started by: jbeany on October 02, 2009, 09:11:36 AM

Title: Jbeany Update
Post by: jbeany on October 02, 2009, 09:11:36 AM
Hi everyone, jbeany's ex-hubby here.  It's been a while so I wanted to update everyone on Jbeany's condition.

She had to go in for yet another surgery yesterday, the site that the new pancreas was attached to ruptured again.  The surgeons went in and repaired the rupture.  They left the pancreas in because taking it out would've been more dangerous.  Today she is in ICU, if she stays stable she will be back in a normal room again tomorrow.  The surgeons are hoping that the scar tissue from the latest surgery will help the process.  She isn't going to be allowed any food or water for 3 weeks, they are doing this because they don't want the site to rupture again.

Best case, she will be in the hospital for another month, although it is looking more like two at this point.

I should get another update tomorrow and will post again.
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Run8 on October 02, 2009, 09:30:17 AM
jbeany, my thoughts are with you. I went though the very same thing. keep your head up and be strong. the food in a i.v. bag really bites. i did that for two weeks, and well, it sucks. Did they give you meds to help slow down the pancreas from making the digestive enzymes,that help me alot. you will get though this, you are a strong person and my prayers are with you.
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: KICKSTART on October 02, 2009, 09:33:43 AM
 :flower; Sending virtual flowers and best wishes for a speedy and good recovery.
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: paris on October 02, 2009, 09:41:14 AM
Oh jbeany, it wasn't suppose to be this hard!  I am so sorry that you continue to battle so many problems.  You have many people thinking of you everyday and saying lots of healing prayers for you.  You are strong and will get through this, but I know you wish the road wasn't so long. 

Jbeany's ex--thank you so much for giving us updates.  We love her and worry about her so much.    :grouphug;
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: circleNthedrain on October 02, 2009, 10:12:43 AM
jbeany, my thoughts and prayers are with you...stay strong!
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Zach on October 02, 2009, 10:48:24 AM
Sending love to you!
 :-*
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: del on October 02, 2009, 11:33:44 AM
Sending thoughts and  :flower;
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: thegrammalady on October 02, 2009, 11:43:07 AM
 :flower; :flower; :flower; thinking of you and praying for the best
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: rose1999 on October 02, 2009, 12:04:24 PM
Thank you for updating us, please tell Jbenay that we all send love and healing wishes. I'm going away tomorrow for a while and hope things will go OK while I'm away. xxxx
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Darthvadar on October 02, 2009, 12:15:08 PM
Oh poor Jbeany...

I'm SO sorry to hear how hard this is for you!.... I'll be thinking of, and praying for you...

Jbeany's ex... Thank you for keeping us informed... You're one in a million!...

May God bless and protect you both...

Love...

Darth....
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: willowtreewren on October 02, 2009, 01:26:38 PM
Oh, I am so sorry that this has been so hard!  :grouphug; :grouphug;

Jbeany, we are all pulling for you. I hope you are finding positives to keep your spirits up.  :flower;

Ex, thank you so much for keeping us informed. We care.

Aleta
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Mimi on October 02, 2009, 08:15:22 PM
My loving prayers and thoughts are with you.
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Meinuk on October 02, 2009, 08:41:35 PM
Wow.

JB, you are in my thoughts every day.  Paris is right, it wasn't supposed to be this hard.  You can do it.  September came and went, and October will soon pass.  I hope your body heals and your mind stays uncrazed as you are healing.

We need you.

Love,

Anna
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Chris on October 02, 2009, 09:27:37 PM
Sorry to hear jbeany, this bites that your having such a hard time.
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Des on October 02, 2009, 10:24:11 PM
My dear IHD friend,

I am so sorry that you are having a hard time.

Please know that we are thinking about you and praying for you.

I hope that you get through this and that it is just plain sailing from now on. :flower; :grouphug;
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: MIbarra on October 02, 2009, 11:45:51 PM
Oh this is terrible. I hope things get better soon!
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: kristina on October 03, 2009, 12:34:07 AM
Thanks for the update.
I send my best wishes to Jbeany
and please let her know that
I keep my fingers crossed for her
and hope she has a speedy recovery.
Kind regards from Kristina.
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: jbeany on October 03, 2009, 03:35:30 PM
Hi everyone,

Janel is out of ICU already and back to a normal room.  She was up and watching football today (not her choice) and her mood was excellent.  She currently has three drains in to try to help with the bloating.  Both the pancreas and kidney are still working fine.  All in all her road to recovery is currently back to normal.  Still needs a lot of rest but doing better.
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: paris on October 03, 2009, 03:48:37 PM
We love every tiny bit of good news   :2thumbsup;   So glad she is out of ICU but very sorry she has to watch football   :rofl;    Tell her we want her to keep resting and healing.   And we love her!!    :cuddle;
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Rerun on October 03, 2009, 07:09:33 PM
She is going to be one pissed off Cowgirl once she gets out and can get a hold of the idiots that let this happen. 

Get better fast JB!              :pray;
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Chris on October 03, 2009, 07:26:02 PM
Glad to hear the progress is better.  :2thumbsup;
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Marsh on October 03, 2009, 08:07:45 PM
 :flower;
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: nick on October 03, 2009, 08:31:06 PM
 will pray for her recovery  :flower; :grouphug;
:guitar:
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: monrein on October 04, 2009, 02:49:39 PM
Thinking of you very very regularly jbeany and sending my love also.   :cuddle;
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: lola on October 04, 2009, 03:26:21 PM
 :grouphug; :grouphug; :grouphug; :grouphug; :flower;
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Chris on October 04, 2009, 03:26:34 PM
I will have to look for a funny and uplifting card. Well not to funny, don't want you to be laughing and hurting at the same time. :oops;
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Jill D. on October 04, 2009, 06:22:59 PM
Thank you so much for the update -I have been thinking about Janel and keeping her in my prayers.
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: kitkatz on October 04, 2009, 10:49:44 PM
Do we have an address for cards to send to JBeanY or am I behind the times here?
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Chris on October 04, 2009, 11:51:59 PM
Yes we do kitkatz, you had to PM Okarol for it so it would not be public.
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Rerun on October 05, 2009, 02:41:43 AM
I have it now, so you can PM me, Rerun~

Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: kitkatz on October 05, 2009, 06:09:23 AM
Thank you for the addy.
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: thegrammalady on October 05, 2009, 11:28:09 AM
glad to hear she's out of icu.
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: kidney4traci on October 05, 2009, 01:40:35 PM
So sorry to hear of the many issues, pray all wil heal in quick time! HUGS !
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: jbeany on October 06, 2009, 09:10:03 AM
Hi everyone.  Got another update this morning.  At this point the docs are saying that she is still leaking internally, however no surgery at this point.  They have her going down for daily ultrasounds to check the progress of the healing.  They are starting her on a new pain patch today to try to get that under control.  Also no food for 6 weeks and at least 2 more months in the hospital.
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: paris on October 06, 2009, 09:43:25 AM
Again, thank you for giving us updates.  We just sit here and worry until we here something new.  Two more months -- I hate that for her.  I'll keep praying for a little postive progress everyday.   Please give her our love   :grouphug; 
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Bajanne on October 06, 2009, 10:18:50 AM
 :thx; so much for the updates.  Please assure Janel that a loving group of people are here sending her caring thoughts and prayers.  We do appreciate you keeping us updated on her progress. :cuddle;
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Chris on October 06, 2009, 02:37:45 PM
Wish there was better that they could do for Janel, this is frustrating and sad to hear and I wish her all the best for a much better recovery. To bad they didn't have medical grade duct tap to use or some really good super glue to stop those leaks.

I hope Janel's spirits are not getting to down, but totally understandable if she has trouble.
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Sunny on October 06, 2009, 02:57:21 PM
I am so sorry to hear about the rough times you are having.
This can't be easy for you and your loved one's. I hope the hosptial takes good care of you and has you on the road to recovery.
Thanks for the updates.
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Ken Shelmerdine on October 07, 2009, 04:32:21 AM
 :grouphug; :grouphug; :grouphug;
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: RichardMEL on October 07, 2009, 04:36:05 AM
a month without real food??? gosh....

what was a beautiful surprise and promise of something much better has become a real ordeal for her. I hope SO MUCH she pulls through with everything intact!!!!!!

I still remain positive for her that things will work out and she will be back with her kitty before she knows it!!!
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: monrein on October 07, 2009, 05:08:32 AM
Still sending hugs your way Janel.
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: willowtreewren on October 07, 2009, 06:32:29 AM
Many, Many hugs.

 :grouphug; :grouphug; :grouphug;

Just wish I could come and sit with you for a while to help pass the time....

Thinking of you daily.

Aleta
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Des on October 07, 2009, 07:09:44 AM
Another few months!!!!! hang in there!!!

hugs
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Rerun on October 07, 2009, 07:40:54 AM
Janel, I'll go with you sister to hunt the bastards down that did this to you!

          Hang in there!             :boxing;
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Mizar on October 07, 2009, 05:10:37 PM
Prayers and Good Thoughts, go up to Jbeany and Family Tonight.
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: jbeany on October 09, 2009, 02:29:23 PM
Hi everyone, sorry I haven't given you a Janel update in a few days, this two jobs thing is keeping me busy. 

I've been texting back and forth with Janel every day and her mood is excellent.  I made her laugh the other day with kind of an adult style smart ass remark and she said I wasn't allowed to do that cause it hurt too much, for just a word to the wise, no jokes....

The latest update I have is that they are going to "re-evaluate" her on Monday and possible send her to the rehab unit, however still no food for 6 weeks.  The nose tube has come back out and her meals are in little hanging plastic bags. 

She says she is getting "beat up" by their PT staff on a daily basis, but she doesn't mind being sore for those reasons.

That's all I have for now.  I'm sending her your love.
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: okarol on October 09, 2009, 02:36:48 PM

Oh I am so glad to hear she's laughing, that makes me happy!
Thank you for keeping us posted.
 :thx;
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: kitkatz on October 09, 2009, 03:17:08 PM
Great that her mood is good.  It sounds like a tough recovery. Go JBeany Go!  :bandance; :bandance; :clap; :clap;
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: willowtreewren on October 09, 2009, 04:10:13 PM
So glad to hear that her humor is intact!  :clap;

Laughing may hurt, but it is great exercise!  :rofl; :rofl;

Thanks for sending her our love.

Aleta
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Chris on October 09, 2009, 09:12:20 PM
Good to hear a little improvement has been made
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Mimi on October 09, 2009, 11:25:41 PM
So sorry to hear all of this JBeany.  I know you are tired of it.  My
prayers are with you and I pray for a quick recovery for you.  Hang in there girl.
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: KICKSTART on October 10, 2009, 03:01:12 AM
Glad to hear her spirits are lifting , it must be so tough for her right now !
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: rose1999 on October 10, 2009, 08:31:50 AM
Please keep sending her our love - loads of it  :grouphug; and  :thx; for keeping us posted, I check every day to see how she is doing.
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Sluff on October 10, 2009, 03:55:33 PM
 :2thumbsup;  great news.
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: jbeany on October 11, 2009, 10:09:20 AM
Hi everyone - it's jbeany in person this time!  My family brought me a laptop to use, so I can get caught up on all the posts here.  It's been one heck of a bumpy ride.  As my doc said, only 10 percent of pancreas transplants have complications, but when they do happen, they are very, very complicated indeed.  Currently, I'm on the second week of 6 total of no food except IV nutrition.  My small intestine perforated and began to leak thru my abdominal incision.  The surgeon wanted  to remove the pancreas, but it was too well  imbedded to safely remove at that point.  The current plan of action is to do nothing, and hope the leak will seal and scar together on its own.  In the meantime, I'm working on regaining muscle tone lost from a month of bedrest.  That is being complicated by a hemoglobin that has dropped to 7.  The last few days, I've been too dizzy to sit upright.  I can't tolerate oral iron, so it took a bit  to convince the docs that I needed IV iron.  I finally got my first dose of that last night, and it's working quickly for me - I'm sitting upright typing this now.  They are hoping to transfer me up to the rehab section within the next week, so hopefully the rest of the iron kicks in for me soon.  I will be able to go home with the iv nutrition, so hopefully I won't have to spend the next 5 weeks in the hospital.

One of the patient ed things I've got here says to expect to spend 2 days recovery time for every day of bed rest.  I was on bed rest for 5 weeks straight, so it's going to be a long time before my life is back to some semblance of normal.  I'm trying to focus on the long view- a couple months recovery will be worth it if I can be healthy for years to come.

On the bright side, my kidney is working perfectly, with a creatine holding steady between .8 and .9.  My pancreas is working, too.  I haven't needed insulin or dialysis in month!  I've been using a lidocaine patch during the day, which is surprisingly effective at controlling the pain from my jp drains and my poor, overused incision.

I want to thank everyone for the cards, balloons, and well wishes you've posted!  Okarol called me before she left for Paris, and we had a lovely conversation.  Her postcard said she lit a candle for me at Notre Dame- now that's calling on the direct line!

I'm going to try to catch up on some posts now - I'm a month out of the loop on everyone else's news!
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: The Wife on October 11, 2009, 10:22:31 AM
I'm so sorry you're having to go through all of this but glad to hear you're still laughing. 

All the best to you.   :cuddle;
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Bill Peckham on October 11, 2009, 10:34:30 AM
What a ride Jbeany. I've been on the wrong side of 1 in 10 odds so many times that when I hear 10% of the time this or that will happen I assume it's going to happen.

Not needing dialysis or insulin for a month is pretty exciting, with that working getting over the bed rest will go by fast.
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: willowtreewren on October 11, 2009, 10:56:04 AM
It is WONDERFUL to hear from you Jbeany!  :clap; :clap; :clap;

I know you are one determined lady and you WILL regain all your muscle tone.  :2thumbsup;

Keep getting better and better!

 :flower; :flower;

Aleta
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: kitkatz on October 11, 2009, 10:57:12 AM
Just think, you will be all skinny when this is all over.  :rofl;
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: kristina on October 11, 2009, 11:15:06 AM
I wish you all the best and a good recovery.
Kind regards from Kristina.
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Zach on October 11, 2009, 11:55:08 AM

On the bright side, my kidney is working perfectly, with a creatine holding steady between .8 and .9.  My pancreas is working, too.  I haven't needed insulin or dialysis in month!  I've been using a lidocaine patch during the day, which is surprisingly effective at controlling the pain from my jp drains and my poor, overused incision.


Fantastic!!!!

:-*
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Pam on October 11, 2009, 12:22:11 PM
jbeany....It's great you are finally on the road to recovery! I am thrilled for you. Being stuck in the hospital you're missing the beautiful fall days but hopefully you'll be home before you have to follow a snow plow just to get there! If you ever get the chance to come to Vassar with Lynda, please let me know. I'd love to meet you.

Pam
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: monrein on October 11, 2009, 12:49:58 PM
jbeany...you have no idea how thrilled I was to read a post from you yourself!!!   I am wishing for steady healing so that you can get back into your real life and enjoy those functioning organs.  Many hugs and all best wishes.
Gail
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Chris on October 11, 2009, 01:40:36 PM
Great to hear from you jbeany. :bandance; :yahoo;
Sorry to hear you one of the unlucky 10% of the people part. Just goes to show how many of us have had it easy (easier) with our transplants even though we didn't think so at the time.

Concentrate on your goal of getting out of rehab ealy and getting home to rest comfortably in your own home. :2thumbsup;
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: KICKSTART on October 11, 2009, 02:17:06 PM
Take care and keep on getting stronger ! :2thumbsup;
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: paris on October 11, 2009, 02:34:21 PM
Well, reading your post was the best thing that I have read in a long time.   I am so glad things are starting to move forward.   It was so good of your ex to keep us updated.  Keep resting and get your strength back.   With the 10% odds, you need to go to Vegas!  You should win the jackpot!   Take care.  We love you.   :grouphug;
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: okarol on October 11, 2009, 03:39:45 PM

JB - I am glad to hear from you!
I also lit a candle for you at Sacre Coeur - so let's hope it helps to send some healing your way!
Best wishes to you!
 :cuddle; :cuddle; :cuddle;
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Wattle on October 11, 2009, 05:39:06 PM
 :flower;

Yay JB! At long last you are sitting up and typing!! I am doing a little happy dance down here.  :bandance;
I am so happy the kidney and pancreas are doing there job and it is all starting to go forward.

{{{Hugs}}}  :cuddle; :cuddle; :cuddle; :cuddle; :cuddle; :cuddle; :cuddle;
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: pelagia on October 11, 2009, 05:54:32 PM
 :yahoo;  I am so happy to hear that your kidney and pancreas are working.  :2thumbsup;
 :bandance; :bandance; :bandance; :bandance; :bandance; :bandance; :bandance; :bandance; :bandance; :bandance; :bandance; :bandance;
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Darthvadar on October 12, 2009, 07:53:35 AM
That's FANTASTIC news, Jbeany... :bandance;

So good to see you getting back to yourself....

May God bless and protect you....  :grouphug;

Darth....
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: jbeany on October 12, 2009, 12:01:03 PM
My hemoglobin made it up to 8.6 today.  I managed to stand and walk a bit for the first time in a few days.  I've been doing a lot of stretching exercises in the bed that PT gave me.  I've done so much out of frustration the last couple of days that I was sore and had to stretch everything out to get moving!  The docs describe me as "motivated" - lol.  I still won't be able to move up to rehab yet.  Too dizzy still, and not enough stamina to do the amount of PT in one sitting that the acute rehab expects of their patients. I'm gonna make it, though - no surrender!
 
I got on a real scale today while I was up walking with the therapist. I'm 10 kg's over where my dry wt was on my last dialysis run, and it's all fluid gain.  I can't wait for the rest of it to go away!  At one point, I was over 35 kg's up in fluid wt, so 10 really is an improvement, even if my legs don't look like it!  Of course, after all this, I have no idea what i REALLY weigh.  I may not need to diet much after all this - I might be awfully close to my final wt goals.
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Darthvadar on October 12, 2009, 12:04:17 PM
GREAT to see progress, Jbeany...

I hope it all continues to go well, and that you're soon back to your usual frisky self!...

By the way, I love your atavar... Such a tidy kitty!.....

God bless.....

Darth...
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: KICKSTART on October 12, 2009, 12:45:28 PM
Wow , arent you making leaps and bounds ! I admire your determination !  :2thumbsup;
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: paris on October 12, 2009, 01:10:00 PM
Your doctors are right. You are determined and motivated!   And an inspriation.  It is so good to log on and see your posts again.  We have missed you.  Don't push yourself too hard.  But I know you want out of there as soon as possible.   Hoping each day you feel a little stronger (and with a little less flluid!)
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Ken Shelmerdine on October 12, 2009, 01:40:19 PM
Excellent news jbeany so glad you're on the mend.  :grouphug; :2thumbsup;
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: okarol on October 12, 2009, 04:11:15 PM
 :flower; GO JB GO!!!  :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Sunny on October 12, 2009, 04:16:04 PM
So happy to know things are going better for you. Never surrender.
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Chris on October 12, 2009, 07:50:56 PM
Keep up that attitude jbeanyand keep to your goal. You'll reach it.

Bet you can't wait for a shower though!
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Des on October 12, 2009, 11:12:29 PM
You are an inspiration!!!!!! Keep it up.
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Jean on October 12, 2009, 11:53:13 PM
Good news jbeany, !!!! Stay tough you are doing wonderful, at last.  :grouphug;
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: aharris2 on October 13, 2009, 06:16:05 PM
JBEANY!!!
 :clap;
It is so good to see you here. I am glad you a finally headed down the right path. "Determined and motivated" Give 'em hell Janel!

Alene and Rolando
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Jill D. on October 13, 2009, 07:40:49 PM
So great that you are able to post now. I will continue to pray for your recovery to stay on a "forward" motion!!! Like you said, in the scheme of things this will be all worth it down the road when you are living your life without needing insulin or dialysis!!!  :cuddle; :cuddle; :cuddle;
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: kitkatz on October 14, 2009, 06:29:51 AM
I like to hear that you are doing better!  Hurray!
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: jbeany on October 15, 2009, 01:58:16 PM
Amazing how important the little victories become.  You have no idea how wonderful it is to be able to get out of bed or a chair without needing assistance just to stand up!  Being able to go to the bathroom alone again is great, too!

I've been placed on the waiting list for acute rehab.  I move upstairs as soon as they have an available room.  They aim to have their patients ready for check out in two weeks or less, so I hope I don't have to wait long.
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: KICKSTART on October 15, 2009, 02:16:33 PM
 :flower;  :cuddle; :flower;
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: okarol on October 15, 2009, 03:00:08 PM
 :2thumbsup; Keep up the good work Janel!!
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: monrein on October 15, 2009, 03:09:37 PM
 :clap;  Keep the feet going one in front of the other.   :cuddle;
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Chris on October 15, 2009, 10:07:09 PM
Yes, small victories are important that are sometimes forgotten over time. It's amazing how many people come rushing to your room because one decides (me) to sit up over the bed when they tell you to call for assistance to get up.

Next big goal for independence is a shower without being checked on evey second to see if your ok. Hope you can be one of the odds who get's out in less than 2 weeks Janel.
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Zach on October 16, 2009, 08:31:26 AM
I know you're a fighter, jbeany!

:boxing;
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: glitter on October 16, 2009, 08:40:25 PM
I am so glad to see you here!!!! I have thought about you so much- its so good to 'see' your voice again!!! :clap; :clap; :clap; :clap; :flower; :flower; :cheer: :cheer: :bandance; :bandance; :grouphug; :cuddle; :beer1;
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Falkenbach on October 16, 2009, 10:12:13 PM
Jbeany, you inspire me so much. I'm actually crying. But happy crying. Happy for you being so darn determined and upbeat when you post here, and happy for me for having things so much easier than you do right now.

 :flower;
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: charee on October 17, 2009, 01:51:17 AM
so good to see you back on , your in my thoughts alot keep it up JB your an inspiration :cuddle;
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: jbeany on October 17, 2009, 02:19:51 PM
I scared the stuffing out of the aide today.  When she walked in, I was up, decluttering my bedside table and putting all the stray supplies away. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING???"  "Occupational therapy."  She hadn't been assigned to me for a week, and when she was here last, I couldn't even stand up without help!
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: okarol on October 17, 2009, 02:34:36 PM

That's my girl! Love hearing of your progress!  :clap;
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: kitkatz on October 17, 2009, 07:05:39 PM
Keep up the good work.
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Bajanne on October 18, 2009, 01:03:37 PM
So glad to hear that you are so perky!  You just keep on keeping on, girl!  We are with you all the way  :grouphug;  Can't tell you how good it feels to read your posting.

[Please let your ex know how much IHD appreciates him keeping us up to date on your progress. Most of the time he was our only link with you, and we want to say thanks]
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Des on October 18, 2009, 11:04:13 PM
Just keep swimming , just keep swimming....... just keep swimming.

Taken from Finding Nemo. It seems appropriate.

GO JBEANY GO!
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Mimi on October 18, 2009, 11:21:30 PM
How wonderful to see you posting JBeany.  Now you just keep on keeping on.  Before you know it you'll be home doing a trot.
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: jbeany on October 19, 2009, 11:34:27 AM
Insurance!  They havge a set of criteria for qualifying for acute rehab.  Thanks to all the time I've spent on my treadmill, I can walk much farther than their allowable distance.  I can't, however manage stairs at all yet, and even rolling myself in and out of a bed without handrails is still impossible.  But because of the walking, they won't pay for the intense rehab.  Looks like I'm staying in my regular room and working with the regular therapists instead of the specialists.  Ahh, well, I'm still one step closer to getting outta here!
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Chris on October 19, 2009, 12:44:06 PM
If the doctors really want to help you, hey will contact the insurance company to help plead for you. Also if you use twitter and you have BC/BS, they pay attention to complaints according to the news. But a good old fashione phone call and pleading your case with some arguing is the best rute and ask for their supervisor. ;D :2thumbsup;

Don't give up yet on the idea of the rehab center. Are you using a support cane to walk around? I hope. Hopefully they have a mini step to practice stair climbing. Fire xit not the best route to try yet for you.

Good Luck jbeany.
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: jbeany on October 21, 2009, 01:49:38 PM
They worked it out, and I got transfered up to acute rehab yesterday.  They did evals of my physical condition, and have set a busy therapy schedule, and atentative discharge date of the 27th - 2 months to the day since the transplant!
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Chris on October 21, 2009, 02:42:15 PM
Well that is good new in one respect and a pain in the  :sir ken; in another aspect due to all the intense rehab. However it will be worth it in the long run.One short hurdle left and you'll be out Tuesday  :yahoo; :bandance;

Good Luck Janel, but be sure to use  :Kit n Stik; if need be with the therapist  :2thumbsup; :rofl;
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: kitkatz on October 21, 2009, 02:52:15 PM
Keep it up JB!
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: monrein on October 21, 2009, 03:02:06 PM
 :cuddle;  :beer1;  :flower;
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Bill Peckham on October 21, 2009, 03:35:39 PM
Great news
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: jbeany on October 23, 2009, 01:30:47 PM
PT and OT are kicking my butt in twice daily sessions with each of them.  I'm making excellent progress, though.  If it weren't for all the training I'm going to need to do for the IV nutrition and my wound care, I think they would have sent me home today.  I've got training sessions for self care all day Monday, and then I'm hopefully getting sprung from the joint on Tuesday morning.  They are still messing with my tacro levels, so hopefully that won't hold things up.  They aren't quite as bad about waking you up in the middle of the night here as they were on the regular floor, but they still come in a couple of times a night.  I'm really looking forward to a regular bed and no interruptions to my night's sleep except a potty break or two!
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Zach on October 23, 2009, 01:32:47 PM
 :boxing;
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: okarol on October 23, 2009, 01:33:06 PM
You've come a long way baby!  :2thumbsup;
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Chris on October 23, 2009, 05:20:54 PM
Way to go JB. So do you have a break during the weekend?
You can do it JB, you'll get out by Tues or on Tues.
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Bajanne on October 24, 2009, 08:52:32 AM
We are overjoyed at your progress.  :2thumbsup;  And we know you will get better and better and better. :cuddle;
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Sunny on October 24, 2009, 12:49:52 PM
This is good news. Things are improving. Lucky you're a fighter!
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Jean on October 24, 2009, 10:34:09 PM
 :bandance; :bandance; :bandance;
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: thegrammalady on October 24, 2009, 10:38:03 PM
so glad that you are doing better, keep up the good work and get sprung soon.
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: RichardMEL on October 24, 2009, 10:45:45 PM
That's great news!!! Some real progress is worth celebrating!!! Let's hope it continues to improve for you!
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Bill Peckham on October 25, 2009, 05:50:08 PM
Home is where the healing can really start. Nothing like your own bed. Hope it's soon.
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Des on October 26, 2009, 06:43:55 AM
YEAH FOR POTTYBREAKS!!!!!

Good to have you up and "running"
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: okarol on October 29, 2009, 01:05:38 PM

Are you home yet??  :pray;
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: paris on October 29, 2009, 02:30:00 PM
Jbeany--one of the strongest people I know   :2thumbsup;   We are thrilled at your progress and will rejoice when you are sleeping in your own bed!!     Sending you much love and many healing thoughts   :cuddle;
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Falkenbach on November 01, 2009, 11:40:11 PM
Damn you are awesome jbeany. I remember crying after a week in hospital following my transplant. I was all packed and ready to go, and they came in at the end of the day and asked me to stay for an iron infusion. I just burst into tears and promptly refused to stay another night. Said I would come back in the morning for the infusion, but at that moment, I was going home to SEE MY DOGS GODDARNIT!

I was such a wuss. You keep up the toughness, girl. Let yourself cry if and when you want, but don't let that ruin how strong you are in the long term.
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: jbeany on November 02, 2009, 07:20:13 AM
Whew!  My borrowed laptop crashed, so I was stuck.  I got stuck at the hospital, too.  I was supposed to be discharged on Tuesday the 27th.  My labs came back that morning with high potassium.  With all the messing around to find the cause and fix it, it took them until Friday to finally release me!  I'm settled in at my sister's house now, and plugging thru my last couple of weeks of IV food.  It's soooooo nice not to have anyone but the cat waking me up in the middle of the night!  I'm still low on hemoglobin, and working on muscle tone, but it's fabulous to be in a real house with family!
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Pam on November 02, 2009, 07:47:34 AM
 :clap;
Getting out of that place is enough to make you feel like a new person. I am so happy for you!
I just got home Bay City. D day and it spit snow flurries most of the way. Just think what you have to look forward to.

Pam



Edited: Fixed smiley error - okarol/admin
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Zach on November 02, 2009, 07:48:07 AM
Welcome home (to your sister's)!

8)
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: okarol on November 02, 2009, 07:56:49 AM
 :2thumbsup; Good to hear you've been sprung JB! I hope each day gets better and you can sleep better and heal!  :cuddle;
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: monrein on November 02, 2009, 10:09:52 AM
So glad you're finally out of hospital!!!  Keep us posted.. :flower;
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: charee on November 02, 2009, 01:49:07 PM
So happy to read`that your out of hospital and doing so well keep it up JB :flower;
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Chris on November 03, 2009, 12:45:45 AM
Congrats on finally getting out Jbeany. Now recovery can really begin with finally being out and out in fresh air.
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: jbeany on November 05, 2009, 07:25:35 AM
Out, in, in, out.   Looks like I'm headed back in for a few days.  The 8 inch long, 2 inch wide incision I've been left with after 4 surgeries thru the same site is not healing well.  The last complication I had, and the last surgery, was because my small intestine perforated where they attached the pancreas to draim.  My small intestine's contents then began to drain thru my incision.  (EEEEEwwwwwww!  I know, I know.)   The hole it's draining thru is still not completely sealed, so the pancreas bile is still dripping out onto the incision.  The bile is disintegrating the healing tissue, so they need to do something a bit more than the regular dressings I've been doing so far.  They gave me an assortment of ointments and powders to try for a week, but if it doesn't improve by my return clinic visit on Tuesday, I'm back in the hospital until they can figure out something better.  I'm guessing there's a wound vac in my immediate future. 

So, here we go again.  I'm packing a bag to take with me on Tuesday.                         
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: okarol on November 05, 2009, 08:26:32 AM
Oh man, that sucks. I hope they can install a drain or something and get you back home soon. Sending some extra healing prayers your way Janel!  :grouphug; :grouphug; :grouphug;
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: lizabee on November 05, 2009, 11:01:41 AM
Glad to hear that you are out!!!!
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: monrein on November 06, 2009, 02:32:07 PM
Janel, what a time you've had...and we all want things to improve for you soon.   :grouphug;  Damn you're tough!  And you really deserve a big break here.
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Mimi on November 07, 2009, 12:13:21 AM
Oh Janel, what a mess.  I am so sorry to hear this.  Bless your heart you are in my prayers.  You deserve a break.
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: jbeany on November 07, 2009, 03:02:51 PM
The three most dreaded letters in the alphabet - NPO.  It's now been 5 weeks, going on 6 with no end in sight.  Heck, and I used to complain about the food and diet restrictions on dialysis!  I'm now on liquid nutrition thru an IV, and only enough water to get my pills down - that's less than a cup a day.

Just for fun, today I made Tollhouse cookies for my family.  Man, it's hard to remember not to lick the spoon!
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: kitkatz on November 07, 2009, 04:04:04 PM
Wow! You are a brave lady.
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: okarol on November 08, 2009, 03:43:16 PM
MMMMMMMMMMMMMmmmmmmmm cookies  :cookie; :cookie; :cookie;
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Chris on November 09, 2009, 10:05:35 PM
Sorry to hear your still NPO jbeany, hope that ends soon.
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: MissyKew on November 11, 2009, 02:46:55 PM
Jbeany,  you are amazing!  I wouldn't be able to do it.
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: jbeany on November 12, 2009, 11:46:20 AM
Made apple-banna bread today. 
On the positive side, the leak from my small intestine to the surgical incision appears to have sealed over!!!   They are giving it another week to strengthen, then they plan to schedule another barium scan to make sure all the parts are in working order.  If all goes well, I get to start on jello and broth in a couple of weeks.  Break out the chicken and the veggies - I'm making my own stock for broth. . . then it's time to break out the baby food mill!
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: kimcanada on November 12, 2009, 11:47:50 AM
Jbeany, I think and pray for you everyday, you are one tough cookie~!
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: willowtreewren on November 12, 2009, 12:22:08 PM
Good news, Jbeany! Great to hear this.

I don't know how you can bake when you can't eat it!  :bow; :bow;

You are awesome!  :cheer:

Aleta
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Zach on November 12, 2009, 01:35:29 PM

On the positive side, the leak from my small intestine to the surgical incision appears to have sealed over!!!   They are giving it another week to strengthen, then they plan to schedule another barium scan to make sure all the parts are in working order.


I love the taste of barium in the morning!    :o
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: pelagia on November 12, 2009, 02:28:22 PM
Sounds like things are going in the right direction.   :2thumbsup;
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Chris on November 12, 2009, 03:26:45 PM
That's good news jbeany, but sorry you have to drink the barium  :puke;

Gotta love that clear liquid diet, then liquid diet, followed by soft food diet (still wondering about this one I'm on), and finally solid foods. :bandance;

Baby Steps better than baby food?
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: okarol on November 12, 2009, 03:53:24 PM
Mmmmmm  :bandance; banana bread.
I don't know how you do it, the smell of it is sooo good!
I am so happy your leak is healing! That's great!! :clap;
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: MissyKew on November 12, 2009, 07:01:30 PM
You are amazing!  glad to hear you are progressing well...:)
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: kitkatz on November 17, 2009, 08:24:53 PM
I sent you a card, but they sent it back because you were discharged! I will remail it.
Title: Re: Jbeany Update
Post by: Mimi on November 17, 2009, 10:02:49 PM
So glad to hear you are home and the leak has been fixed.  How in the world can you bake a banana ~ apple cake and not eat a bite of it?  You
are a strong woman JBeany.