The report is good, but he's not out of the woods yet.
He's been approved to walk as much as he can, though he's still weak, low hemoglobin, low white blood cells, triple surgeries... you can get the picture. The doctors are concerned about the Kidney as it took 2 "Hits" - The first from being removed from it's original owner and 2nd from the lack of blood flow for about an hour before his second surgery. They're preforming ultrasounds and keeping a close eye on him. It seems to be working but they're not sure if its his two old sick kidneys doing the work - or not...
The Vascular surgeon is quite pleased with his work on the gortex tube graft, and they all are a bit miffed at Brucie's collapsible arteries... the pulse in his foot is strong. As you can see from his picture, he's online and answering his phone, but the boy needs sleep - so please hold off on calling him for a bit. It's very difficult in the hospital to get sleep with all the noises and the nurses checking your pulse, bp and incisions every couple hours. He was sleeping when Mom called me this morning and was awakened by his phone ringing... (of course, he's not turning it off...) So police this for him, please. You can make comments here, he'll read them.
Today he was given a "Kidney Pillow #1668" (the number of kidney transplants they've performed since 1974. He named it "Mr. Bill" :)(he's not sure why, either Mr. Bill White or SNL's "ooooohhh noooooo! Mr. Bill!" He's been told he can work out his upper body as much as he wants but cannot exercise his lower body for 6-10 weeks. We're also told he may be able to come home either Wednesday or Friday... depending on how things go.
Thanks again for all your support, we're planning away on the benefit dinner 12/12/09. With invites being printed. Buy your ticket or email your reservaion at; helpbrucie@yahoo.com
Can't believe you can come home in less than a week! Modern medicine is amazing (with a little help from above--still in our prayers). So is it true that they leave the other kidneys in there? Do you have 3 working kidneys now or is one just there but unplugged? I'm so interested in the details! Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteBruce has 3 kidneys working now. They just did a nuclear scan to see if the new kidney is producing the urine or the old kidneys. The scan showed some damage to the new kidney but they are going to let B. heal for now as sometimes it takes a while for the donor kidney to fully recover from the "hits" it's taken.
ReplyDeleteThanks to facebook, a lot of high school friends, like me, who've not seen you in a long while, but foundly remember you, are following your recovery. Very glad to hear the surgery went well. You are in my prayers Bruce.
ReplyDeleteShellie (Wilson) Tryon
Patient is sleeping soundly and so in Sandy. Night nurse is back on duty. Bruce is not eating much but had a great bowel movement. A little gunshy after eating too much the first time and having a lot of gas. Trying to manage pain better will get more drugs at 11 and should be able to sleep til 5. Nurse will not have to come in until then. Looks like he is off the real close watch list as they are not measuring everything that goes in and out of his body any more and not checking everythng every hour, this will be good for him more sleep.
ReplyDeleteAll the test show that the kidney is happy, maybe not 100% but doing pretty good.
On watch for the night,
Gale
Day nurse back on duty. Bruce had a good night, Gale reports. Had been for a walk before I arrived at 7 AM. Staying on pain meds and not trying to be a hero. He says he's much more comfortable. His kidney pillow makes a good neck rest. All vitals look good. Catheter comes out today. Hemoglobin low so the head doc will make the decision to transfuse or not. Creatanin level below 5 which is GOOD!! Shows the new kidney is trying to do it's job. Gale found some wonderful cherry/white chocolate scones at a yuppy bakery nearby..........that was breakfast for me. Yum!
ReplyDeleteB.'s cell phone is off. He rests much better that way. Being here is a real experience.
Keep the prayers coming this way. xo Sandy
Hey Bruce, Hope your able to come home soon! Sounds like things are going well. We will be thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers.
ReplyDeleteSee you soon!
Kevin
Hello from Austria Bruce,
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have your hands full but are in good hands. Lots of people here asking about you and I am filling them in..Skiing is very good have 28 athletes some that you worked with in the past...Maddy L, Scotty P,Monica,Page and others. 4 days of Slalom training coming up followed by a travel day 2 race days in eastern Austria 4 more days of training then home. Hangin in theeb kid I think about you everyday and we are all pulling for you over here. love Ted
Hey Cousin!! Sounds like you are making some good progress there. Thoughts and prayers for you from Texas, and we are looking forward to the continuing updates. Thanks Gale, Heather, Aunt Sandy all those who have been by Bruce's side. (good pics!!)
ReplyDeleteLove,
Tony
According to a recent poll, the following facts accurately depict Brucey:
ReplyDeleteWhen the Boogeyman goes to sleep every night, he checks his closet for Bruce.
Bruce doesn't read books. He stares them down until he gets the information he wants.
There is no theory of evolution. Just a list of creatures Bruce has allowed to live.
Outer space exists because it's afraid to be on the same planet with Bruce.
Bruce does not sleep. He waits.
Bruce is currently suing NBC, claiming Law and Order are trademarked names for his left and right legs.
Bruce is the reason why Waldo is hiding.
Bruce counted to infinity - twice.
Bruce can lead a horse to water AND make it drink.
Bruce doesn’t wear a watch, HE decides what time it is.
Bruce can slam a revolving door.
Bruce does not get frostbite. Bruce bites frost
All kidding aside...glad to hear of your progress Bruce! Thoughts and Prayers all around from the Tremp family, sounds like your in good hands! Love you buddy! Get some rest!