All is good!

Dustin is doing very well. He moved to the Transplant Telemetry Unit last night. He has had all his drains removed, and all lines. He has one IV left where they are still drawing labs from. Last night he did his first walking around. He took about three walks around the unit today.

They have a Christmas Tree on the Transplant Floor that tx patients can put an ornament on that represents them, so in true Dusty fashion, we got him a Star Wars Darth Vader ornament. We signed his name, and liver transplant date, then he walked down the hall with assistance of the nurse hung the ornament on the tree. I got some pics will upload later.

He is definitely getting back to his normal self. IF things continue to progress the way they are, he could possibly go home Thursday or Friday.

The prograf (anti-rejection medicine) apparently really makes him tremble, they say it will get better with time. He had a slight fever last night, but it didn't last long, probably from all the excitement of moving rooms, and then being able to walk-which he hadn't really done in awhile. He is tender, but doing well.

I missed the doctors today-I got back to San Antonio about 40 mins after rounds-go figure.. But I will catch up with them tomorrow.

Some people have expressed wanting to send him something, absolutely nothing living (no plants, no flowers, no fruit) Balloons are great.

Jello anyone?

The bleed seems to have stopped (insert jumping and cheering here). Big Bird is savoring the delectable servings of exquisite broth and sublime gelatin concoction. In other words he is eating!!!! Well sorta if you call chicken broth and jello eating....

But this is on the right track. I came home for a couple days to take care of a few things around the house and at work, then I will be heading back to SA. Mom is with Dustin in SA and will be there until he goes home.....Miss is staying home and taking care of all the fur babies.

Since he is eating, he should be able to get out of TICU in a day or so.. Now I need to investigate some obnoxious balloon arrangement to bombard him with...

Up swing

Keep those prayers and good vibes coming.....Big Bird decided to take an up swing in blood counts over night. Maybe surgery will be avoided woohoo!!!! Still watching...but with the up swing there is more hope....(can you say R E L I E F)

Brag

Today Big Bird had a total bili count of 6, this is totally amazing. It hasn't been 6 in nearly 4 years!!!!!!!

Still dealing with the bleed issue. They are still on the fence about surgery......I guess we wait and see if the call us in the middle of the night or not....oh the joys, do you sleep soundly or do you toss and turn in wonder???

Update & The Incision

Big Bird is starting to look sooooooo much better. They are still unsure about the bleed, Dr. Washburn (surgeon) doesn't seem to be overly concerned. They are hopeful that it can be contained and controlled with blood. They gave him some additional platelets this afternoon, they still are not seeing the marked improvement for blood counts, so the went ahead and put him NPO for now, but they are letting him have ice chips-which he is very thankful for. His urine is normal for the first time in years. I couldn't believe it when I saw it. They took the bandages off the incision, you can see the staples now, and it looks great. He is starting to get "itchy" around the staples, we like that-means it is healing.... Below a picture for your viewing senses!

And Ladies & Gentleman......the incision!!!!

Thanks to everyone for their prayers and continued prayers. I have seen so many answered... For now we will be staying in ICU. We were hoping we would be getting out of there today, but oh well, better to be in ICU and under supervision then not at all ;-)

He has a good bit of his humor today. He sat up in the chair for a couple hours, and he even got up to utilize the facilities and "percolate" the bowels (teehehehehe)

We are keeping our fingers crossed that there won't be another surgery.....but they are not ruling it out, but are hopeful it won't have to happen.

Uh oh!

Well in true Big Bird fashion, we have a complication. He is experiencing internal bleeding. They have given him 5 units of blood since last night, they are still seeing if they can control it, if not, we are looking at another surgery. So much for getting out of ICU today.

I will update when I know more. We are on our way to the hospital now.

Big Bird's Transplant Slideshow

Progress Report

Big Bird is in ICU recovery. He is doing VERY well. The doctors are just as pleased as can be with his progress. Everyone keeps telling us he is doing very good. They were able to remove his breathing tubes after just 10 hours of being in. Wow he is a strong soul!!!

We are all so overcome with emotions. So many miracles have been granted to our family in the last 24 hours that I am truly in awe at the power of Heavenly Father. We needed a blessing, the missionaries were 100 yards from our house before we left for San Antonio. Melissa and I were talking on our way home that we forgot to call and put Dusty on the prayer roll in the Temple, there is a message on our answering machine from our Bishop he was on his way to the temple in GA and would be listing him on the Temple list there. Every time we think we need to take care of something, Heavenly Father has provided it. They told us the surgery wouldn't be complete until close to 5am, it was done at 2am. Miracles are real and they do happen....

We are on an emotional roller coaster. One minute we are crying, the next we are stalwart! But he is transplanted. He is doing well. They are impressed with his progress.

My prayers are with the donor family that gave my brother this beautiful, priceless gift. I can't imagine what they are going through right now. They gave my baby brother a chance at actually finally having a life....my debt and gratitude to this selfless family is beyond anything words could ever define. They are my heros...........

Thank you for all our comments, Brenda B, Dawn, Lonnie, Katie, Edie everyone for your kind words. They mean so much. Once Dusty is awake enough to understand, he will be excited to hear about it!

Transplant Complete

Nasty Old Dieased Liver..........

Pretty new Pink Liver!!!

Big Bird made it through surgery. It has been an emotional roller coaster. We are at the hotel and trying to get some sleep we can't get back into the hospital until tomorrow morning.

I have lots of phone calls to make....

Dusty did very well. Everything just went smoothly. Heavenly Father was certainly watching over him, everything was just falling into place today-there was no question who was in charge.

He is in ICU where he will remain for the next 72 hours. This is standard for tx patients. Anyone wanting to send something, please refrain from plants or flowers or fruit. Transplant patients can't be around them.

We have no phone or internet at the hospital so, I know y'all are wanting to get us, we are trying....please patients are prayers.

We are going to try and get him another blessing tomorrow so I will be making some church calls in the morning as well.

Will post more after I have had a chance to talk to a doctor sometime tomorrow....

the call

We just got word from San Antonio. We are on our way.......

No more NyQuil!

So Thanksgiving weekend my Mom & Jerry brought over the plague (a nasty virus that has been going around really). I ended up getting sick for nearly two weeks. Melissa ended up sick as well.

I finally got better, then Big Bird comes down with it. He was walking around the house Sunday morning asking why I was trying to kill him (please keep in mind that I have been sick and actually came home early the previous Friday). I told him, yes, yes I am trying to kill you. It is my goal in life to make you as miserable as I possibly can. ;-) (what are sisters for right?)

So, Monday night, he is still sick and had been taking Tylenol Severe Cold (yes he can take Tylenol even though he has liver disease we asked his liver doc!). I suggested he take NyQuil before he went to bed-what could it possibly hurt right?

So, I am in my nice warm snugly bed, and I get a RUDE awakening at 12:45AM, Big Bird busts through my bedroom door, thrashes on my light and yells, "Tiffany something isn't right"-I am dead asleep-startled to grogginess and he throws his florescent yellow eyes in my face and asked "are my eyes dilated?" Do you have any idea how frightening a jaundice persons face is when it is thrusted into your face in the middle of the night? It isn't a pleasant sight!!!! Apparently what little amount of alcohol that is in NyQuil made him drunk on medicine.

At this point he is trying to convince me we need to go to the ER, cause "it's not right", I told him to drink some water and go to bed. "Are you sure? I don't feel right", I respond, "Yes, Dusty, just get some sleep", he reluctantly lays down in his bed.

The next morning, I am up cleaning up the kitchen, he walks in ever so nonchalantly and exclaims "so, ya think I shouldn't take NyQuil anymore?" I ever so sarcastically respond, "ya think"

So, yeah, there ya have it, no more NyQuil for Big Bird!!!!

Christmas Photos

We were taking some family photos in front of the Christmas Tree (thanks Edie) and this was Bella & Poochie waiting patiently with Big Bird for the photo taking to commence...

Ideas

I am slow here, Big Bird has his local doctor appointment next week, we want to take his doctor and the office a holiday treat, any ideas????

Still Hanging In

Nothing new to report really. Big Bird has his follow up Transplant Clinic appointment on Friday, so we will spend the day in San Antonio. Woohoo. Blood Work, same ole same ole.

Big Bird had a relatively good weekend. He got up and even went to church with me. Granted we left after Sacrament Meeting, but I will take what I can get with him. I am so thankful for the new Chapel that is so much closer to home. Everyone always greets him so kindly when he goes to church with me, I think he secretively enjoys the attention and the kinds words that are given to him. The Bishop was kind enough to come up to him directly and let him know that the Bishopric has been and continues to pray for him. Boy we will take all the prayers we can get.

I will post after clinic on Friday.

Happy Halloween!!!

Just wanted to wish everyone a HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!

A Couple More Photos

Here is an up close and personal photo of our new Adventures in Big Bird's Liver World mascot. We found him in the gift shop at the hospital. We laughed, bought him, and now you will be seeing lots more of him, as he will be our escort on all things Big Bird Liver World related ;-)


The pic to to right is Jesse, Big Bird & Big Bird's mascot. Jesse is our one constant at the Transplant Clinic. We were sad to hear of his recent heart problems, but are happy is as good as new!!!

Transplant Clinic

Big Bird had his monthly Transplant Clinic appointment on Friday. We had a good day actually, which is allot better than last month. Big Bird has a MELD score of 21. Dr. Espinoza was very nice. We got to see Jesse again, he is our one and only constant at the Transplant Center. He is one of the nicest guys. He was kind enough to take a picture with Big Bird & our new Big Bird Mascot. Melissa and I found him at the gift shop in the hospital. So he will be going on all our Transplant Adventures with us now ;-)

Mom had an emotional day, she is an O blood type, but she wouldn't be a match to Big Bird. That was hard for her to hear. She almost cried on the poor doctor. Silly mama.

*If you have trouble with the slide show go to this link*

OK Back to Traditions

We went back to a traditional layout for Big Bird. This will make it easier for everyone to read! ;-)

We did go to SA today for his monthly pre-transplant clinic appointment. All went fine. He still has a MELD of 21. Not sure where this places him on the list-but probably right around 3 still. I did take a few pictures today from our outings, so once I get them uploaded I will give y'all a slide show ;-)

New Design

Lemme know what you think of the new design....

I lost some of the links with the new layout, so....if ya know of something that is related to PSC or Big Bird and want it linked, leave me a comment and I will get it updated!

Look At Me!

Nothing new with Big Bird. I just laughed when I shot this pic. Aukee wanted Big Bird to just look at him. Every now and then Aukee really wants cuddle time ;-)