At clinic last week I made mention of a few things to Dr. Narins and after he checked me over he told me he wanted me to have a CT scan done and so I had that yesterday.
Not just a CT scan but a CT scan with "oral contrast."
Yeah.
As delightful as this might sound, it involves sitting in the radiology department drinking a concoction every twenty minutes for two hours. Then waiting a while for everything to settle and then off to the tube to be scanned which takes all of about five minutes.Today my post-tx coordinator Steph called to give me the results and it seems that I have two issues to deal with.
First, I have a large volume of "fluid" around my new pancreas. (The major contributing factor to the belly that I am working so hard to lose.) Dr. Yang says (again) that this will be re-absorbed by my body but it may take another six months or so.
Grrrr.
He tells me he could insert a needle and drain it but he really doesn't want to pursue that venue unless it's really an emergency. Messing around so close to the new organ can bring all kinds of trouble so that's going to be a wait and see deal for now.
Secondly, I also have an incisional hernia.
When they transplanted my new pancreas they needed to cut a hole in my peritoneal cavity to do the hook-up of assorted things inside and now it seems that some of the inside things are pushing to get out.
This notable and highly scientific medical definition is brought to you by.....me.
I'm sure Dr. Narins or Dr. Yang would have a much more eloquent explanation.
The hernia is a bit more of a continual discomfort and so the plan of dealing with that will be discussed at my next clinic appointment on January 30th. These surgeons will do anything to push any more invasive procedures off until, at the very least, six months post tx surgery.
So I'm sure about now the people at Pinnacle are hating the day they ever decided to take my case on, seems I've been a burr under their saddle right from the get-go.
Anyways........this isn't how I wanted to start off the new year with a post like this but, all in all, I am here and able to post so that's a plus.
Seriously, thanks for checking in here.
Not the kind of attention you want, I know!
ReplyDeleteBelieve me, the transplant team is ready for anything. If you have seen one transplant patient...you've seen ONE transplant patient! You sir, are not a burr (didn't intend the rhyme but I like it!). I hate that there is yet another bump in the road but they, and you, can handle it. Keep on keepin' on and yes, we are thrilled that you are here to post!
One more challenge (or two) to test your resolve...YOU CAN DO THIS! Every day gets two steps better with only a step now and again backwards. Keep looking and moving forward! We're all with you.
ReplyDeleteJust wanted you to know I was thinking about you and wondering how you have been doing. Continuing to pray for your body to heal and recover. Blessings to you, Dona
ReplyDeleteWell, I look at it this way.....You are not a burr, but a special tx patient, because you sir, are a challenge to the team! If you hadn't come into their lives, then how would they know how to treat maybe the next person that has the same issues as you have had. I believe that 2014 is going to be a great one, even if there are some more bumps in the road! Stay well, my friend! As always, Jo
ReplyDeleteseriously...thanks so much for continuing to update the site. i wish there was a way to ease your "burden"...know that the energy from all those who check this site, faithfully, are 'in your corner'. be well.
ReplyDeletelisa