It is Hard to Know What to Say About Today
It is hard to know what to say about today....
Dan was supposed to be dismissed today, but near the end of his plasma pheresis treatment he had a reaction to the fresh frozen plasma which they were giving him to boost his clotting and he had an "episode" that they thought was a heart attack....it wasn't. However, Joan and I arrived soon after it happened and there were some shook up nurses plus watery blood and mucus everywhere. What had happened was that Dan had a reaction plus the fluid inside this massive hematoma had shifted and made him pass out when he sat up plus the fluid leaked out of his incision.
Honestly this blackish purple bruise is the size of Texas and it is hot and tight and not a pretty sight. Medical people have come in and asked Dan if they can just look at it. I guess these things happen during surgery but this one ended up being very big.
Now they want to reopen the incision, remove as much of the fluid as they can, and staple him up again. This fluid would be a breeding ground for infection and could put pressure on the new kidney which is not a good thing. Dan and the surgeon are pretty calm about this all....more calm than I am. However it is obvious that this huge hematoma is not a good thing either.
The surgeon will make a definite decision tomorrow morning and if the surgery takes place it will take place at 2:00 in the afternoon and last from 30 - 60 minutes. Dan would be returned to the step down intensive care floor (8th floor Clarkson) that he is on now after surgery. The earliest he could be dismissed from the hospital would be Saturday.
There are a couple of other troublesome things....and as one of the transplant team said, "This non compatible transplant is so new, you are only the fifth transplant, that we don't know what to expect on some of this."
It's hard to believe that last week at this time we had just finished our surgeries. We are still moving forward...but I think it was a baby step today.
posted by Dan @ Wednesday, September 13, 2006
5 Comments:
Hi:
Hoping for the best and let Dan know that his extensive fan base is out here pulling and praying for him. We really need him for the reunion is 2010 for sure.
Praying,
Jamie
GO 4 IT Sandy......try to keep Nurse Ratchett at arm's length. I'm a little concerned about her....sounds like Dan is in GOOD hands. I'll be "with you" tomorrow at 2:00
Ken
Just got Linda's e-mail about the possibility of further surgery. Hope it doesn't have to happen but if it does, I'll be thinking of you at 2. The other night (when I couldn't sleep either) I re-read all of the entries. It's amazing what has happened in such a short time. Hopefully you will all be home soon! Judy F.
Sandy
You know our prayers are with you all.
You've been through such an amazing process!!
You're deep committments & supports systems will continue to carry you!! We love you!!
Jan
Hello there Mr. and Mrs. Mahalek!
I jus wanted to say hello and wish you luck on your recovery from surgery. I just got the blog address from my mom (Robyn) who is substituting for Mrs. Mahalek. I am glad to see that you both have such good attitudes toward such a monumental undertaking. They always say that the attitude is half of the battle and you seem to have that covered in spades. (Now, if only I could figure out who 'they' are....) Anyhow, I will continue to check your posts, but if you need anything in omaha, i will email you with my address and phone number. TTFN.
laura lind
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