that we had found the much needed balance, Christopher's creatin levels went up again. In South African measurements, he is meant to settle in at the low eighties. His went up to 112 last Monday, so he was booked back into the Hospital again. This time, they gave him a fast flowing intravenous drip only. They felt his hydration levels were low, and sure enough, his creatin came down a little again.
But there is still an unexplained reason for the increase in levels, so the decision was made to perform a Biopsy of the graft kidney. This would be the third biopsy, and there is a risk to the kidney each time you do this. Apparently in England, they do them quite frequently on transplant cases, but are much more conservative here in South Africa. The results showed mild rejection, which is what they expected.
He is on a new immunosuppressant, and his Prednisone medication has been increased to 60mg per day. Again, this seemingly ever elusive balance escapes us. Christopher was discharged yesterday, with strict instruction to increase his fluid intake. We will be back on Monday for blood tests to see how he is responding to the new therapy.
March 2ND marks three months since the transplant, and I must confess I had thought things would have returned to a semblance of normality again by now. I keep expecting things to get back to our usual routine and to find the familiar rhythm of our family and school life again. But alas, this has not been the case yet. I think my thinking is all wrong.
I need to expect things to be different from now on. Life will probably never be the same again, and our continual quest for balance in Christopher's post-transplant life will be filled with unexpected twists and turns. Once again, I feel I was unprepared for this, just as I was unprepared for the pain in my own body after the surgery.
Now I know why the Doctors say "A transplant is not a cure, but another disease"!!
As we attempt to navigate the road ahead, I have a special prayer request. We would like to prayerfully consider taking on some help with our homeschooling process. I would like to pray for a special person to come and help us in the various school subjects. If coming from Stateside, the person would be able to also be involved with our ministry, and would have a place to live. Helping me with the school responsibilities would be a part time to three-quarter time situation, and the rest of the time could be spent getting involved in other ministry opportunities. Thank you for joining me in prayer here, that the Lord would fulfill this need in our lives in His perfect time.
Thank you, for standing with us, and for your encouraging emails, letters and support. We are grateful to all of you, and trust the Lord blesses you all in return.
With love,
Lenora Hammond
But there is still an unexplained reason for the increase in levels, so the decision was made to perform a Biopsy of the graft kidney. This would be the third biopsy, and there is a risk to the kidney each time you do this. Apparently in England, they do them quite frequently on transplant cases, but are much more conservative here in South Africa. The results showed mild rejection, which is what they expected.
He is on a new immunosuppressant, and his Prednisone medication has been increased to 60mg per day. Again, this seemingly ever elusive balance escapes us. Christopher was discharged yesterday, with strict instruction to increase his fluid intake. We will be back on Monday for blood tests to see how he is responding to the new therapy.
March 2ND marks three months since the transplant, and I must confess I had thought things would have returned to a semblance of normality again by now. I keep expecting things to get back to our usual routine and to find the familiar rhythm of our family and school life again. But alas, this has not been the case yet. I think my thinking is all wrong.
I need to expect things to be different from now on. Life will probably never be the same again, and our continual quest for balance in Christopher's post-transplant life will be filled with unexpected twists and turns. Once again, I feel I was unprepared for this, just as I was unprepared for the pain in my own body after the surgery.
Now I know why the Doctors say "A transplant is not a cure, but another disease"!!
As we attempt to navigate the road ahead, I have a special prayer request. We would like to prayerfully consider taking on some help with our homeschooling process. I would like to pray for a special person to come and help us in the various school subjects. If coming from Stateside, the person would be able to also be involved with our ministry, and would have a place to live. Helping me with the school responsibilities would be a part time to three-quarter time situation, and the rest of the time could be spent getting involved in other ministry opportunities. Thank you for joining me in prayer here, that the Lord would fulfill this need in our lives in His perfect time.
Thank you, for standing with us, and for your encouraging emails, letters and support. We are grateful to all of you, and trust the Lord blesses you all in return.
With love,
Lenora Hammond
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