As of Monday afternoon, it’s no longer in my body. I don’t want to jinx it, but so far my infection symptoms haven’t returned and I’m officially one step closer to my transplant!
My middle is pretty sore and I’ve been relying on pain meds to sleep at night, though as much as I groan, I’m sure this is nothing compared to the recovery from when they fillet me open to play with my kidneys.
Still, I’ll take it if it means moving closer towards normalcy – at least for a little while.
I really miss swimming with the kids, namely because it’s getting hot and it’s such a great way to both unwind and enjoy some time with them at the same time. Lately they’ve been bugging me to let them go in the pool and I’m sure I will eventually, but it’s just not the same sitting on the patio (and sweating!) while they’re splashing around, having a good time.
Believe it or not, I also want to exercise again. Well, sometimes. My body has gotten really sore just doing basic things and I want to start working on that, but there are so many barriers right now between time and having a clear floor to do it and having the energy to do it. I’d like to start with just some basic stretching for now because I know that swinging kettlebells will be a ways off between this surgery and the big one, but I need to get past this place where I just groan and have to take a minute whenever I go to stand up!
My goal is to repurpose some of my dialysis time for an exercise routine after my transplant, even if it just means walking around the neighborhood or spending time on the elliptical. I’ve even thought about getting one of those walking pads for my office, though I don’t have a standing desk so it might be a waste.
All in all, I’m trying to maintain my calm and take things one day at a time, but I’m also really anxious for the next step so I can feel like I’m truly moving forward with all of this! That said, I’m grateful that I even have the options that are in front of me … I still haven’t wrapped my head around another person giving me one of their organs, and maybe I never will, but I know that it’s a big deal and one that I’ll spend the rest of my time trying to live up to and be grateful for the sacrifice.