Via: Marie Trout Here’s what life waiting for a liver is like: You get 20 minutes to answer the phone when your lucky number comes up. If you are away from your cell phone – or otherwise miss the call in those first 20 minutes, they move on to the next person on the list! And you missed the boat! So I live my life with my cell phone attached to my being – day and night. I have panic attacks when I am in the shower – or am in a noisy place where I cannot hear my phone. I wake up many times at night and check to make sure my phone’s battery is charged, that the ringer didn’t accidentally turn off – or God forbid that I just somehow missed the call. Then once awakened, I lay awake wondering what it will sound like when that call comes in: “Yup… we have a fine 2.5 pound liver available for you to pick up at the counter” – or “Good evening, this is your lucky day – come on down and party with the surgeons on the first floor” – or “We have what we believe is a good match – why don’t you come down and see for yourself”. Who knows what it will sound like when that call comes in. Who knows how we will feel? Who knows what thoughts will rummage through our minds when we wheel Walter off into the unknown? A liver transplant is one of the biggest and most all-encompassing surgeries a person can undergo. And there are real risks involved. But it obviously is the only way forward. In the meantime, we work hard to have Walter stay as strong and healthy as at all possible. He has been pretty amazing at regaining his strength lately. His kidneys are much better, his appetite has improved, and he is starting to walk around more – still assisted – but walking nonetheless. Lately he and I have been getting out – going to select restaurants and stores. Physical and Occupational Therapy comes by everyday and works with Walter on regaining muscle strength. This is all good for improving his chances of making it through the surgery and the aftermath. The healthier he will be going in, the quicker he will bounce back. So again, this is one of the reasons we are very happy to be here in Nebraska, where you don’t have to be at death’s door to be considered for a transplant. Still Walter is a very yellow fellow. And still in need of a new liver to even come close to regaining his health. So we wait. Every time my phone rings, we both look at each other with that look of: “maybe this is it? So far the call hasn’t come. But one day it will! - See more at: youcaring/medical-fundraiser/walter-trout-needs-a-new-liver-you-can-help-/151911#sthash.MISKSbrH.dpuf
Posted on: Tue, 22 Apr 2014 16:38:19 +0000