Just quickly - to update you on our trip to Birmingham yesterday . . .
Tom saw the surgeon, although it was not Dr. Eckhoff. It was actually Dr. Gray, who did his Denver Shunt surgery in January and was the first surgeon we met when Tom was going through the transplant evaluation process. Tom's sister Cathy and I really, really like Dr. Gray! Anyway, he was impressed with the healing in Tom's leg and with how Tom looked overall. I will also mention here that both Dr. White, the Resident, and Dr. Gray knew about Tom's recent hospital stays and had already reviewed his previous blood test results - I guess some information from Nashville really is getting to Birmingham. I don't know whether it is coming from the Blue Cross Transplant Coordinator or Dr. Rutland. I was very happy they were aware of all of it though.
If you've forgotten how things work with the UAB Transplant Team or if you're new to this, our long road, the Transplant Team makes all of their decisions "as a Team" and they always meet on Monday. So, the Team will meet on Monday to discuss whether to re-activate Tom. (Because of the leg wound and the wound vac, Tom had been moved to "inactive" status). Now, Dr. Gray did say he didn't think it would be a problem - however, you usually don't get "listed" unless your MELD score is at least 15. Tom's blood tests from yesterday were calculated at a MELD of 12. Of course, that number can change so being activated is first and foremost. Dr. Gray is also going to talk to the team about petitioning to the region to some exception points to get Tom to a 15. The transplant region votes on awarding exception points and the UAB team would not have a vote since Tom is their patient. I don't know when this would happen. Right now, we just ask for your prayers for Monday's meeting.
The two things that Dr. White and Dr. Gray emphasized yesterday were diet (low sodium - because of Tom's fluid retention issues) and activity. Activity is a very big deal. When Tom was going though the evaluation process, Dr. Eckhoff looked at him and said "I want to see you walk into my office". Tom could barely walk to the door of his hospital room at that time but within a few days, he was circling the "block" in the hospital hallway. As I've mentioned previously, Tom has really struggled with his walking since this leg wound and yesterday, they wanted to see him walk. I just about panicked! They couldn't find a walker for Tom to use so they decided to use the wheelchair. Tom got right up and headed down the hall with the Resident and another student doctor. They were gone for a really long time. A while later they came around the corner from the other direction - Tom had walked "around the block" - and did GREAT! I was impressed!
Overall, the day went as well as it could have. Tom even said last night that he felt like he got more information from this visit than he had through the entire process so far. He was also more alert and healthy on this trip than in previous trips - both Dr. White and Dr. Gray mentioned that to him.
Aside from the 6 HOURS it took for us to get home: including a stop to get some soda Tom likes that is only available in Alabama, a bathroom break and 2 hours of sitting still on the interstate because of a wreck, it was a good day. I haven't felt this relieved in a long time. Tom did all he could do for his part and that's all we could have hoped and prayed for.
OK, so that wasn't quick. Thanks to all who prayed for us, e-mailed us and texted me yesterday. God heard and answered.
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