One Pound Less, Truly

(written by Geoffrey, through the eyes (and Kidney) of Erica)

Despite some typical post surgery soreness, the procedure of removing my kidney was a great success. Here is how the last couple of days went:

We arrived to a -20 degrees Minnesota on Sunday afternoon. Welcomed by Lee and Tara, after two amazing weeks spent snowboarding accross Colorado, we were here to complete the end of our journey and donate my kidney to Lee.

All day Monday, literally from 6 am to 5 pm, was spent at the hospital meeting the nursing staff, the surgeons, and re-confirming all the tests to ensure that I was healthy and a good match to donate my Kidney. I have to say, that we made a great choice to have the procedure done in Minnesota at the University Hospital. The only thing better would be if we could move the hospital to sunny and warm Arizona, so Geoff could play a few rounds of golf while patiently waiting for me to get better, but other than that, the hospital has been exceptional. My surgeons were/are awesome, both Geoff and I felt very comfortable with their experience and knowledge. This helped to re-confirm my decision to complete what I came here to do. In addition, my doctor who would be removing my Kidney has very small hands, which means that my incision would be relatively small. The size of incision has to be large enough for the Dr. to place his hands in me and carefully "pull-out" my kidney.

The day of the surgery began very, very early, I felt bad for Geoff, because he had to wake up at 4:30 am to accompany me to the hospital, but he said he would not have it any other way (It is true!!). We checked into the hospital and a couple of hours later at 8:01 am, I was wheeled from the pre-op waiting room to the operating room. This is my last memory after the feel good drugs I began to receive.

I was awakened, "one pound less, of course" at around 12:15 pm. According to Geoff, when the surgical team described the success of the procedure to him after the surgery, they were happy because it was another "boring day" on the operating table. Boring is good to surgeons, there were no surprises or complications. I only lost a couple tablespoons of blood, that is pretty amazing to think, when you really think about what they did to me. The surgeons talk about the procedure so non-challantly, just as if your auto mechanic is changing your oil filter (Pun intended: Our kidney's do the same thing in our body as does your oil filter does in your car). To them its another day in the office, to us, where changing our lives, both mine and Lee's forever.

Once again, as explained to Geoff by the surgical team, my Kidney is extremely healthy. It was very pink as it should be, and was producing urine, as it is should be, while they were actually carrying it across the hall to Lee's surgical room. Lee's body accepted my donation without complications and the Dr.'s say that it is working great. "I am so Happy!!" (Erica continually repeats aloud) Lee's is doing great as well!!

Today, day #1, after now living with one Kidney, I feel sore where the incision was made, and other than that it is hard to really tell because I am still little intoxicated from the anesthesia and pain medications that that I have been receiving to make myself comfortable after the surgery. I am spending the day in and out of sleep to speed my recovery process. The Dr.'s say I should be (keep your fingers crossed) out of the hospital tomorrow. Thank goodness because the lady next to really likes to talk, a little to much for my taste and my current state.

We will keep you updated as I progress in my healing. Sorry, for the lack of communication yesterday, I changed the password to this site, and I forgot to tell Geoff prior to going into surgery, so today is the earliest I could get it to him.

We appreciate everyone's love, support, and prayer's. We feel them all they way over here in far away and cold Minnesota. Minnesota is place neither Geoff or I don't really have strong desire to return to, at least during the winter that it is! Feel free to contact Geoff to send your support.

Love Erica,
(and Geoff)