Still Searching for Answers

Michael is still in the hospital. He was put on antibiotics on Sunday and yet new symptoms keep arising. He originally went to the ER with severe pain during urination and only able to produce about an ounce each time. The pain has been managed with pain killers (I believe Norco), but answers to why he is in so much pain when he relieves himself have been elusive. When Michael was fitted with his catheter the day of surgery he immediately started noticing pain and pressure if he moved a certain way. We were assured that this was normal by the nurses so we accepted it, not knowing any better. Maybe it is normal, I'm not saying it isn't. After it was removed he continued to have excruciating pain, to the point he would cry out while relieving himself. Again, we were told that its normal to have discomfort after having a catheter removed. Again, we accepted this answer since we are not in the medical field and are limited to zero knowledge concerning catheters. Now here we are almost 10 days after the catheter was removed still in pain, running a fever and additionally his incision site appears to be getting red. Today a Urologist was called in, a friend of mine who is a nurse at Tampa General Hospital and who has extensive knowledge inserting and removing catheters suggested that Urology get involved but I found out that one had already been called. The Urologist who is a resident stated that she felt that it might be muscle spasms coming from his bladder. The spasms might be happening because of the stent that was put in during the transplant which is scheduled to be removed at 6 weeks post-transplant. She prescribed Michael Oxybutynin to relax the muscles of the bladder in hopes that it will ease the pain he is experiencing. When I asked her if there was a chance that Michael's bladder or urethra were damaged by the catheter she stated that she didn't believe so but we wouldn't know until the stent was removed. We are to allow this new medication 24 hours to start working. A team of Infectious doctors came by to see Michael yesterday. Michael has had 3 urine cultures and all 3 have come back negative for bacteria. They will continue doing the urine cultures to make sure nothing is missed. Along with those, they are doing blood cultures and urine analysis. They haven't really used the word "infection" but I strongly believe there is one. I may not be a doctor but I am a "mommy", when you see redness, swelling and a fever that all points to an infection in my "Journal Of Mommy". Michael has had 3 bags of blood transfusions, they seemed to have helped with his energy level. When I last spoke to him he was about to go walk the hospital halls. He is upbeat and has not let any of this affect his positive attitude. I wish I was like him. Onward to a positive step ~ Michael had his staples removed today! He said it wasn't too bad until the last two. He obviously handles pain well! His new kidney is still working great, so thank God for that. To those reading this blog and who believe in prayer, I ask that you pray for Michael as well as his doctors. That our Lord God will enlighten the doctors with what type of medicine Michael's body needs to completely heal itself and that Michael's body will increase in white blood cells so that it can defend itself and make my Mikey healthy again. I love this man with all my heart and I want nothing more for him to be home with me. I miss his smile, his laugh, his jokes, holding his hand, kissing his beautiful face, our date nights and worshipping with him at church. If time could only really fly.

Staples and more Staples.

Staple free.

Redness?

23 Staples.

“For with God nothing will be impossible.” (Luke 1:37)

"Healer" 

Michael ~ Cutest boy on the planet.

14 Days Post-Transplant. You are not alone and neither are we, His presence is with us and His Grace is sufficient.


God's Blessings. Lilly