"Update: 5 weeks post kidney donation"

Hi again! I wanted to update everyone on what's going on post-transplant. I have been moving for the past 2 weeks and haven't had much time to blog.

I've had one scare recently with dehydration, but nothing too serious. Honestly, I'm doing very well considering all the stuff I'm able to do now. I'm pretty good at overdoing it too soon. I did that after this surgery and paid for it for a while. Now, things are much better.

I've talked to Masud and his wife, Sharmin, several times recently. Masud is doing very well! He gave me some really good news 2 days ago. He said that he was able to play with his kids for the first time in a long time. That almost made me cry. It was so important to his older son for him to be able to do that. Anyway, he's doing great! His kidney levels are in normal range (on the high side of normal). The doctor's said they are very happy with his progress. He's no longer having pain and not too tired anymore.

"Update: 3 weeks post kidney donation"

Hey everyone! I haven't written in a week or so b/c I've been busy trying to catch up at work. I'm also busy packing b/c we're moving soon. I'm not moving away; just to a new house. I know, I know....bad timing. I'm great at that, lol.
So, the only thing that's changed since the last post is that I'm getting better each day. I'm finding that I tire very easily, but that's expected. Until my kidney functions gets back to normal, I will be tired a lot. I should be back to normal in about 3 months or so. It's a small price to pay for someone's life, so I try not to complain too much.
I appreciate all of you that have sent me your well wishes, kind thoughts, and especially for those of you that prayed. Where would we be without prayer? I don't even want to think about it.
In other news........My baby started Kindergarten yesterday. I thought for sure that I would cry. But, I surprised myself. Instead, I dropped him off and told him to have a seat. Then, I turned around and ran as fast as I could, LOL!

"The Times Story"

I forgot to add this story to my blog. The Shreveport Times did some short stories a while back. This is one of them:

http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080806/NEWS01/808060363

"Pictures from the surgery"

I wanted to let everyone know that I'm now home and doing very well. I wanted to share some pictures from my "trip". Here goes:

Here's a picture taken of Masud (the recipient), left, and his friend at the hospital right before surgery.









This picture is, from left to right, of me, Masud, and my aunt Carolyn right before surgery. Sorry, I wasn't allowed to wear make-up.










This picture is of, from left to right, me, Masud, my aunt Carolyn, and Sharmin (Masud's wife).










This picture was taken after they took Masud and I to the pro-op area. That is my aunt Carolyn, me, and Sharmin. You can see Masud over to the far right of the picture. We were all cracking up and making lots of jokes. It was great!










This was also taken in pre-op. It was seconds before they wheeled me out for surgery. I told them I wanted to walk, but they wouldn't let me, lol. Notice how puffy my face is? That's b/c they pumped me full of fluids before the surgery. It's supposed to help Masud somehow. I guess they need to see if it will produce urine. He looked so sick.










This picture was taken 2 days after surgery. I had been released the night before. Masud was released the next day.










Here's a picture of Masud and my aunt Carolyn the same day. Masud's color had gotten so much better.










This picture was taken a 5 days after surgery. We all got together with Masud's friends to have a thank-you/farewell party. There were over 30 people there. I was so touched. Everyone was super nice! In this picture you see Sharmin, my aunt, me and some friends. I don't remember everyone's name b/c there were so many people.










I was presented a plaque from the Bangladesh Association of Phoenix, Arizona thanking for for my gift. The plaque reads:
"Dear Melissa Swanson,
You have touched the heart of our community with the uniqe gift of life. You will be remembered forever with love and gratitude." I cried pretty soon after this picture was taken.

"Kidney Donation: Day 4"

Well, today is the 4th day after the operation. It's also the first day that I've felt really good. I'm still having pain (obviously), but I got out and went shopping in two stores today. I felt like I really needed to get out. I got a burst of energy today.
I'm starting to realize that it's important to rest a lot the first couple of days after surgery, but then you really need to get moving. It's been hard for me to walk a lot b/c we're in a hotel room. I just sit around watching tv or web surfing or working.
Now that I realize I can get out and do stuff, I think I'll get better. This will hopefully help with the soreness. I've only had to take one pain pill today, which is really good. I'll probably only take one more at bedtime. Yippee! I'm finally turning the corner.
Please keep Masud in your prayers.

"A Wonderful Surprise"

Today has been a great day! It started off with a little pain and a lot of sleepiness. However, I got a great surprise today.

Masud and his wife, Sharmin, and their son, Maheeb (4) showed up at my hotel room to surprise me. Masud had just been discharged from the hospital. It's only been 3 days since the transplant. It's absolutely amazing that he's doing so well. I don't think he was kicked out of the hospital. I think he was really ready to leave.

This entire experience has been one miracle after another. I'm amazed every single day. Masud was originally supposed to be on at least 20 medications to prevent rejection after the surgery. He left the hospital today with only 2 anti-rejection medications. They doctors said that they were simply amazed by what a perfect match we were. They told us that we were a better match than most siblings. That's why they think he's healing so fast.

While they were visiting me, Sharmin grabbed my hands and said, "Melissa, you have no idea what you've done. Saying thank you is just not enough. I don't know what else I can do. You have truly saved his life and changed our lives forever."

I tried to tell her that it was ok, but I kept tearing up. I never did this for any kind of thanks or attention. I simply wanted to give those children their father back. God answered all of our prayers and is now answering with an astounding "YES"!

I will keep everyone updated. Until then, please continue to pray for Masud that he will not reject the kidney.

With love,
Melissa"

"Kidney Donation Update"

Hey everyone. I just wanted to let everyone know that I've been discharged from the hospital and am back at my hotel room. I'm staying at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Scottsdale, AZ. It's only been about 34 hours since the surgery. I was up out of the bed 30 minutes after coming out of the recovery room. Those of you that know me know that I'm pretty stubborn. I'm having some pain, but it's a small price to pay. Honestly, I'm doing great!
Masud Khondoker (the kidney recipient) is also doing great! The doctors said that when they removed my left kidney, it was one of the largest, healthiest ones they'd ever seen. As soon as they put the kidney in Masud, he started producing large amounts of urine. By the time he got to his room, he already looked 100% better than before surgery. His skin had gotten very dark and blotchy b/c of the toxins in his blood. Now his skin is back to normal. Almost all of his kidney tests are completely normal.
I've also passed all of my tests. The only restrictions I have are to not play any contact sports ever (no problem with that) and don't take Ibuprofen if possible. I can live with that. Of course, I can't lift anything for a couple of months.
Anyway, I just wanted to let everyone know that I'm ok, he's ok, and I'm already "back to work" from my hotel room. Thank you for all your prayers!
Melissa Swanson