8 Weeks On The 8th!

HEALED SCARS

Today, Wednesday February 8th, 2023 marks 8 weeks since Kristin and I had our kidney transplant surgeries at UCLA. This significant, because it means that both Kristin and I are now fully healed from our surgeries. All of our steri-strips have fallen off and all that remains are the healed surgical scars. For me, the scars are a reminder of how far I've come on this journey. I have two scars. The first is the big scar that marks where my new kidney now resides. The second scar is from the removal of my PD (Peritoneal Dialysis) catheter, which is a good reminder of how sick I had become as well as part of the motivation to keep my new kidney healthy for as long as possible. 


RECOVERY UPDATE

My recovery continues on the right track, and my new kidney continues to exceed expectations. I'm now on less restrictions, for example, I can now lift 10-20 lbs. instead of just 5 lbs. Also, I have been driving around Santa Clarita. Finally, I received the transplant team's approval to return to my ministry as pastor of Hill Avenue Grace Lutheran Church on February 22nd, which happens to be Ash Wednesday!

My at-home physical and occupational therapies have concluded; however, I am going to reestablish my relationship with Henry Mayo Outpatient Physical/Occupational Therapy so that I can continue my rehabilitation from the effects of my CIDP. 

Kristin continues to do fantastic and is back to full physical health. My parents are still with us, helping us out. Our oldest is continuing to thrive in school, and her Fall soccer team continues their season having now moved on to sectional playoffs, which will be held a week from this Saturday. Our youngest is trying to get over a cold, which is a bit hazardous for me since I now have a suppressed immune system (so my immune system won't attack my new kidney). I am taking proper precautions by keeping my distance, wearing  mask, occasionally isolating myself, and lots of hand washing. Thankfully, our youngest is recovering quickly and will hopefully be back to normal tomorrow.


THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION

I have a few projects that I'm currently working on, and one of them is developing a theological reflection on my whole transplant experience. I have been reflecting on how God has been present with me throughout this journey, as well as how my transplant experience is reflective of the gospel. I very much see God's act of reconciling relationship with humanity, through Christ on the cross, as a biblical reflection on my transplant experience. I hope to share it when it is fully developed.


Well, that's all I've got for today. Peace and blessings to you. 

Comments

  1. Karen SFebruary 10, 2023 at 3:30 PM

    Such good news, looking to having you back on th 22nd.

    ReplyDelete

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