Kidneys Gone...Better (?)

(written November 11, 2006)

Roughly three weeks have passed since my kidney operation and two weeks since I got discharged from the hospital and living in exile here in my room. Though I am still under the close observation of my kidney doctor and transplant surgeon, I could say that I’m making progress in my post-operation recovery. My new kidney seems to be hyperactive such that I need comfort room breaks every now and then, but I was informed it’s better than being rejected and inactive. My laboratory tests indicate that my kidney functioning is almost normal. And my operation wound still aches a bit but not like before when I needed morphine for the pain. Thus far, I am thankful for a successful operation without any complications.

I have been living in recluse mainly because of some medicines that I take. These are my anti-rejection pills or immuno-suppressants which affect my body’s immune system or defense mechanism against sickness. It makes me very prone to infection. Thus, my doctors have advised me to stay only in my room (with the sole exception of going to the hospital for lab tests and regular consultations with my doctors), avoid too much contact with people, wear a medical face mask and maintain an utterly clean and germ-free surrounding.

Here inside my room, I am cable TV-less, internet-less, landline phone-less and in loneliness! Being a true kapamilya (and for lack of better TV shows to watch), I now regularly view the daily episodes of Game KNB?, Wowowee, TV Patrol and Deal or No Deal. I have read a number of books and thanks to the recommendation of a friend, I was captivated in the world of dragons and magic by reading the books Eragon and Eldest by Christopher Paolini. I have recently started my DVD marathons as well with the recent episodes of Grey’s Anatomy’s latest season and the first season of Prison Break. And let us not forget that I eat and sleep more nowadays.

Life has been a bit boring especially since I was used to being such an active on-the-go person before my operation. But nonetheless, I am extremely grateful and I feel especially blessed that everything's going well with my new kidney. I just read in this month's issue of Reader's Digest that, "Nearly 10,000 Filipinos with chronic kidney disease need a transplant, but fewer than ten per cent are likely to receive one." This time in solitude has actually made me appreciate life even more.

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Immediately after my operation, I had so many thoughts on what to write in my blog. But alas, i feel that the time somehow prescribed for those thoughts of mine to be put into writing. All I have left are my surreal memories of how I went through the transplant.

Lastly, let me take this opportunity say a big THANK YOU to all those who gave their support and prayers - I definitely could not have braved the storm without you guys.