Creatnine levels have seemed to have stabilized at 1.6 ( my personal baseline ) .
Prograf levels have been lowered from 24MG to only 21 MG daily,
but now they want 7 MG / every 8 hours, ( 3 x day )
as opposed to 12 MG every 12 hours. ( 2 x day ) .
Apparently the time in between doses affects the blood levels of Tacrolimus.
thus requiring the tweeking of the doses .
:thumbup:
awesome news bathy and hollis
Ron: I just don't feel like going out tonight
Sammi: Wanna just break up?
Creatnine levels have seemed to have stabilized at 1.6 ( my personal baseline ) .
Prograf levels have been lowered from 24MG to only 21 MG daily,
but now they want 7 MG / every 8 hours, ( 3 x day )
as opposed to 12 MG every 12 hours. ( 2 x day ) .
Apparently the time in between doses affects the blood levels of Tacrolimus.
thus requiring the tweeking of the doses .
:thumbup:
awesome news bathy and hollis
Thanks METSY .
:thumbup:
For the ones who had a notion, a notion deep inside
That it ain't no sin to be glad you're alive
ORGAN DONATION SAVES LIVES http://www.UNOS.org
Donate Organs and Save a Life
Hi everybody.
Quick update-
Creatine number has again come up above desired levels.
I am now at a level of 1.8 ( they want me at my baseline---1.5-1.6 )
They've increased my Prograf levels to
10MG Three times daily ( every 8 hours ) .
I need to go to Columbia this Friday at 8am,
for Biopsy # 2 .
I assume they are looking for another rejection, not really sure what the next step is .
I'll keep you all posted.
Thanks for the thoughts and prayers.
For the ones who had a notion, a notion deep inside
That it ain't no sin to be glad you're alive
ORGAN DONATION SAVES LIVES http://www.UNOS.org
Donate Organs and Save a Life
You have to get all that leveled out Bathgate, I'm looking forward to meeting you in Philly.
Get better and see you soon.
Yeah i know it, wish i better control over the getting the balance right.
And likewise, I am looking forward to meeting you in Philly also .
:thumbup:
Post edited by Bathgate66 on
For the ones who had a notion, a notion deep inside
That it ain't no sin to be glad you're alive
ORGAN DONATION SAVES LIVES http://www.UNOS.org
Donate Organs and Save a Life
Thanks Everyone for all the well wishes !
Arrived @ Columbia at 7:10 AM .
Grabbed Coffee and Breakfast with Dad in hospital
( Food was okay Coffee was just plain disgusting )
Waited till 8:20AM to have blood drawn .
Started Biopsy exam approox 8:30AM.
Laid up on stretcher until blood drawn at 1:15PM
( to insure theres no internal bleeding
they check certain blood levels and such prior to release )
Released @ 1:30PM .
Spring Loaded Biopsy Syringe
May feel discomfort at the Biopsy site or at your shoulder/chest-
this is normal .
Call Dr . for increasing pain or tenderness noted around Biopsy site.
Limit activities- No lifting of heavy objects, no jogging, no exercise no active sports. X 3 Days
Mild redness bruising, firmness,or slight swelling around the Biopsy site is normal.
Call Dr. for bleeding , increasing bruise or hematoma , redness, and swelling around Biopsy site.
Call Dr. for any weakness, dizziness, or fainting episodes.
Call Dr. for any temperature above T101
Do not take aspirin or aspirin related products such as Anacin or Exedrin ,
and non-steroidal anti inflamatory medicines such as Motrin or Advil .
Take Tylenol 1-2 Tabs for discomfort. X 3 Days.
Call Dr. for any gross Hematuria ( bloody urine ) or any difficulty in urination.
For the ones who had a notion, a notion deep inside
That it ain't no sin to be glad you're alive
ORGAN DONATION SAVES LIVES http://www.UNOS.org
Donate Organs and Save a Life
no doubt any other syringes don't faze me....except those are the kind that make me cringe :wtf: ...me no likey them
i'm glad the biopsy seems to have gone okay...hope you're resting and taking it easy (& hopefully you didn't hurt your abdomen from laughing ) stay strong & hang tough...
sending much positive thoughts & energy the results come back that everything is fine
Got my phonecall from Columbia around 530 PM Eastern ,...
Something told me this would be good news,
Generally, they tend to call early on in the day if theres something to be concerned about .
Biopsy # 2 revealed NO REJECTION .
The creatinine level has come back down to 1.7
( doctor seemed to be okay with this -- just over baseline of 1.6 )
Prograf ( aka Tacrolimus ) Level is at 10.7 ,
which the doctor assured me is considered a " therapeutic" level,
and gradually will come down as time goes on .
I must continue with weekly blood levels ,
hopefully the levels will balance out sooner rather than later,
and I can start to think about returning to work.
Yes I am poor,... and am experiencing acute cabin fever .
For the ones who had a notion, a notion deep inside
That it ain't no sin to be glad you're alive
ORGAN DONATION SAVES LIVES http://www.UNOS.org
Donate Organs and Save a Life
Today is the 3 month anniversary for me and my new kidney, courtesy of an incredible friend & awesome human being Kevin Lynch.
We celebrated by going to get him a new phone, cleaning one of his clients medical offices , going to eat dinner, then going back to his place to watch GLEE. Not my choice but hey I kept checking Yankees on commercials,
Life is suddenly very good.
For the ones who had a notion, a notion deep inside
That it ain't no sin to be glad you're alive
ORGAN DONATION SAVES LIVES http://www.UNOS.org
Donate Organs and Save a Life
Wow, it's been three months already? Damn, time flies.
Glad to hear things are going well.
And I quickly scrolled through the syringe picture, I hate needles. You'd never know I am a 5x's a year blood donor.
I'm hoping they dont draw your blood
with anything remotely familiar to that monster spring loaded syringe.
Its so big and cumbersome,
but really its more intimidating looking than it really is .
For the ones who had a notion, a notion deep inside
That it ain't no sin to be glad you're alive
ORGAN DONATION SAVES LIVES http://www.UNOS.org
Donate Organs and Save a Life
Going for another checkup at Columbia this Thursday! Hopefully, i'll get back to work soon !
This is a very touching note that both my living donor Kevin and myself received at a benefit held in our honor approx 3 months ago , shortly after our simulataneous Surgeries..
All of my coworkers either showed up or contributed to the fund. They were all very generous, I am so very lucky to have such high quality, great people to work with .
March 28, 2011
Dear Andrew,
You have taught me that the act of organ donation is more than just a surgeon's ability to enhance and extend life through their technical expertise. It is a selfless act based upon the greatest gift which is the enormous concern for the well being of others over your own . It is something so matter-of-fact , so obvious to the donor and recipient ,, but non-the-less, strikes a strong emootional response to all those connected. For myself , I am moved by the love of your friendship and how it trumps fear and the "what ifs" that generally accompanies the decision to act. Surgeons contribute to living acts that are sometimes considered miraculous, but in truth what is a real living miracle is the two of you and what you would do for each other .Please accept this gift in honor of that .
Sincerely,
Gilbert G. Makabali , M.D.
Attending , Department of Surgery
St. Johns Episcopal Hospital, South Shore
327 Beach 19th Street
Far Rockaway, N.Y. 11691
For the ones who had a notion, a notion deep inside
That it ain't no sin to be glad you're alive
ORGAN DONATION SAVES LIVES http://www.UNOS.org
Donate Organs and Save a Life
Tacrolimus levels are too high now. ( 12.something )
WTF- Roller Coaster x 10 !
Decreased my Prograf doses to 8 MG / 3x daily ( down from 10MG 3x/day )
Going back to Columbia this Thursday for more bloodwork,
then the following Thursday for doctor visit.
I hope to soon be allowed to return to work -
this is getting crazy now !
For the ones who had a notion, a notion deep inside
That it ain't no sin to be glad you're alive
ORGAN DONATION SAVES LIVES http://www.UNOS.org
Donate Organs and Save a Life
Prograf down to 6 MG - 3x daily ( every 8 hours)
Didnt get the levels, only that I needed another decrease in dosage.
Another doctor visit this Thursday,..
I''m on the 5am, 1pm, 9pm schedule.
Works best for my job schedule.
I'm hoping to be back there, any minute now !
Looooooong overdue,..
:thumbup:
For the ones who had a notion, a notion deep inside
That it ain't no sin to be glad you're alive
ORGAN DONATION SAVES LIVES http://www.UNOS.org
Donate Organs and Save a Life
tonights the first live musical event since i've had my transplant.
Going alone
( well, with Joe from here @ the forums, so I guess not really alone but anyhow )
VERY Emotional !
My signature really wraps it up
It ain't no sin to be glad you are alive
Thanks in advance , Eddie !
:thumbup:
For the ones who had a notion, a notion deep inside
That it ain't no sin to be glad you're alive
ORGAN DONATION SAVES LIVES http://www.UNOS.org
Donate Organs and Save a Life
tonights the first live musical event since i've had my transplant.
Going alone
( well, with Joe from here @ the forums, so I guess not really alone but anyhow )
VERY Emotional !
My signature really wraps it up
It ain't no sin to be glad you are alive
Thanks in advance , Eddie !
:thumbup:
Yesterday was great. Now let's hope we get within the first 10 rows tonight .
On Febuary 24th, 2011, ~~already 6 months past ~~I was transplanted with not only a brand new kidney ,but a brand new lease on life itself. I must express my deepest appreciations and gratitude , and to acknowledge the most generous and selfless person I have ever beeen lucky enough to know in this lifetime. Thanks to Kevin Lynch for extending my time here on earth.
Kevin has allowed me to continue with Gods plan for my life and the things I am personally most passionate about:
-- My Family, my faith , my job ( & great coworkers ) , old and new friends ,
The New York Rangers , The New York Yankees , PEARL JAM, and Bruce .
Not only do I carry a piece of Kevin with my in my abdomen with my new kidney,
but he is forever inside my heart as well.
Thank you so so much, Kevin Lynch ,
an awesome man and spectacular human being.
My prograf levels and creatine seemed to have leveled off.
My next doctors appointment is October 6th @ Columbia -Pres
and he assures me i will be released and cleared to return to work !
This will be the 7 month mark
and a little bit behind where we originally anticipated,
but hey , it's all good !
I am currently taking 6 MG of Prograf ( Tacrolimus )
2 x daily, and the level is hovering somewhere around 10,
which is acceptable and within normal range for post transplant.
The kidney is working well and performing all of its tasks.
Thanks to everyone for the well wishes and words of encouragement.
Its all been deeply appreciated and I have much gratitude to all of you.
You all helped me along the way !
I've also developed many new friendships out there as a result of my ordeal and the many sympathetic and thoughtful Pearl Jam fans out there.
You guys rock.
Thanks again,
Andrew
Post edited by Bathgate66 on
For the ones who had a notion, a notion deep inside
That it ain't no sin to be glad you're alive
ORGAN DONATION SAVES LIVES http://www.UNOS.org
Donate Organs and Save a Life
Comments
Sammi: Wanna just break up?
Thanks METSY .
:thumbup:
That it ain't no sin to be glad you're alive
ORGAN DONATION SAVES LIVES
http://www.UNOS.org
Donate Organs and Save a Life
Quick update-
Creatine number has again come up above desired levels.
I am now at a level of 1.8 ( they want me at my baseline---1.5-1.6 )
They've increased my Prograf levels to
10MG Three times daily ( every 8 hours ) .
I need to go to Columbia this Friday at 8am,
for Biopsy # 2 .
I assume they are looking for another rejection, not really sure what the next step is .
I'll keep you all posted.
Thanks for the thoughts and prayers.
That it ain't no sin to be glad you're alive
ORGAN DONATION SAVES LIVES
http://www.UNOS.org
Donate Organs and Save a Life
Get better and see you soon.
Yeah i know it, wish i better control over the getting the balance right.
And likewise, I am looking forward to meeting you in Philly also .
:thumbup:
That it ain't no sin to be glad you're alive
ORGAN DONATION SAVES LIVES
http://www.UNOS.org
Donate Organs and Save a Life
Arrived @ Columbia at 7:10 AM .
Grabbed Coffee and Breakfast with Dad in hospital
( Food was okay Coffee was just plain disgusting )
Waited till 8:20AM to have blood drawn .
Started Biopsy exam approox 8:30AM.
Laid up on stretcher until blood drawn at 1:15PM
( to insure theres no internal bleeding
they check certain blood levels and such prior to release )
Released @ 1:30PM .
Spring Loaded Biopsy Syringe
May feel discomfort at the Biopsy site or at your shoulder/chest-
this is normal .
Call Dr . for increasing pain or tenderness noted around Biopsy site.
Limit activities- No lifting of heavy objects, no jogging, no exercise no active sports. X 3 Days
Mild redness bruising, firmness,or slight swelling around the Biopsy site is normal.
Call Dr. for bleeding , increasing bruise or hematoma , redness, and swelling around Biopsy site.
Call Dr. for any weakness, dizziness, or fainting episodes.
Call Dr. for any temperature above T101
Do not take aspirin or aspirin related products such as Anacin or Exedrin ,
and non-steroidal anti inflamatory medicines such as Motrin or Advil .
Take Tylenol 1-2 Tabs for discomfort. X 3 Days.
Call Dr. for any gross Hematuria ( bloody urine ) or any difficulty in urination.
That it ain't no sin to be glad you're alive
ORGAN DONATION SAVES LIVES
http://www.UNOS.org
Donate Organs and Save a Life
i'm glad the biopsy seems to have gone okay...hope you're resting and taking it easy (& hopefully you didn't hurt your abdomen from laughing
sending much positive thoughts & energy the results come back that everything is fine
angels share laughter
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Something told me this would be good news,
Generally, they tend to call early on in the day if theres something to be concerned about .
Biopsy # 2 revealed NO REJECTION .
The creatinine level has come back down to 1.7
( doctor seemed to be okay with this -- just over baseline of 1.6 )
Prograf ( aka Tacrolimus ) Level is at 10.7 ,
which the doctor assured me is considered a " therapeutic" level,
and gradually will come down as time goes on .
I must continue with weekly blood levels ,
hopefully the levels will balance out sooner rather than later,
and I can start to think about returning to work.
Yes I am poor,... and am experiencing acute cabin fever .
That it ain't no sin to be glad you're alive
ORGAN DONATION SAVES LIVES
http://www.UNOS.org
Donate Organs and Save a Life
angels share laughter
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
We celebrated by going to get him a new phone, cleaning one of his clients medical offices , going to eat dinner, then going back to his place to watch GLEE. Not my choice but hey I kept checking Yankees on commercials,
Life is suddenly very good.
That it ain't no sin to be glad you're alive
ORGAN DONATION SAVES LIVES
http://www.UNOS.org
Donate Organs and Save a Life
R.i.p. My Dad - May 28, 2007
R.i.p. Black Tail (cat) - Sept. 20, 2008
Glad to hear things are going well.
And I quickly scrolled through the syringe picture, I hate needles. You'd never know I am a 5x's a year blood donor.
I'm hoping they dont draw your blood
with anything remotely familiar to that monster spring loaded syringe.
Its so big and cumbersome,
but really its more intimidating looking than it really is .
That it ain't no sin to be glad you're alive
ORGAN DONATION SAVES LIVES
http://www.UNOS.org
Donate Organs and Save a Life
I just don't look. And that works for me.
This is a very touching note that both my living donor Kevin and myself received at a benefit held in our honor approx 3 months ago , shortly after our simulataneous Surgeries..
All of my coworkers either showed up or contributed to the fund. They were all very generous, I am so very lucky to have such high quality, great people to work with .
March 28, 2011
Dear Andrew,
You have taught me that the act of organ donation is more than just a surgeon's ability to enhance and extend life through their technical expertise. It is a selfless act based upon the greatest gift which is the enormous concern for the well being of others over your own . It is something so matter-of-fact , so obvious to the donor and recipient ,, but non-the-less, strikes a strong emootional response to all those connected. For myself , I am moved by the love of your friendship and how it trumps fear and the "what ifs" that generally accompanies the decision to act. Surgeons contribute to living acts that are sometimes considered miraculous, but in truth what is a real living miracle is the two of you and what you would do for each other .Please accept this gift in honor of that .
Sincerely,
Gilbert G. Makabali , M.D.
Attending , Department of Surgery
St. Johns Episcopal Hospital, South Shore
327 Beach 19th Street
Far Rockaway, N.Y. 11691
That it ain't no sin to be glad you're alive
ORGAN DONATION SAVES LIVES
http://www.UNOS.org
Donate Organs and Save a Life
I've been gone a good long while, I had no idea!
I am SO happy for you!!!
Much love
Xo
Let's just breathe...
I am myself like you somehow
The best expression of Love is Time.
The best time to Love is Now.
I'm never as good as when you're there.........
& you know....
angels share laughter
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
WTF- Roller Coaster x 10 !
Decreased my Prograf doses to 8 MG / 3x daily ( down from 10MG 3x/day )
Going back to Columbia this Thursday for more bloodwork,
then the following Thursday for doctor visit.
I hope to soon be allowed to return to work -
this is getting crazy now !
That it ain't no sin to be glad you're alive
ORGAN DONATION SAVES LIVES
http://www.UNOS.org
Donate Organs and Save a Life
Thanks.
Didnt get the levels, only that I needed another decrease in dosage.
Another doctor visit this Thursday,..
I''m on the 5am, 1pm, 9pm schedule.
Works best for my job schedule.
I'm hoping to be back there, any minute now !
Looooooong overdue,..
:thumbup:
That it ain't no sin to be glad you're alive
ORGAN DONATION SAVES LIVES
http://www.UNOS.org
Donate Organs and Save a Life
me thinks you'll feel better since your dosage is getting lower...reduced side effects...yaay!
angels share laughter
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Going alone
( well, with Joe from here @ the forums, so I guess not really alone but anyhow )
VERY Emotional !
My signature really wraps it up
It ain't no sin to be glad you are alive
Thanks in advance , Eddie !
:thumbup:
That it ain't no sin to be glad you're alive
ORGAN DONATION SAVES LIVES
http://www.UNOS.org
Donate Organs and Save a Life
Yesterday was great. Now let's hope we get within the first 10 rows tonight
2010: Newark 5/18 MSG 5/20-21 2011: PJ20 9/3-4 2012: Made In America 9/2
2013: Brooklyn 10/18-19 Philly 10/21-22 Hartford 10/25 2014: ACL10/12
2015: NYC 9/23 2016: Tampa 4/11 Philly 4/28-29 MSG 5/1-2 Fenway 8/5+8/7
2017: RRHoF 4/7 2018: Fenway 9/2+9/4 2021: Sea Hear Now 9/18
2022: MSG 9/11 2024: MSG 9/3-4 Philly 9/7+9/9 Fenway 9/15+9/17
Hey folks - its been a while and a pretty hectic summer for me.
6 month anniversary note
On Febuary 24th, 2011, ~~already 6 months past ~~I was transplanted with not only a brand new kidney ,but a brand new lease on life itself. I must express my deepest appreciations and gratitude , and to acknowledge the most generous and selfless person I have ever beeen lucky enough to know in this lifetime. Thanks to Kevin Lynch for extending my time here on earth.
Kevin has allowed me to continue with Gods plan for my life and the things I am personally most passionate about:
-- My Family, my faith , my job ( & great coworkers ) , old and new friends ,
The New York Rangers , The New York Yankees , PEARL JAM, and Bruce .
Not only do I carry a piece of Kevin with my in my abdomen with my new kidney,
but he is forever inside my heart as well.
Thank you so so much, Kevin Lynch ,
an awesome man and spectacular human being.
2/24/2011 http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos- ... 8176_n.jpg
My prograf levels and creatine seemed to have leveled off.
My next doctors appointment is October 6th @ Columbia -Pres
and he assures me i will be released and cleared to return to work !
This will be the 7 month mark
and a little bit behind where we originally anticipated,
but hey , it's all good !
I am currently taking 6 MG of Prograf ( Tacrolimus )
2 x daily, and the level is hovering somewhere around 10,
which is acceptable and within normal range for post transplant.
The kidney is working well and performing all of its tasks.
Thanks to everyone for the well wishes and words of encouragement.
Its all been deeply appreciated and I have much gratitude to all of you.
You all helped me along the way !
I've also developed many new friendships out there as a result of my ordeal and the many sympathetic and thoughtful Pearl Jam fans out there.
You guys rock.
Thanks again,
Andrew
That it ain't no sin to be glad you're alive
ORGAN DONATION SAVES LIVES
http://www.UNOS.org
Donate Organs and Save a Life
Hopefully all of your posts have inspired others to consider it.
Take care, hope to see you in Philly again soon.