Day +15
The last two weeks have been tough.
I knew of most of the risks of an STC, but had no idea how that would unfold. But whatever the risks, they outweighed the risks of not having one. I had a moderate heart stenosis (thickening of a valve) that was discovered during examinations for the STC. Other than that I was clinically fit.
The first problem I had was a chest infection. It started with a pain in the chest in the night.After an ECG and painkillers it settled, and they put me on a course of antibiiotics for a few days and it was cleared up. This was just after the transplant when I had no immune system at all.
The second problem was I was starting to accumulate fluid. I gained 2 litres in one day, and my weight went up 9 Kilos in a few days. I had a liver scan that showed some problems, and given diuretics to reduce fluid. A special drug is being given three times a day to tackle the liver problem.
The third problem was one evening my heart rate went high on the regular observations. An ECG showed atrial fibrillation – fast irregular heart beat. A Beta blocker seemed to resove that.
Not all these happen in an STC. The point is, the staff are ready and waiting to respond swiftly, calmly and responsibly.
Hair
Well, it’s gone! It started to fall off yesterday, and by the end of the day it made sense to get rid of it all. I expected it, and the beard has stayed so far. They say it can come back curly and a different colour – red and curly sounds good.
Dietician
I’ve had two visits from dietician’s who encourage me to eat more of the terrible stuff they serve each day. My wife now brings me in an M&S meal and some smoothies. Fortunately, they haven’t worked out how to make rice crispies inedible.
Walking
I’m now allowed out of the ward room wearing a mask – neutrophils in a good place. Yesterday I did two return lengths of the ward corridor. Today I have done 3. I feel a lot more alert today.
Day +16
I managed to walk from my room to the ward entrance this morning. There I found a comfy sofa – bliss. Then back. 100 metres is about my range right now. The brain fog is slowly lifting. My weight is down to 84Kg.
The critical thing now is my liver and kidney function returning to normal. I’m still on a drip for over 12 hours a day as the drug for my liver can only be administered that way. Next clinical review will be Tuesday.