PRAISE THE LORD - PROGRESS CONTINUES

Ken continues to improve. Monday, he had the surgery to place the AV Fistula in his upper right arm. Yesterday afternoon he received his first dialysis with that access and it went well. His arm is a little painful but hopefully that won't last long and the incisions will heal quickly. The fistula is under the skin and accessed with needles, eliminating outside lines that could be easily infected. Ken is scheduled for another dialysis this morning. Some nurses have said that from their experience his kidneys are not going to come back - maybe they won't - but I recall similar comments being made after the transplant about his heart, while he was on the by-pass machine. The "GREAT PHYSICIAN" had a different outcome then and we'll see what He reveals on this situation as well.

Even though Ken had been given the green light to eat through an assessment by speech therapy, it has not been easy. He was having trouble swallowing because of soreness and burning in his throat over the last few weeks. This weekend while we were talking he mentioned he was having some fears about choking. He has been able to talk to several different staff members from different areas that helped him understand what was going on physically as well as psychologically. Last night he was able to eat about half of what was on his plate.

Progress is moving forward - almost don't want to say that out loud!!!! As it stands right now, if there is a bed available TODAY on the Telemetry Unit (which is literally just outside of CSICU) Ken is being kicked out of the room he has been in since February 22nd. The words I hear all of the time now is "I Love You Mr. Cooper - But I'm Tired of Looking at You!"
Going through the CSICU doors is one step closer to going through the UMMC Front Doors and back to TENNESSEE!!

We have been told that if Ken has to go back into CSICU it is not uncommon and we should not be surprised, but just remember we are still going in the right direction. The transplant nurses will be the ones in charge of Ken's care once he moves. Even though there is a sense of security where we are now, and a little apprehension about leaving - we are definitely ready for the next leg of this journey.

Thank you for praying us to this point - GOD has blessed us through you time and time again.
The immediate prayer request are: 1) Ken's body would continue to heal. He still has quite a few sutures in areas that have been slow to heal. 2) Ken would be free of infections. 3) The lack of rejection toward the new heart would continue. 4) Ken's kidneys would start to function. 5) Ken's body would respond to the increased physical rehab. 6) I would be able to maintain physical and mental strength as we move to the next level. Even though I am at the hospital and help daily now - it is about to increase -he will not be getting the one on one medical attention he does now.
I will try and update soon. As always, thank you for the support you offer us in so many ways. GOD BLESS YOU