Out Of Hospital

[dckimberly]

Hello all!

First, thanks everyone for your post remaks and kind messages.

I'm so so very great full for this forum and the community of amazing souls on here.

The surgery went great! I think? Lol. I was released yesterday afternoon.

I had a drain Tuesday to prep, and then Wednesday morning I went into theatre at Addenbrookes. I've been there so much, and knew almost all of the team, including one of the doctors. So there were hugs and laughing, chatting, etc.

Surgery was about 2.5 hours or so.

The next day the sonogram read that the shunt was all clear and no new fluid in any of the cavaties thus far. No confusion. (At least, I don't think there is any? Lolol)

I was told around 11% of patients had ascites post transplant. I was also told that what I have, this type of portal hypertension in a liver post transplant is so rare, they have only seen one other case in over a decade, and it did not even have a name for it! Wow! Leave it to me to be the girl with the really cool rare liver problem! I feel like a rockstar! I mean, as far as livers go! Ha! My portal hypertension is caused by the small tributary veins throughout my liver having blockages from blood clots occurring.

In many cases it is from there being varying pressures between the hepatic and portal veins in the liver. Although I have some of that also, it is not causing the blood clots. My hepatic pressure prior to surgery was 31. After surgery it dropped to 21.

Anyway, if I don't rely to all my messages, please forgive me. I'm still just getting settled..

I will say this..so far, I feel pretty good. I don't know if it's magical thinking because there's no way to see results this fast, but, the ascites has been the Bain of my existence for a few years now. It's been so bad, so painful and so tiring..that right now, having no fluid and not feeling like it's coming on in any way is just great!

This whole quality of life thing is a pretty big deal. I'm just so tired of being tired, and feeling wretched. So I am hoping, against all odds, that this shunt will work!

So I can have a life, until the next turn.

Love all of you, and thankful, so thankful for being able to come here and talk about all the things I can't talk about anywhere else.

Cheering all of you on!

xxxxxxxxx

Your American Pickle!

[tillycindy]

Thank the heavens! I,ve been checking this bloody computer every 2 hours. I don,t know whether to kiss you or kill you for making us worry so ! Phew

[dckimberly in reply to tillycindy]

Oh tillycindy!

I'm so sorry..I did not mean t worry any of you I promise! I would not purposefully do that, ever..so no killing me! Pleasssseee!

Please give me the pass as I was in hospital, and part of that time I was under general anesthesia ! Surely that's worth a few hours, at least? ,

Hugs you really tight!

xxxx

Kimberly

[tillycindy in reply to dckimberly]

Maybe we should have rung the hospital and demanded regular news updates. um, sorry about the pickles by the way it seems you may be stuck with it! anne xx

[dckimberly in reply to tillycindy]

Anne!

To be completely honest, I loved the pickles when I saw it! It tickled me silly!

<3

[Hidden]

Hi pickle...ha ha.so glad its looking promising.will cross everything.at the end of the day it is all.about the quality of life.much love cazer.xx

[dckimberly in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Cazzer!

And your right! It really is!

Hugs you!

Kimberly

[Hidden]

Oh such fun....to be wide awake in the of the night!

Yeah thats it your pickle from now on...no seriously if you dont like it just say.

We cant pick on a poorly person and you have just had surgery.love cazer.p.s was asleep but hubby snored and that will be me awake for a few hours.

He cant help.it bless him and as he says if i nudge him...

Im not snoring im not asleep!!! Its a great theory but not very accurate ha ha.!!!!

Murder may be committed ..im the name of sanity.ramblings of mad pbcer!!! Te he....x

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Dont worry all i am joking!!!

[dckimberly in reply to Hidden]

My partner snores so loud we often have to sleep in separate rooms! We both hate that, but I HAVE to rest, so I completely understand!

xxx

[Hidden in reply to dckimberly]

Yeah he sometimes goes to the other room but then i miss him being there rediculous isnt it.so glad your pain is reduced crossed fingers.xxx

[RodeoJoe]

Welcome back Kimberly. Hope it all goes well, I know you've been suffering with that ascities badly.

[dckimberly in reply to RodeoJoe]

Thanks so much RodeoJoe!

Third morning and no pain..feeling good!

YAY ! !

xxx

[Hidden]

so good to hear your on the mend ,,,,i nearly had a tipps to help with fluid swelling but this never happened ,,they said due to HE but i dont think i have that im quite switched on and savvy ,,and i have my swelling under control,,yes there are times when it just has a mind of its own and ill book a day for a drain and chillax ...seeing my Hepatologist 7th nov ,,,,my livers bad but stable ,,he mentioned a trans so im going to push for one ,,but there is a tonne of tests before this MELD etc ,,anyway lots love Matt

[dckimberly in reply to Hidden]

Hi there Matt!

Yes, if he's mentioning it, start getting info and asking questions also.

There was a three day assesment period for me. Lots of testing, and poking around, quite a bit of blood work, and breathing tests, etc.

good luck at your November appointment! Please let us know how it went and how you are fairing. I'll be watching for your update and thinking of you!

Cheering you on!

xxx

[SadieGirl]

You truly are a rockstar little Pickle....in more ways than one can count❤️ U r an inspiration,a shining Star and above all an angle with wings that won't stop😘

Rock on little Picle ✨✨✨✨

[dckimberly in reply to SadieGirl]

Hugs you and I have a huge smile on my face! Thank you for brightening my morning already!

Have a wonderful week! I'll be thinking of you! And I feel like all of you are MY inspiration ! Truly!

xxx

Kimberly

[SadieGirl in reply to dckimberly]

I need to figure out how to send you a private message as I am very low key here but have loved following your story.... xx

[dckimberly in reply to SadieGirl]

I'll send you one!

XXXX

[SadieGirl in reply to dckimberly]

Thank you Kimberly.... I will be in touch... I have someone flying in from Bangledesh to live with me tomorrow so I am on very little sleep! I just have a connection with you and not sure where to start...

I live in LaJolla CA and wonder where your children live??! xxx

[Hidden]

Dearest Kimberly iam really happy for You, i am sure You will be very good and as You said it will seem as magic, send You my best wishes for your full recovery, lots of Sun and hugs from México. : )

[dckimberly in reply to Hidden]

Hullo there sweetie!

Thank you for your bright words and kind words!

Thank you for checking in on me.lit means so much to me, especially with your currant situation.

I'm doing some magical thinking for you also!

Many Hugs from England!

xxxxx

[briccolone]

Great to hear

[dckimberly in reply to briccolone]

Thanks you!

Hope your doing good this week also!

xxx

Kimberly

[pear-shaped]

Dear Kimberley,

This is great news! To be ascites, and all it comes with, free is terrific!

We have all been worrying - but just seeing your post has given us lots of hope as well as feeling less stressed over your stent outcome.

Enjoy this time as you truly deserve it!

Pear

[dckimberly in reply to pear-shaped]

Pear! Sweetest Girl!

Thank you!

I thought about all of you while I was in there!

It does feel good. Mostly just having hope feels good..it's amazing isn't it? Mind over matter! Such a powerful thing. My life really is entirely based on how I choose to see it. And without fail, if I choose to see things in a healthy and hopeful light, then no matter what life throws at me, I can handle it.

My preconceptions... But that can be so hard sometimes, you know? When your pain is real and just walking to the kitchen is a strain.

I really struggle with this some days..but all I can do is keep trying.

It's progress, not perfection! Lolol. Thank goodness for that!

Hope all is good in your corner of the world!

Hugs and a kiss!

xxxxx

[Hidden]

Great to read your post this morning xx

[dckimberly in reply to Hidden]

Awww thank you! I'm going to go through and see what I've missed thus far, this past week!

Hope your doing well also?

By the way..there's a smallish forest area near my home in the next village, and every year all these lovely bluebells pop up on the forest floor..it's the loveliest thing..the way they are set there beneath the trees in this opening? It's one of my favorite things! Did I even mention that to you?

But whenever I see your name in a post or reply, it takes me right there!,

Hugs!

xxx

[Hidden]

Glad to hear that things have gone well. I really that this continues- sounds like life has been less than fun for a while, so good luck with the new you (if you see what I mean!)

[dckimberly in reply to Hidden]

I DO see what you mean! And yes, fingers crossed!

We're going to try and go on a little holiday next month..something we've not been able to do in two years! So I've got that to look forward to also!

Thanks for all your support!

xxx

[h0b0]

Soooooo glad you're doing well.

Mal.xx

[dckimberly in reply to h0b0]

Mal,

Thx so much! It's good to be out!

And boy, it was soo hot in there this week. All the women in my bay had fans, pointed directly on us! Lol. Whew!

xxx

Kimberly

[Hidden]

Welcome back Kimberley, great to have you online again, it was like we were missing our matriarch. Hope you're feeling better.

I'm away on holiday myself at the moment, 1st time in over 2 years and trying to relax but scared of getting ill .

XX

[dckimberly in reply to Hidden]

Red!

Hullo there! Thanks for checking in while on holiday. How's it going? So far so good? I'm so pleased you went! Your so brave!

Please don't let fear steal your joy my friend! You deserve to relax and laugh!

For me, if I go next month it will be first time in two years also. We will have to compare notes!

Thinking of you & sending you hugs!

xxxx

[broomhall79]

Am so glad to hear everything went well Kimberly and your feeling slightly better.I think a well deserved rest is what you need gxxx

[dckimberly in reply to broomhall79]

Thank you! And your right! A good rest, and a little holiday should set me right!

Hope all is well with you !!

xxxx

[broomhall79 in reply to dckimberly]

Not to bad I just feel tired constantly.I went for a ct scan two weeks ago .now they want a mri scan witch is next week so we'll see how it go's but until then am just trying to keep busy and not worry about the results .but am happy and take one day at a time.xxxx

[dckimberly in reply to broomhall79]

I've been sleeping since yesterday, not sure why? I guess I'm still recovering from surgery!

Let us know how your scans go sweetie!

xxxxxx

[broomhall79 in reply to dckimberly]

I sure will Kimberly thank you.you just keep resting you'll be feeling better in no time love xxx

[pishi1]

Glad the surgery went well. I also have portal hypertension. They don't why I have it even though I had a biopsy done last year. My ascites is clear but I am taking carvedilol, a beta blocker for it. Started taken it while I was going through Chemo. I remember feeling much better when I had 3 litres drained from the tummy.

Best wishes to you

Angela

[dckimberly in reply to pishi1]

Angela,

Hi there! Yep, it's amazing how just 3 liters can make a difference, isn't it? I think because it's not just the weight..it's what comes with it!nthecexhaustion, any pain from pushing the organs out of place..if your smaller frame, three liters is a lot.

I've had 12 liters each time basically the last three times draining. Prior to transplant I could go as high as 21. Ugh!

I don't really know anything about cancer. But I'd imagine cancer in the liver to be absolutely devastating! How are you doing with everything now? Are you still getting chemo and under care?

Best wishes!

xxx

[pishi1 in reply to pishi1]

Hi Kim, Actually I am doing ok. Had stage 3 Ovarian cancer after having a an abdominal hysteretomy. I finished my Chemo back in May but still feel wiped out. Have aches in muscles and just try and do gardening and gentle exercises. I have some cirrhosis of the liver but is not alcohol related. I wish I knew what caused this, but it can happen to 10 percent of the population. Will probably have to have another endoscopy to see how the varices are doing. They found some tiny ones last year and that is why I am taking carvedilol.

Best wishes

Angela

[nickiwj]

Hi Hun,

Got my fingers crossed that the surgery helps and it gives you back your energy. You are always so up beat and happy on your posts and replies to everyone's posts and that's always lovely to read.

Sending you my healing hugs darling xxxx

[dckimberly in reply to nickiwj]

Hi there and thank you so much! I do try and be upbeat..sometimes I try and trick myself that I'm doing great! Once and a while it even works! Lololol.

But I am feeling better!

Just overly tired today?

Not sure why..still recovering from Wednesday I think!

Hugs you back!

xxxxx

[Katherine1962]

Great news. Hope you continue to do so well x

[dckimberly in reply to Katherine1962]

Thanks so much!

It means a lot to me that everyone cares for each other! Makes life much better!

Cheering you on!

xxxxx

[SadieGirl]

I truly Think You are the Energizer Bunny!!! Man Girl, You are Amazing.... I will be in touch... I hope.... xxx

[AdeleMalcolm]

Heh there. Great news. Loving all things American here!

[tillycindy]

Hello there our pickles! Been wondering how you have been getting along this last week, I was going to message you privately ( finally learnt how, cazer taught me. she got me in terrible trouble you know ........ uh, well that,s my story and I,m sticking to it!.....) Anyway, I expect quite a few folk are wondering how things have been going with you pain wise ect. I know how much you.ve been dreading that wretched asites rearing it,s ugly head again. so hope for positive news on that front. I worry about you so much, nobody deserves a break more than you kim. Havent thanked you yet for the moo kaite suggestion. found a great crystal site, sent for the crystals and knocked up a pendant and a chip bracelet. The last time I was at the hospital I resembled a Christmas tree (rowan berry neckless, magnates, crystals ect ). I left having been relieved of my crystal chip bracelet by the lady drawing my blood, who wants two more for her daughters, so it seems you,ve accidently started up something in Kent! Anyway pickles, when you have time let us know how things are going. Thinking of you Kim and keeping everything crossed. Love anne xx

[dckimberly]

hi there sweets!

And yes, that Cazer is nothin but trouble! lol.

Surgery was fine.

All went well. Alas, my messages are piling up, and I'm really not answering a lot..I feel bad, but I've been ill. It turns out the surgery has given me HE. At the lower end of the scale it causes extreme tiredness and a bit of depression. I have dreaded getting HE ever since I was diagnosed with liver disease and ascites. Its hard to believe I went over three years and so many drains and I did not get it. Then I gets this shunt for quality of life and I get HE. lol.

I have to laugh..I mean I HAD to get it..right?

Anyhoo. The good news is that it is at the lesser end of scale and they are giving me some new antibiotics, strictly for the gut. It seems to be working. I've been on it five days and Im feeling better, less tired..so we will see. Anyway.

Ill be on when I can, or actually feel like Im up to it. Sorry to worry anyone! I had written a post when I first got home..you must have missed it.

hugs and laughs...because its good to laugh!

xxxxx

kimberly

[dckimberly in reply to dckimberly]

duhhhhh..your responding to this post about me being out!! sighs. time for a nap

XXXX