Below is the 2-part video of the entire transplant procedure. While there is nothing super-graphic shown in this footage... please be aware that if you are squeamish of needles, etc... you may have to turn away a few times!
However... it is important that others who are considering this procedure be allowed to see exactly what is taking place. It will take about 15 minutes to watch both parts. They run around 8 minutes each.
Part 1:
Part 2:
Monday, July 19, 2010
Friday, July 16, 2010
It's Been 2 Weeks
Successes to report:
This does not come easy. I think I foolishly hoped that I would come home from this treatment and immediately be a different person. I wasn't aware that I was in store for so much work! And this work doesn't end. This work is a lifestyle change.
I have to eat this way for the rest of my life. I have to exercise every day and work to rebuild lost muscle. Finally, and most importantly, I have to keep my attitude positive. If that falters, I lose.
There are still bad periods in each day. I still suffer debilitating fatigue in the late afternoons. I still experience periods of numbness in one area or another temporarily. I still use my walker. I still have to rest throughout my day. I'm realizing and understanding now that these may be my lifelong hardships. Here's where the attitude adjustment comes in.
I'm still going to work my tail off. I've got 12 more days left in this critical first 28 day period. I know I can make a lot more connections and regain a lot more strength in that time. Onward...
- I can go from sitting to standing without holding on to anything.
- I can stand up to get dressed.
- I can ride my cycle 9 minutes morning and night.
- I can type with 2 hands.
- I can brush my teeth standing up.
- I can still tap my left foot. (Not without much effort but I can do it!)
- I took the kids to the library and out to lunch yesterday and made it back home. The heat index was 105. No way I could have done that before. Then later, we went swimming!
This does not come easy. I think I foolishly hoped that I would come home from this treatment and immediately be a different person. I wasn't aware that I was in store for so much work! And this work doesn't end. This work is a lifestyle change.
I have to eat this way for the rest of my life. I have to exercise every day and work to rebuild lost muscle. Finally, and most importantly, I have to keep my attitude positive. If that falters, I lose.
There are still bad periods in each day. I still suffer debilitating fatigue in the late afternoons. I still experience periods of numbness in one area or another temporarily. I still use my walker. I still have to rest throughout my day. I'm realizing and understanding now that these may be my lifelong hardships. Here's where the attitude adjustment comes in.
I'm still going to work my tail off. I've got 12 more days left in this critical first 28 day period. I know I can make a lot more connections and regain a lot more strength in that time. Onward...
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