Sorry, it’s been so long since my last post. I’ve been out running the streets of Minnesota. Yesterday I had a visit with my surgeon. I also had bloodwork done. I had great news from Dr. Beilman! I am progressing way ahead of what is expected! I did tell him about the abdominal muscle pain and he said that it is perfectly normal considering my activity level. He was really happy! My platelets have come down from about 1470 to 700. Still a little bit elevated but much better! They will test me again in about 3 weeks to see if I need to continue the aspirin therapy. My blood sugars are doing great as well! I will see my endocrinologist on Wednesday…
I was a bit worried yesterday as well because my temperature rose to 100.2. Normally this is not a serious matter, but without a spleen, this cannot go above 101 and if left untreated can become very serious and possibly life-threatening. As things turned out this morning my temperature was normal. This was a good lesson for me. I need to be very cautious when I am out and extra diligent to wipe surfaces like the handles on grocery carts.
I also had the privilege of meeting 2 wonderful people yesterday. One who is having a TP-IAT on Monday and one who was in Minnesota for her evaluation. We had some great conversations and even a few laughs! They thanked me for making them feel much better about the surgery! This was an especially rewarding time for me because I was able to give to someone in the form of comfort and compassion a sense of not being alone and less fear as they go through this journey of their own and this is so fulfilling to return what was given to me by so many in so many ways. One of the ladies that I met was so motivated by our meeting, she suggests that I be a spokesperson for U of M and the TP-IAT procedure. I told her that this was one of my hopes and here I am today with them doing it. How rewarding that was to be able to help someone even a little to face what I did and feel some of their fear resolve to hope.
It looks like I’ll be returning to Florida next Sunday the 7th! I look so forward to being back with my family and friends!
