So... I haven't been writing at all this week because I will tell you what, I wasn't even sure where to begin. Let me explain this as best I can, in the manner I tell it best, in a chaotic fashion!!
It started over a week ago. On Tuesday February 15, I was called by UNMC about 2pm. I was told, "we may have a pancreas offer, but it might not work because it may be too small". That was sad to hear, but I said "ok" and accepted this possible amazing gift. I was told to go about my day and just go on like nothing was happening. UGH. So, I call Patti. I forget to tell her again that my "water had broke". I called to say "oh crap, here we go again". We decide, well she tells me not to tell anyone, including my mom. Of course the Schrack's know because Kim could hear me talking. It was exciting. Right about 245 I was called to work at Blue as someone was sick and I was "on call". I go to work and explain to a few people that if I get a "call" from UNMC I would have to leave due to possibly getting my Pancreas. They, as always we accepting and told me whatever needed to happen would be ok. I mean really people... PLEASE support Blue Sushi or Roja Mexican Grill. They have supported me and donated so much to me over the last year during this entire adventure. NO OTHER job has been so flexible or giving to me. If you want to help me show gratitude, please eat at their restaurants. Seriously, they have been so supportive and never let me go. For that, I thank them time and time again.
Ok, I work on Tuesday the 15th. I get home about 9pm and Bailee and I sit on the couch and watch "Glee". We are both just hanging out and about 10pm my phone rings and the nurse said "its a go". So what this now means is that the organ looks good, the doctor has accepted it, and it is now on its way to Omaha. She asked that I get to Med Center for blood work with in the hour. So now I call Patti tell her "here we go" then I call Lolly to say "my water broke". She says ok and asks what is going on. I tell her that I will be there in an hour and we will go from there.
So I get Lolly about 11:45 and then Patti meets us at the hospital. I get my blood work then check in to the Clarkson side. I was taken up to a room where they started an IV and gave me "go lytly".... that sucked. I didn't get too much rest due to the fact I was being asked the same questions about 20 times. But this whole time I wasn't thinking about what I was getting, I was thinking about what a family was losing. I mean when the nurse said "it may be too small" that can't be an older person or an adult. A child. I was starting to get sad. I mean as I am so happy, thrilled, and shocked. They too were shocked, but not for any of the same reasons. By this time it was about 4 am. Patti and Lolly were long gone, as I directed them to go home and get rest. The next 48 hours would be exhausting enough. By this time I wasn't able to finish my "poop potion" so a tube was inserted in my nose. This fluid was now poured down my nose and directly put in my tummy. I do remember going downstairs for a chest x-ray and as soon as the doors open, here comes my awesome cousin Connie Flip. I stand up and was like "hi. I'm here!!" she gave me a big hug which calmed me a few degrees. She rode in the elevator and talked to me which was nice and peaceful. She for some reason was working overnight which ended up being a blessing for me. I had family with me when needed. I think about this time was told the Pancreas was actually in the building and it was being worked on. I mean it was IN MED CENTER being worked on for ME!!!! holy fuck!
Ok, so after the chest xray and learning Hank the Pank was here, I go back to my room and just wait. I want to say about 6am I was taken down to pre-op. After I get down there I just get more questions and give more answers. I won't even start to pretend I was listening. The "go lylty" was really beginning to work. I get up a few times, and when they want to help me walk to the bathroom, I get angry. "Ma'am I can do this on my own"... "No, please let me help you"... "NO. I WILL GO ON MY OWN". She then makes the comment to my mom, "good luck with that one"... some day I will find and make her apologize for that comment. My family knows I am evil, they can handle it. Bitch. HA HA!
Ok, at exactly 7:19am I get another call from my nurse coordinator. "It is compatible, its an all clear". I look to my mom and my other cousin that came by after work and gave them both thumbs up... here we go. After that everything was foggy. I kinda remember being rolled down to the room, but not as clear as it was with the Kidney.
Now we fast forward........
I think it is about 2pm when I wake up. My mom's BFF is there with her, and thank goodness bc when Lolly is calm, we are a little bit calmer as well. Thanks Jeannie!! I remember waking up and being in horrible pain. I was telling the doctors and nurses how much it hurt and how uncomfortable I was. From this point on I compare everything to the "kidney transplant". In October I was able to wake up and was ready to go. In February I was in pain. I was in ICU for a day and couldn't get comfy. I wanted to sit up, but wasn't able to. I wanted to drink, but I was sucking on sponges. My mouth was so dry. I was so tired. I told my family to leave, go home, rest. I knew that all I would be doing is sleeping. Patti left like I wanted, but Lolly sat there the whole time. She said she wanted to make sure she was there when Kevin landed from Dallas... that was just her being funny. It was way too cold for him to come visit!
About 10am on Thursday I was taken out of ICU and down to (SOTU) Solid Organ Transplant Unit on the 5th floor of Clarkson Hospital. Again, I was still in pain. I wasn't bouncing back as I wanted, which I had to be reminded several times that his was my 2nd transplant in 4 months. really?? 4 months I was saved by 2 different people. Like I said, what a long strange trip its been. So the weekend comes and goes. Still in pain, and not really in a great mood. I try to keep people away, but it was great to have some visitors. Weekly stopped by and that was awesome!!! Melanie came and did my toes, walked with me and just sat and visited. As always she brings treats, movies, and stickers. Such a great friend. Julie brings a basket of treats, Chipotle, bagels... everything I like. Farley, Leverett, Stacey, Kelsie... I mean so blessed to have friends and family to come and see me. I know that people wanted to visit, but if they were at all sick... DON'T COME. NOT INVITED!! ha ha.
So now we are talking Monday, February 21st. By this time the nose tube is gone. The catheter is gone. Now I can eat... very lightly. This may be a lot of information, but now to go home, I have to have a bowel movement and pass gas. So what you are telling me is I have to fart and poop? yes. Ok. I got it. Well, guess what, I didn't. I couldn't go either. It was crazy. Let's go back a little bit and explain why it is so important to do the above things. Hank the Pank can be attached to either the bladder or bowel. This one was placed on the bowel, and to make sure there were no "leaks" i have to do all of the gas things a body does. So farting and pooping so very important to make sure everything is working and working how they want it to.
Over the last 5 days, I haven't had to take any insulin. Like for the last 24 years I have woken up, took insulin, and went on from there. I haven't had to do that. It was crazy... nurses, doctors, social workers, everyone telling me that I am an ex-diabetic. So from Wednesday the 16th until Monday the 21st so much has already changed. Every time my blood sugar was tested it was "normal". "good job Megan..." I didn't do anything! I just ate a cookie. I just had some juice. My whole world has been flipped around. Just unreal. Today while writing this, I am still in shock about the whole insulin thing. Anyone need syringes? Humalog Insulin? Test Strips? I will no longer need them.
Ok... rewind to Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of this week. My pain is still the same. Every time a nurse walks in, I am asked what my pain level is. I usually can tolerate a 4 or 5 but this week been at a solid 7/8/9. My stomach was getting worse and the pain was intolerable. I was miserable. On Wednesday the 23rd I wasn't able to sleep. I was puking (OUCH) and still couldn't fart or poop. I was bawling my eyes out begging for any relief. Help me. It was horrible. So that night sucked. I felt as if I was dehydrated and couldn't even function. It felt like a hangover from the World Famous Outback. The ones that we would have all night. The shakes, gagging, cold, hot, sweating. Miserable. This continued to Thursday morning due to the fact I was still puking and still unable to function on my own. Thursday mid-morning I was given Saline solution which totally began to help. I was no longer feeling so weak and tired. I wasn't ill, and guess what?? I passed gas. The horrible pain in my stomach was slowly starting to get some relief. And so I guess the rest is history, my bowels starting moving, I was feeling better, still sore, very sore, but tolerable pain.
I was released from Clarkson Tower on Friday, Friday February 25th. This time I was released with a new functioning Pancreas from a family who had to lose someone. I was given a whole new life. I have been given a second chance two times, and I am only looking forward. I was thinking to myself a few days ago that all of this started this time last year. It was the end of February 2010 when I started Dialysis. I started doing the steps to have a better life. Last year I missed a few birthday parties due to healing. Those same parties are going on today.
I listened to the song "5 hundred 25 thousand 600 minutes"... how do you measure, measure a year? A lot has happened to me over this last year. So many people have given so much. My sister planned an amazing fundraiser that lasted me until this month. I was able to pay all bills, medical expenses, cobra, medicare, etc until just this month. what a great job she and everyone else that helped out did. A lot of friends and family helped so much this year. People were so generous. For every ones help, that can be measured in love people have for me. Schrack's opened their home to me. They have always been like family to us, but since June, they have been. They are amazing people who I know love me, and I love them for being so kind and generous. People offer help all the time, she follows through. Kim, if and when you read this, I want everyone to know how grateful I am. You opened your heart and home to me, and haven't ever made me feel like I don't belong. I guess in the 19 years I have known the Schrack family, I never thought it would be in this capacity!! Their love is unconditional. My mom. Oh Lolly. She will go to the ends of the earth for me. She will do whatever and I can't thank her enough. She gives and gives to so many people, and from time to time she can annoy, she tries so hard. gives so much. I hope people know that about her. She can love and does love unconditionally. I have to thank my Uncle Jeff as well. Over 25 years ago he saw a girl in a red bikini... and he asked her to marry him. Little did she know that she would be saving my life. Literally, saving my life. As I look back to July/August, I was running on empty. Unable to do all I wanted, but faked it as best I could. At our dinner at that loud restaurant my mom loves... when that match fell out of that card, and she told me "its a match" it was music to my ears. My heart melted and tears of joy filled my eyes. It was magical. I had that same emotion when I got the call on the 15th... someone else touched my life. Someone touched your lives as well. They lost a loved one, so you can continue to have me. We don't know anything about the donor. Dr. Morris said something about a 10 year old. But I will be writing the family and go over the last year, or the last 24 years of my life.
For when I see you again, I will not be introducing myself as "Hi, I'm Megan, I have diabetes". I will just say "Hi, I am Megan, and I have a new outlook on life". Hey, I will still be a smart ass, but just know its because I care!
For the next week I will be healing to see Mama Mia and celebrate (downscaled of course) Melanie's 30th bday celebration. Being with friends and family is so much sweeter when I know I will be doing it for years to come.
Ok... I will check in after St. Patrick's Day. We all know how last St. Patrick's was for me. Can't wait for St. Paddy's Day 2011 - The new Megan way!!
Final thoughts... Thanks to everyone. Everyone has helped. Everyone has prayed and wished me good thoughts. I know that I am loved by so many people. Even those that dicked me over... cough cough... donate to Salvation Army... I know everything happens for a reason and I will be better off for a new change.
Signing off... Megan
It started over a week ago. On Tuesday February 15, I was called by UNMC about 2pm. I was told, "we may have a pancreas offer, but it might not work because it may be too small". That was sad to hear, but I said "ok" and accepted this possible amazing gift. I was told to go about my day and just go on like nothing was happening. UGH. So, I call Patti. I forget to tell her again that my "water had broke". I called to say "oh crap, here we go again". We decide, well she tells me not to tell anyone, including my mom. Of course the Schrack's know because Kim could hear me talking. It was exciting. Right about 245 I was called to work at Blue as someone was sick and I was "on call". I go to work and explain to a few people that if I get a "call" from UNMC I would have to leave due to possibly getting my Pancreas. They, as always we accepting and told me whatever needed to happen would be ok. I mean really people... PLEASE support Blue Sushi or Roja Mexican Grill. They have supported me and donated so much to me over the last year during this entire adventure. NO OTHER job has been so flexible or giving to me. If you want to help me show gratitude, please eat at their restaurants. Seriously, they have been so supportive and never let me go. For that, I thank them time and time again.
Ok, I work on Tuesday the 15th. I get home about 9pm and Bailee and I sit on the couch and watch "Glee". We are both just hanging out and about 10pm my phone rings and the nurse said "its a go". So what this now means is that the organ looks good, the doctor has accepted it, and it is now on its way to Omaha. She asked that I get to Med Center for blood work with in the hour. So now I call Patti tell her "here we go" then I call Lolly to say "my water broke". She says ok and asks what is going on. I tell her that I will be there in an hour and we will go from there.
So I get Lolly about 11:45 and then Patti meets us at the hospital. I get my blood work then check in to the Clarkson side. I was taken up to a room where they started an IV and gave me "go lytly".... that sucked. I didn't get too much rest due to the fact I was being asked the same questions about 20 times. But this whole time I wasn't thinking about what I was getting, I was thinking about what a family was losing. I mean when the nurse said "it may be too small" that can't be an older person or an adult. A child. I was starting to get sad. I mean as I am so happy, thrilled, and shocked. They too were shocked, but not for any of the same reasons. By this time it was about 4 am. Patti and Lolly were long gone, as I directed them to go home and get rest. The next 48 hours would be exhausting enough. By this time I wasn't able to finish my "poop potion" so a tube was inserted in my nose. This fluid was now poured down my nose and directly put in my tummy. I do remember going downstairs for a chest x-ray and as soon as the doors open, here comes my awesome cousin Connie Flip. I stand up and was like "hi. I'm here!!" she gave me a big hug which calmed me a few degrees. She rode in the elevator and talked to me which was nice and peaceful. She for some reason was working overnight which ended up being a blessing for me. I had family with me when needed. I think about this time was told the Pancreas was actually in the building and it was being worked on. I mean it was IN MED CENTER being worked on for ME!!!! holy fuck!
Ok, so after the chest xray and learning Hank the Pank was here, I go back to my room and just wait. I want to say about 6am I was taken down to pre-op. After I get down there I just get more questions and give more answers. I won't even start to pretend I was listening. The "go lylty" was really beginning to work. I get up a few times, and when they want to help me walk to the bathroom, I get angry. "Ma'am I can do this on my own"... "No, please let me help you"... "NO. I WILL GO ON MY OWN". She then makes the comment to my mom, "good luck with that one"... some day I will find and make her apologize for that comment. My family knows I am evil, they can handle it. Bitch. HA HA!
Ok, at exactly 7:19am I get another call from my nurse coordinator. "It is compatible, its an all clear". I look to my mom and my other cousin that came by after work and gave them both thumbs up... here we go. After that everything was foggy. I kinda remember being rolled down to the room, but not as clear as it was with the Kidney.
Now we fast forward........
I think it is about 2pm when I wake up. My mom's BFF is there with her, and thank goodness bc when Lolly is calm, we are a little bit calmer as well. Thanks Jeannie!! I remember waking up and being in horrible pain. I was telling the doctors and nurses how much it hurt and how uncomfortable I was. From this point on I compare everything to the "kidney transplant". In October I was able to wake up and was ready to go. In February I was in pain. I was in ICU for a day and couldn't get comfy. I wanted to sit up, but wasn't able to. I wanted to drink, but I was sucking on sponges. My mouth was so dry. I was so tired. I told my family to leave, go home, rest. I knew that all I would be doing is sleeping. Patti left like I wanted, but Lolly sat there the whole time. She said she wanted to make sure she was there when Kevin landed from Dallas... that was just her being funny. It was way too cold for him to come visit!
About 10am on Thursday I was taken out of ICU and down to (SOTU) Solid Organ Transplant Unit on the 5th floor of Clarkson Hospital. Again, I was still in pain. I wasn't bouncing back as I wanted, which I had to be reminded several times that his was my 2nd transplant in 4 months. really?? 4 months I was saved by 2 different people. Like I said, what a long strange trip its been. So the weekend comes and goes. Still in pain, and not really in a great mood. I try to keep people away, but it was great to have some visitors. Weekly stopped by and that was awesome!!! Melanie came and did my toes, walked with me and just sat and visited. As always she brings treats, movies, and stickers. Such a great friend. Julie brings a basket of treats, Chipotle, bagels... everything I like. Farley, Leverett, Stacey, Kelsie... I mean so blessed to have friends and family to come and see me. I know that people wanted to visit, but if they were at all sick... DON'T COME. NOT INVITED!! ha ha.
So now we are talking Monday, February 21st. By this time the nose tube is gone. The catheter is gone. Now I can eat... very lightly. This may be a lot of information, but now to go home, I have to have a bowel movement and pass gas. So what you are telling me is I have to fart and poop? yes. Ok. I got it. Well, guess what, I didn't. I couldn't go either. It was crazy. Let's go back a little bit and explain why it is so important to do the above things. Hank the Pank can be attached to either the bladder or bowel. This one was placed on the bowel, and to make sure there were no "leaks" i have to do all of the gas things a body does. So farting and pooping so very important to make sure everything is working and working how they want it to.
Over the last 5 days, I haven't had to take any insulin. Like for the last 24 years I have woken up, took insulin, and went on from there. I haven't had to do that. It was crazy... nurses, doctors, social workers, everyone telling me that I am an ex-diabetic. So from Wednesday the 16th until Monday the 21st so much has already changed. Every time my blood sugar was tested it was "normal". "good job Megan..." I didn't do anything! I just ate a cookie. I just had some juice. My whole world has been flipped around. Just unreal. Today while writing this, I am still in shock about the whole insulin thing. Anyone need syringes? Humalog Insulin? Test Strips? I will no longer need them.
Ok... rewind to Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of this week. My pain is still the same. Every time a nurse walks in, I am asked what my pain level is. I usually can tolerate a 4 or 5 but this week been at a solid 7/8/9. My stomach was getting worse and the pain was intolerable. I was miserable. On Wednesday the 23rd I wasn't able to sleep. I was puking (OUCH) and still couldn't fart or poop. I was bawling my eyes out begging for any relief. Help me. It was horrible. So that night sucked. I felt as if I was dehydrated and couldn't even function. It felt like a hangover from the World Famous Outback. The ones that we would have all night. The shakes, gagging, cold, hot, sweating. Miserable. This continued to Thursday morning due to the fact I was still puking and still unable to function on my own. Thursday mid-morning I was given Saline solution which totally began to help. I was no longer feeling so weak and tired. I wasn't ill, and guess what?? I passed gas. The horrible pain in my stomach was slowly starting to get some relief. And so I guess the rest is history, my bowels starting moving, I was feeling better, still sore, very sore, but tolerable pain.
I was released from Clarkson Tower on Friday, Friday February 25th. This time I was released with a new functioning Pancreas from a family who had to lose someone. I was given a whole new life. I have been given a second chance two times, and I am only looking forward. I was thinking to myself a few days ago that all of this started this time last year. It was the end of February 2010 when I started Dialysis. I started doing the steps to have a better life. Last year I missed a few birthday parties due to healing. Those same parties are going on today.
I listened to the song "5 hundred 25 thousand 600 minutes"... how do you measure, measure a year? A lot has happened to me over this last year. So many people have given so much. My sister planned an amazing fundraiser that lasted me until this month. I was able to pay all bills, medical expenses, cobra, medicare, etc until just this month. what a great job she and everyone else that helped out did. A lot of friends and family helped so much this year. People were so generous. For every ones help, that can be measured in love people have for me. Schrack's opened their home to me. They have always been like family to us, but since June, they have been. They are amazing people who I know love me, and I love them for being so kind and generous. People offer help all the time, she follows through. Kim, if and when you read this, I want everyone to know how grateful I am. You opened your heart and home to me, and haven't ever made me feel like I don't belong. I guess in the 19 years I have known the Schrack family, I never thought it would be in this capacity!! Their love is unconditional. My mom. Oh Lolly. She will go to the ends of the earth for me. She will do whatever and I can't thank her enough. She gives and gives to so many people, and from time to time she can annoy, she tries so hard. gives so much. I hope people know that about her. She can love and does love unconditionally. I have to thank my Uncle Jeff as well. Over 25 years ago he saw a girl in a red bikini... and he asked her to marry him. Little did she know that she would be saving my life. Literally, saving my life. As I look back to July/August, I was running on empty. Unable to do all I wanted, but faked it as best I could. At our dinner at that loud restaurant my mom loves... when that match fell out of that card, and she told me "its a match" it was music to my ears. My heart melted and tears of joy filled my eyes. It was magical. I had that same emotion when I got the call on the 15th... someone else touched my life. Someone touched your lives as well. They lost a loved one, so you can continue to have me. We don't know anything about the donor. Dr. Morris said something about a 10 year old. But I will be writing the family and go over the last year, or the last 24 years of my life.
For when I see you again, I will not be introducing myself as "Hi, I'm Megan, I have diabetes". I will just say "Hi, I am Megan, and I have a new outlook on life". Hey, I will still be a smart ass, but just know its because I care!
For the next week I will be healing to see Mama Mia and celebrate (downscaled of course) Melanie's 30th bday celebration. Being with friends and family is so much sweeter when I know I will be doing it for years to come.
Ok... I will check in after St. Patrick's Day. We all know how last St. Patrick's was for me. Can't wait for St. Paddy's Day 2011 - The new Megan way!!
Final thoughts... Thanks to everyone. Everyone has helped. Everyone has prayed and wished me good thoughts. I know that I am loved by so many people. Even those that dicked me over... cough cough... donate to Salvation Army... I know everything happens for a reason and I will be better off for a new change.
Signing off... Megan
Megan, this is a beautiful letter! Loved reading it, and by the way, Thanks for the tears. You are a very strong woman. Yes, Lolly is very giving and would do whatever she could for anyone who needs her. It is a strong family trait. Love ya Megan and am very proud of you!! Stay well!
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