29 April: Four Weeks

Today is four weeks since the surgery. I am no longer restricted to lifting only 10 pounds and, I believe, I am able to resume normal activities and everything will stay in place and nothing will break. I did some testing, (jumped rope, lifted weights, mowed part of the lawn) and so far so good. I also took a nap and did two computer appointments.

Have not heard too much from Kate -- assuming that no news is good news.

26 April - Weight Lifting

I tried a little very light weight lifting today. Felt good. Will gradually start building up the weights, but have to be sure that there is no stress on the incision.

Also received a bill from the hospital for $29,000. Nothing that a little CPR couldn't fix. I am assuming that this is the usual procedure where the insurance company initially denies all claims without even reading them.

April 24 & 25 - Passed the Mexican Test

Saturday, 24 April: We attended Christopher's First Holy Communion in NC. Annmarie had it catered with Mexican food (my favorite)! I ate it with reckless abandon and no problems!! I must be cured.

I have not been getting any naps, but have been going to bed early. I think that my energy is returning.

Today, 24 April: We drove home through the Shenandoah Valley. What a beautiful drive, the red buds and dogwoods are in bloom and the hills are lush green.

Barbara was into a good book on her Kindle, so I did most of the driving. Felt fine.

23 April - Tired

I wound up doing a good bit of the driving yesterday on our trip to NC and only got a short nap.
Result: tired this morning.
One other observation: I seem to feel better on bright, sunny days than cloudy, rainy days.

As a result of eating some new foods yesterday, my digestive system let me know that I need to back off a bit. Trying to be more careful today.

I am also wondering if part of my brains were removed with my kidney. After we drove about 100 miles yesterday, I realized that I forgot my wallet. And this morning I discovered that I had forgotten my electric toothbrush (which I had carefully laid on the bed next to my suitcase when I was packing.)

I got my steri-strips off my incision in the shower this morning. I was afraid they were going to be there forever. I can't believe how small the incision looks and how he ever got the kidney through that size hole -- I have this picture of him with his foot on my stomach and pulling with two hands -- no wonder I was sore!

I got the results of my blood testing from Kaiser. The doctor said that all of my kidney related tests were fine. I did notice that cholesterol numbers on my LIPID panel tests were going in the wrong direction from my previous test, so I have resumed taking my Simvistatin.

Today, Barbara and I went to Mass with Annmarie, then to Starbucks (they let me in without a gun!) and then shopping at Sam's Club. After lunch I took a delicious two hour nap. Weather looks pretty good now -- think I will take a walk.

22 April - off to NC

Yesterday I had a busy day. Only got one small nap. Today I am a bit tired, but taking short turns driving.

Testing more foods - so far so good!

20 April - Cracking the Code ??

Yesterday I was more careful with my diet. This lead to my digestive system doing better, which meant that I slept better last night and I don't feel tired this morning. Maybe this is all related!!

19 April - Good Day - More Energy

Photo (L to R) is my brother, Keith, who donated blood for Kate, Kate, me. Photo was taken one week after surgery.


Today was good. Had quite a bit of energy -- hope I don't pay for it tomorrow.