Sionara To Salt

Well, I am finally out of the hospital, and in the words of my nephrologist "You don't mess around. When you get sick, you get sick!" After 12 days, 2 X-RAY's, 2 EKG's, 2 ultrasounds, one biopsy (not to mention all sorts of other fun small tests and lots and lots of medication) later...I'd have to agree with him!

I am nowhere near back to 100% yet, but I think I have finally "turned the corner" on the road to recovery. I still have 15-20lbs extra fluid from swelling on my body right now. Its crazy to be "blown up" and yet dehydrated at the same time. My fluid intake and outtake is strictly monitored. I am currently only allotted 2000 mg of sodium-that's only one teaspoon of salt per day!!!!! So it is only freshly prepared meals at home for me for a while. Fortunate am I that my parents are both wonderful cooks who have already been so creative to add variety and some taste to my diet! I have a follow-up appointment on Friday with my nephrologist and I am hoping to learn a lot more about adult minimal change disease and how this will affect my life from here on out. Although I have my theories about how I actually contracted this disease, I will truly never know for the sure. What I do know is that I will be on a combination of steroids/immuno-suppressive medications for at least six months.

But, Enough about me...I have some serious thank-yous in order. First off to Jason and my mom who have been by my side every moment possible. I'm absolutely positive I wouldn't be here right now if it hadn't been for their foresight and intervention into my medical care. I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the Goodrow Gang for taking in their Godson Wesley and making sure his every need was met. Julie even accomplished the impossible task of getting Wesley to take a bottle! To my personal "maid brigade" who came in between my two hospital stays to clean my house! I'll never forget waking up and asking my mom who was there and her telling me "Julie, Becky, and Amanda. They came to clean the house. They wanted to help so we let them." What amazing friends I have! Becky also brought us a meal that day which not only tasted delicious it was made with her special brand of love. We also had two meals brought over from our friends the Simmon's which were sooo appreciated. Amanda, my dad, and Jason's mom have taken turns watching David. This is no small feet for any of them, especially Amanda who not only has her two year old Lana to watch-she is pregnant with her second daughter and due in May! For Matt and Christy, Clint and Mandy, Joel and Julie, Becky and Jason, Priscilla and Steve for visiting me at Emory. I said it before, and I'll say it again-"it was truly chicken soup, er, em bulldog brew for the soul". For Becky's dad affectionately named "Papa" by his grandchildren who brought me communion on Sunday-what a gift! To my sister who has been watching Charlie Dawg for us. To my friends/blog buddies who sent an edible arrangement to me-I felt so loved! And last but not least all those who have been calling, texting, and praying for me and my family continually! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! Words truly can't express how humbled and grateful I am. Once again, continued prayers are appreciated for my quick and full recovery!