JoAnn,
WHAT A BLESSING!!!! I AM ECSTATIC!!!!
Don’t worry about Jerry’s appetite. Harvey had no appetite until about 8-10 weeks after his surgery. I had to stand over him to make him eat. Slowly but surely he regained his taste for food. Now he is complaining that he needs to go on a diet. The appetite kicks in later. He is up to 175 lbs (that’s 50 lbs from when he was at his worst). He joined a gym, but not just any gym. . .
Harvey asked me many times what his life expectancy was post transplant. I told him that as long as he took his meds followed doctor’s orders; he could expect to live a full life. He was hesitant and began to get depressed.
During one of his walks, he met a man in the back of our subdivision that had a liver transplant 10 years ago. They spoke for about 40 minutes and ever since then I’ve noticed a marked improvement in Harvey’s approach to LIFE. This gentleman was a member of a particular gym and that was where Harvey was determined to go.
I have supported Harvey every step of the way just as you have done for Jerry. But Harvey is just like a kid, until he hears it from someone going through it, it isn’t real to him. I suggest you seek out a survivor in your area that Jerry can relate to. Perhaps the transplant clinic can help you with this. If all else fails, join a support group.
I’m more concerned about you. I have been extremely depressed since Harvey’s transplant. Perhaps I went back to work too soon or maybe I’m experiencing post traumatic stress disorder. I guess my point is that you must not expect too much too soon. Trust me when I say that it will take at least 6 months before Jerry will feel like his old self.
A failed liver can compromise so many other systems in the body. Jerry may experience complications as you progress to recovery. What I’m trying to say is that it is not over for you. Don’t expect things to simply get “back to normal” since he has had a transplant. It’s been 7 months since Harvey’s transplant and I’m just now feeling a more relaxed approach to his healthcare.
Harvey spent 75 days in the hospital prior to his transplant. This is beside all the appointments and hospitalizations we endured prior to the great event. I was there everyday. I have a very vivid memory of what happened but he has NONE. He doesn’t appreciate what I went through but it’s not his fault; he simply cannot comprehend it.
May God bless all those who care for someone with a terminal illness. Only those who experience it will truly appreciate the commitment involved.
Love ya,
Penny