30/11/2023
Update-
Today is only the 3rd day since November 1st that I have not been visiting 1 or 2 hospitals on the same day, which is excellent news because it means-
Harvey has had the all-clear following the infection and the emergency visit last week at the QE last Saturday. His new Kidney is performing well, and he will have another check-up at one of his regular weekly clinic appointments tomorrow. He has another small procedure in the next 2 weeks or so and he is then wire, cable, stint, line etc free and with scars that look like a shark attack victim he will be self sufficient on the donated Kidney. Still not a moan, or self-pity pity etc. just concern for his mum, and thanks to all this who have helped him get to this point and wished him well throughout. He knows he can't take this for granted and must maintain his clinic appointments and continue to follow all given instruction and advice. We hope he continues to recover quickly and look forward to less frequent hospital visits.
Amanda had a terrible time with her return to the QE hospital last Monday following 2 previous weeks of pain and feeling awful, with her deteriorating day by day while in the hospital last week with peritonitis and suspected sepsis. She was desperately ill; it was frightening to see her like that. On Friday last week, her intravenous medication and pain relief were changed, and the next day, she started to improve with a reduction in her infection markers. Her follow-up scan has shown that she now has an angry Liver; we aren't sure what that will mean for her in the long term, but will be monitored regularly. She could still not eat or drink, but from where she was, it was a good sign. Things continued to improve to the point where yesterday at a marker of 50 - she was given the option to go home and continue to recover in her bed with ongoing medication, with a review on Monday and also a clinic follow-up next week. She has been a very patient - patient, even though concerned that it looked at one stage that she may not recover, and has maintained her composure and dignity and that whatever the future holds, it has all been worth it.
You have all made a positive impact through the kind words and support shown over this last month. The flowers, chocolates, and Cornish Cream tea have been and are still being enjoyed, and those messages bring a smile to our faces.
I didn't post any of this to look for sympathy or responses; it was to ensure those who knew had the information that I have been unable to manage as individual responses and the very little time each day to compose and post. Having to repeat and say it out loud makes everything real and right in your face, so a few updates have made it easier for me to deal with to be honest. I hope you understand, and a big thank you. I hope I will soon be able to post something like.
"All is good with Amanda and Harvey. Thank you, everyone, and I hope those of you suffering from any problem stay positive; many people are thinking of you and sending sincere best wishes.
During this whole process, it has become apparent and we have witnessed that many donations/transplants have a worse outcome than ours. Our hearts go out to all those who have not been as lucky as we have.
David, Amanda & Harvey
