Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Back in the saddle again.....

Well I believe this is my first post since transplant...so Hello everyone!

It has been an incredible few months (3 month transplant anniversary was last Thursday). I have had many ups and downs over the time post transplant and Denise has done a great job filling everyone in on the craziness that is the transplant process. Thank you so much for keeping the blog going Denise and everything you have done for me over these difficult months. And Thank you everyone who has followed me and given me strength through this process, I am amazed at how many comments I hear from people on how much they enjoyed following us through this journey.

Many have asked me why I had not been blogging myself over this time and the truth is that I was not able too. At first physically my eyes could not focus, then my mind would not let me. I was so addled from the medicines that I was unable to clearly state what was going on. It has only been over the last two weeks that I have actually gotten back to being myself. I now feel I can fairly reflect on what has happened in my life and not send people running and screaming for the exits.

My weight is up from a low of 123 to a respectable 141.5 and I am no longer weak as a kitten like I had been. I have made a point to get out of the house more and it is helping me allot both physically and mentally. See when you have a transplant and they have your immune system knocked down low enough to keep your body from fighting the new organ you have to be wary of everything. The clinic does a good job of scaring you away from all the potential things that can hurt you and cause infection and or rejection. The result of the fear was that I found myself knocked out of my normal rhythm. Those who know me know I made a point in life to live it fully, no excuses no fears. I set goals and accomplished them more than not and never let my health interfere. Well post transplant, be it from the medicines, stress, fear or whatever I found myself trying to isolate myself from everything. I was physically afraid to engage in life or anything. This is not me, I have to throw caution to the wind and run headlong into the storm, that is who I am and I have come to realize I can't be anything different and have a decent quality of life. Two weeks ago I got angry and took control of my life again....

So as Aerosmith says I'm back in the saddle again!!!

I know many people had specific questions, feel free to email them to me or post them as comments and I will be glad to post about them.

Cheers!
Jim

22 comments:

  1. WELCOME BACK!!!! You can sit tall and proud in that saddle! :) SO glad that you are feeling like yourself again, and glad you got angry, sometimes that's what we need, a good fight with ourselves. And a fighter you are, as well as a winner! LOVE YA!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. :)
    Does this mean I have to start my own blog?

    ReplyDelete
  3. You really need to add pictures and change the color of the site. It reminds me of blood...ick! xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  4. It is a very manly site I like the color Jim.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Love this post!!!! You are such a Rock star an such an inspiration!!!! You go Jim!!!!! Take that saddle and ride like the wind!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Welcome back, Sheldon! Denise did an amazing job keeping us posted on how you were doing. Big thanks, Denise. I love you both.

    I think you should continue to do a joint blog. It will give us both of your perspectives. And...I'm not sure you would post anything about your poop. I know she will. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Oh everything is working better now Cheeky. I still get cramps after eating but they are managable. I take a stool softener twice a day, but no more daily laxatives, enemas, or suppositories.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Lol. Sheldon discusses his bowel movements! Love it!!! Seriously though, I am very happy that everything is working better :D

    ReplyDelete
  9. I'm going to miss talking about his poop! :(

    ReplyDelete
  10. So nice to hear from you Jim. I started following your blog about the time of your transplant and have really enjoyed reading Denise's updates. It seems as if you two are quite the team. Glad to hear you're back in the saddle. I vote yes Denise, you should get a blog too.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Welcome back. I started reading your site on transplant day when I saw the announcement on Twitter or Facebook from CG, so I haven't really "known" you any other way. Let's see where these new air bags take you.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Maybe I'll do my own blog called "My Blog is Better Than Another Outlet".
    :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. I found your blog through the transplantbuddies website. So glad you are doing well. Two years ago, my husband had a liver transplant. We, too, were worried about the rejection meds. But it hasn't been that bad. In fact, I still get colds that he never does. That's probably due to the fact that he washes his hands religiously and gets his flu shot. We are big travellers, and that hasn't stopped since the surgery. Last year we trekked through the Himalayas (in Bhutan) and ski toured the Haute Route in the French and Swiss Alps. My husband's doing great, and you will be too! You can click on my blog, which highlights our journey through the transplant process and beyond. Best of luck to you!
    Kim Kircher
    www.kimkircher.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. 41st birthday party, seems so good. Keep sharing such posts here. My mom turned 50 years old and our family was excited for her. She got a fabulous surprise party at her favorite rooftop LA venue and was so happy. The combined efforts of our family members made her feel truly special.

    ReplyDelete