The Harvest- Part III

Okay, now that I am feeling almost 100% I will finish this part of my story. It has been a really long bumpy ride, but I am glad I made the choice to donate. It's funny, I bought a new book this weekend, 2001 Things to do Before You Die. On page 1, #8- "Donate some body parts." Check.

The recovery was worse than expected. I was in a lot more pain than I had anticipated. I am by no means a wimp and have had major surgery in the past, surgery that required an overnight stay in the hospital, and upon coming home I insisted on vacuuming. Not so with this surgery. Partly because I was unable to move around freely, and partly because Aaron wouldn't let me do anything.

In "The Harvest Part II", I left off at waking up from the surgery. I will begin there.

I woke up about 3.5 hours after they put me under. I remember, vaguely, being wheeled into the recovery room. I remember Aaron and my father standing over my bed, but I was so out of it that I really didn't want to see anyone, or have to talk. 12:30PM is when I begin to have specific memories of being in the hospital. I was unable to speak at first because I had been intubated. I don't know if everyone knows this, or has experienced it, but it's pretty unforgiving- it leaves you feeling as though you have a porcupine lodged in your throat.

My doctor came in and told me that I did really well during surgery and that they had taken more marrow than they had anticipated because it was "the healthiest marrow they had seen" and knew I would be able to regenerate it quickly. He also told me I had "really strong hips." I guess from a doctor those are nice compliments to receive. It makes me smile, imagine writing a personal ad. SWF seeking SM. Likes animals, kayaking, hiking, 5'2"- petite, dark hair, brown eyes, strong hips, healthy marrow, non-smoker.

My dad and Aaron kept coming by frequently to check on me, but were able to occupy themselves elsewhere so I didn't feel the need to stay awake or worry about them. I was due to go home shortly after I had awoken, but unfortunately I had to be catheterized during the surgery, so I was unable to pee for hours following the surgery, so until I could pee, they were keeping custody of me. I wanted to go home... but I also really wanted to pee. Finally around 7:30 I peed and was released to my father and Aaron, who promptly drove me home.

In the days that followed I was in an enormous amount of pain. The best way I can describe the pain is "crushing." In all actuality, your bone marrow IS your immune system; and your hips are the central support for your body. So, picture a 2-liter bottle of soda, imagine half of that filled with bone marrow. That's what I gave up- via five holes in my hips. I was uncomfortable. Laying down hurt, sitting hurt, walking hurt, and stairs hurt-- so much.

I was out of work and home for a few days. Because it was really hard for me to do anything, I had to rely on Aaron to help me do most things, including going to the bathroom. I couldn't get up from the sitting position easily nor could I sit down slowly enough. My movements were very stiff and very laborious. I returned to work (against the judgement of pretty much everyone) 4 days after my surgery, I was there for 4 hours, then drove myself home- in tears.

Eventually moving around grew easier, but I had a fatigue that would not leave me. I was so exhausted from the surgery and because they took my immune system, everything took so much energy. I would have to take breaks in between activities. For example, I would have to rest in between putting on my make-up and blow-drying my hair. Simple activities exhausted me. I also had some residual effects from the anesthesia (just feeling overall yucky, nauseous and all my limbs were restless.)

In terms of scarring, my body was pretty tattered. I was quite bruised from all the needles and I.V's, and my back was pretty bruised with some scabbing.

I won't lie, the recovery was hard. But I received cards, e-mails, phone calls, people stopped by with gifts, flowers, food, well wishes and admiration. The out pour of thoughtfulness from my friends and family was amazing. Thank you all.

Today, I feel great. I am proud of what I did. I can't wait to write The Harvest- Part IV. The Harvest Part IV will be written when I am updated on the status of my recipient, an update I hope you are all looking forward to.

Now, briefly, about my recipient. Oh, my recipient. I think of my recipient everyday. I think of her on beautiful days, I think of her when it snows, I think of her when I sit in front of my Christmas Tree, I think of her when I see the 5 scars on my back, and I think of her every time I take life for granted. My heart breaks to know how difficult this recovery must be for her. I hope she is alright. I hope my bone marrow is helping her make healthy new cells, and I take solace in the fact that I am one of the healthiest most stubborn people you probably know, so maybe my marrow won't fail her.

I will post when I hear how she is doing. I can't wait. Please, think of her fondly.

When they first let Aaron into the recovery room. Aren't I happy?

A couple hours after I woke. What a trooper! When I see these pictures, I sometimes wonder how I found the courage to do such a thing.

On the way home.

Aaron was a bit too jubilant for my taste that night, but I think he was utterly relieved that I was okay- plus he was up all night worrying, so he may have been under the influence of large amounts of caffeine at this point- not really sure.

The next morning.

That's it.

Just a bandage.

Doesn't it just make you want to put yourself on the list to save a life? Hmmmm?

5 small holes.

Badges of honor.

Bruising from the I.V.

If you have any specific questions about my recovery, or how you too can become a bone marrow/organ donor, contact me.