We have checked in.....

We are checked in to the hospital!!!!  It is very surreal (if that is the right word...a bit sleep deprived here!)

Today is pretty chill.... we have met with a few doctors, lot's of nurses, typical hospital admission stuff.  We have had some questions answered and been given the "game plan" for the next few days.

The biggest praise right now (besides the fact that we are IN THE HOSPITAL FOR A TRANSPLANT!!!)  is that they have agreed to put his central line in once he is in the O.R. and not do it bedside like they typically do.  This was an area of concern for David because he sees them put in all the time at work and he was NOT looking forward to have this done while he was awake.  The main purpose of the central line is he will receive his immune suppressant medication through it.  They will completely suppress his immune system so that his body won't immediately reject the kidney.  Then they will give him anti-rejection medications to continue to keep his body from rejecting. 

Because they will be suppressing his immune system the first 24 hours after surgery are pretty critical.  He will remain in the room we are currently in for those 24 hours and he will basically have a nurse with him the whole time. 

Visitors will be extremely limited during this time as well.  We know there are many that want to come visit him (and we DO want to see him) but they have warned us that the first 24 hours is not the best time.  David will probably be sleeping most of the time anyways. 

All visitors need to be 15 or older also. 

Waiting until Friday or the weekend would be a much better choice for everyone involved....thanks so much for understanding. 

Also, he is not allowed to have any live flowers, plants, or fruit baskets. 

Another pretty big praise is that I (Alice) will be able to stay here at the hospital with David unless they get an emergency transplant then they will put someone in the room with him and I would have to leave at night.  An emergency transplant would be if someone gets a kidney from a deceased donor.  It is possible but so far I am able to stay!  THIS IS HUGE FOR ME!!!  I have been very concerned about leaving him...and once they move him from this room to a regular room they are going to try to put him in a private room because his immune system will be down. 

As far as Karen (our friend donating on behalf of David) she has arrived at the hospital but her room isn't ready yet so after they register her she will come up here and hang out with us! 

We are doing well.  A lot of information to process.  We are both hungry....(don't worry we will eat soonish!)

We know you will....but continue to pray for everything involved!  Pray for Karen (I know she is nervous!) She is so selfless in doing this we can never repay or thank her enough. 

Love to you all!
Alice