Theo update (UPDATED)

Thank you again for your continued support and encouraging words. I am pleased to report that Theo's surgery went well, the peritoneal dialysis has been going well, and Theo's kidneys appear to be starting to function again. He has been improving each day. He has had some rough days of drug withdrawal from the sedatives he had been on, but today he was more like himself then he has been in 2 weeks. Laughing, smiling & flirting with anyone and everyone! There is still more progress that needs to be made, but we have come a long long way from where we were at the beginning of the month, thank goodness.

Also, just wanted to say that if you are able, please consider donating blood. It is something very important to us as I don't know what we would have done if Theo wasn't able to get the blood he needed when he needed transfusions. It's so important for there to be a good supply out there.

Thanks again. I will keep you posted.

Jeanne

[HighFlyer]

Good stuff! [:)] I can't donate blood as I was once a GOSH child who had two blood transfusions so they won't accept mine back unfortunately but I praise those who do give a pint of the red stuff.

Thanks,
Sarah

Good news Stars and thanks for taking the time to keep us updated on Theos progress.


Like Sarah I am unable to give blood, due to being a gay man (yeah - can you belive it that it is still not allowed to donate blood if you are a gay man - crazy or what ? (petitions in place on No10 website and info herehttp://www.stonewall.org.uk/what_we ... e/3524.asp
if interested in pushing for changing this ludricous law)) but admire those who can and do.

All the best, Ian

Great news, thanks for keeping us in the loop.

HG - signed one of the petitions. My that was an eyeopener - shame there isn't a 'totally disagree' button for some of them.

Paul
(50+ armfuls)

So pleased things are looking up, unable to be a donor myself for reasons previously mentioned but was a recipient of a transfusion myself as a child so can well understand your gratitude to those who can.

Will continue to think warmly of you.

Wonderful news, when babies are laughing and smiling, you know they are on the mend. Don't forget to look after yourself Jeanne, when Theo is home you'll need all that energy, so try to rest while you can.

Paul, you need to pop down to the donor office more often, you need to catch up with my 83 units
Don't forget you can ask at the blood donor office to be put on the bone marrow donor register too, they just take a tiny drop more for sampling.

quote:Originally posted by seats for landing

Paul, you need to pop down to the donor office more often, you need to catch up with my 83 units


D*mn, I knew someone would play top trumps on this. Impressive total; regular donations or a special case? Mine accelerated greatly as I gave every month for a few years due to my bloodstream being a intensive farm for tetanus antibodies.

Paul, yes I used to donate via apheresis, every two weeks for a while, as two patients needed it. Sadly I can't donate via apheresis now, as they use different machines and I'm too light for them. So much for progress hey?! Being cabin crew, I have to time my blood donations to the day, as we can't donate after visiting America for 28 days for a large part of the year. I got sent away after my last attempt at donation as I had iron deficiency anaemia, no wonder I'd been feeling so weak. Four months on iron and I am so much better. Anyway, they said I should only donate once a year now, so not to worry, you'll soon catch up.

I would like to echo what Jeanne said, please consider blood donation. We never know when our family will need it.

Jeanne - so glad to hear that Theo's surgery went well and he's doing so much better - it's great news [y][y]

quote:Originally posted by seats for landing
Paul, you need to pop down to the donor office more often, you need to catch up with my 83 units

Blimey, between you & Paul, I feel almost inadequate - thought I was doing good with my 28th regular donation coming up just after my 38th birthday (mind, I did have to miss some time when I've had tattoos and my knee ops)!

quote:Originally posted by seats for landing
Don't forget you can ask at the blood donor office to be put on the bone marrow donor register too, they just take a tiny drop more for sampling.

Oh yeah, done - and on the organ donor register too - if there's anything still working/useable by then, they're more than welcome to it! [:)]

Cheers
Michael

'"Like Sarah I am unable to give blood

All of the thoughts & prayers are definitely working. Theo is making a remarkable recovery. He has stopped dialysis and his blood results have still been good. We have been moved out of PICU to a normal pediatric ward (which comes with it's own set of challenges) and the nephrologist has decided that Theo's peritoneal dialysis tube can be removed tomorrow! I have my fingers crossed that perhaps he can come home next week.

Continued thoughts & prayers for successful surgery tomorrow are appreciated.

Jeanne

PS - interesting to read the remarks re: blood donation. I was banned from donating in America (maybe still am? not sure as I haven't lived there in 4+ years) for having living in the UK in the mid-90s, which I always thought was ridiculous. Now I hear of these other restrictions and my jaw just drops.

Jeanne, that is so good to hear. Hopefully, after tomorrow, you'll be able to relax a little bit more and catch up on some much needed sleep.

Wishing Theo well for tomorrow and fingers crossed he's home with you next week where he belongs.

Take care
Jilly