Tuesday, November 21 - 8:00 p.m.

(Wayne) Carissa and Sharon came home today.  Carissa is scheduled to return in two weeks.

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Monday, November 20 - 8:30 p.m.

(Wayne) Good news! The CT scan showed that the fluid buildup has dissipated by itself.  As usual in these "tune up" trips, the doctors are adjusting some of Carissa's medications to try to prevent similar conditions in the future.

Carissa and Sharon will stay in Pittsburgh tonight and Carissa has to go back to see the doctor tomorrow morning, but they should be able to come home tomorrow afternoon.

Sharon failed to mention that the decision to go to Pittsburgh last night didn't happen until about 10:30 and they arrived in Pittsburgh at about 2:00 a.m., through some snow squalls on the mountains.  They are both exhausted tonight.

Monday, November 20 - 12:00 p.m.

(Sharon) Carissa seems to have a build up of fluid that is causing pressure on her ribs and back.  Carissa and Sharon drove back to Pittsburgh last night with hopes that the fluid can be drained and pain can be relieved so we can be home for Thanksgiving.

Carissa hadn't been feeling well since before our last Pittsburgh stay.  They  found that food is refluxing up her esophagus and into her voice box.  When she eats, her nose drips constantly.  They adjusted her meds slightly, but it hasn't helped. 

A CT scan several weeks ago showed a build up of fluid, but the doctors weren't concerned about it.  Carissa feels like the fluid has continue to build which has caused her to loose her appetite.  We are hoping that draining the fluid (see May updates for more info on this fluid and the draining of it) will relieve her drippy nose, as well.

Carissa is drinking contrast for a CT scan of her chest, abdomen, and her pelvis as I write.  We pray the doctors will be able to correctly identify the problem and correct it.

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Thursday, November 9 - 8:00 p.m.

Carissa and Sharon are back in Pittsburgh but, hopefully, not for long.  Carissa has been coughing a lot after eating and has had some chest pain, so she had an upper endoscopy and CT scan this afternoon.  They didn't find signs of thrush which was good news.  Tomorrow they will be testing for gastric reflux. 

Dr. Kareem cut Carissa's dose of Cortef down to 15 milligrams three times a day.  It was 50 milligrams three times a day just seven weeks ago and Carissa's handing the change in dose without the fevers that plagued her a few months ago.  She feels more tired and less hungry, but those are symptoms that will gradually diminish.

Dr. Kareem also dropped Carissa's dose of Prograf for the first time.  He really is working towards reversal!

Clinic is an enjoyable time to catch up with transplant friends, but we are exposed to complications that can occur.  It is heart wrenching to see friends that have spent months in the hospital and are still fighting for their lives.  We are driven to pray!