Saturday, September 23 - 1:30 p.m.

God does answer prayers, so do not be discouraged! This is Carissa writing and I am doing well. I am able to eat anything I want and as much as I want. I am getting out of the house to go to church and go shopping as needed, and spending most of my days redecorating my bedroom and moving back home. I am excited to see such a change in my life and health.

Unfortunately, problems do arise. Two weeks ago I was hospitalized for bleeding from my ileostomy. Although they found some dry blood during testing, they could not find the source and there was no active bleeding at the time. As a result, they were not overly concerned and treated me only for what they did find, Thrush (an infection in the mouth and esophagus, common post-transplant due to immunodeficiency), and sent me back to the Residence Inn. We stayed for a week so I could be treated with IV antibiotics until the infection cleared. We were ready to return to Harrisburg and will be happy when Pittsburg becomes less and less a part of our home and lives. I have a biopsy and clinic every two weeks right now which should gradually decrease over time. Thank you for your continued prayers and support for my family.

Prayer Requests:

1. I am scheduled to return to clinic on Monday. Pray for safety as we travel.

2. I am having a lot of problems with high ostomy output and diarrhea. This is causing my potassium to run low in spite of my very high potassium diet and tube feedings. I have been re-started on potassium supplements. I also have an ulcer under my ostomy that will not heal, and am growing a fistula on my stoma. Pray that the doctors can get these relatively minor, yet frustrating, problems under control.

3. Side effects from medications, and that my body will easily adjust to any changes the doctors make in my treatment.

4. Strength and recovery time for my family. We are all exhausted from all the time, travel, and mental strain as a result of the entire pre and post-transplant stresses and my dad's health situation and recovery from his recent operation.   

5. A number of post-transplant friends who are not doing well.

Praises:

1. Those who have provided financial resources to help cover travel and medical expenses. God has been gracious in supplying for our needs.

2. Friends that ARE doing well and providing me encouragement.

3. My own health improvement and the love and support of so many. I have seen so many who do not have anyone and cannot imagine getting through this without that support.

4. The best doctors in the world for multi-visceral transplants and their determination and persistence in not only saving my life, but helping me return to as normal a life as possible.

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Saturday, September 9 - 10:00 p.m.

Carissa was released from the hospital last evening.  She has to return to 7W every morning for five days to complete seven doses (one daily, first two were in the hospital) of IV Caspofungin.  Dr. Kareem didn't want to place a central line because of her history with central line infections, so she was allowed to leave the hospital with a peripheral line.

Carissa found out that it is vital to take every dose of Nystatin (liquid) to prevent thrush.  They quadrupled the dose.  Yuk! 

Thursday, September 7 - 8:00 p.m.

Carissa had an upper endoscopy and a biopsy of her small bowel this morning.  The doctor found old blood in her small bowel but didn't find the source.  He also found thrush in her esophagus.  They began IV Caspofungin and Ganciclovir.   Her hemoglobin was low, so she was given a unit of blood and an Aeranesp injection this afternoon.

Dr. Costa said that he doesn't think it will be long before Carissa is released from the hospital.  We hope he is right!

An ophthalmologist thoroughly examined Wayne's left eye and we were thankful to hear that there is no evidence of post-surgical damage.   Wayne's incision is also healing well, but he needs to continue to allow his brain to rest and to be careful not over do it.  

Every time we return to the Montefiore Hospital we see transplant friends and many are in the hospital.  We realize that every day out of the hospital is a gift from God.

Wednesday, September 6 - 11:15 p.m.

Wayne and Carissa both have doctor appointments tomorrow, so we left for Pittsburgh about 5:30 this evening.  We ran by McDonalds for something to eat on the way. 

Carissa's ostomy output has been black the last couple of days, but we assumed it was from the iron she is taking.  After eating tonight, her output was burgundy colored and smelled bloody.  She was admitted to the hospital upon arrival to Pittsburgh.

Carissa has been doing so well.  She has been energetic and motivated in so many ways.  Her spirits have been great.  She has gained three more pounds.  We pray this is a brief detour and that she'll soon be headed back to Harrisburg.