[HeySal]

Thanks Andie --

Affirmation of what we already knew.

So Kim --- for when you return...........

I TOLD YOU SO.

[Diane S]

Originally Posted by Andie

Okay Gang...here is the word! <turning my prayers into thanks for good news>


Hi, the surgery went very well. He is doing awesome! They are moving him out of ICU tonight and may possibly be home this weekend. He is VERY sore and in a lot of pain, but what a trooper! I am so proud of him. Thank you all for caring so much. Please let them all know he is on the road to recovery and I am sure you will hear from him soon.

Take care,
Rilda

Good news for all us WF mother hens!

Andie

So glad to log in and find this good news! From Mother Hen Diane

[Andie]

Just giving this a lil bump.........hopefully Mr Kim will be home in another day or two and can give us an update

[Diane S]

$4506 at gofundme - things are looking up, Kim! Hang in there!

Here's something to make you laugh. This morning was our last morning of our summer school curriculum (translation - I made my kids do math, reading, geography, spelling and cursive all summer, MEAN MOM!) and to celebrate, each of my two kidlets invited a study buddy over. I served a pancake breakfast to all. One of the buddies wouldn't eat the pancakes because he was not used to the maple syrup I put on his chocolate chip pancakes. "But it's 100% Vermont maple syrup, the best money can buy!" I told him. "But I like Aunt Jemima"..... came the reply. Dang!

[Michael Mayo]

Andie, Thanks for the Heads Up on Kim!

One of the buddies wouldn't eat the pancakes because he was not used to the maple syrup I put on his chocolate chip pancakes. "But it's 100% Vermont maple syrup, the best money can buy!" I told him. "But I like Aunt Jemima"..... came the reply. Dang!

Diane, Tell the youngen "I Aunt Jemima(ain't your mama)now eat...lol

Kids, Ya gotta Love Um!

Have a Great Day!
Michael

[Devid Farah]

Wow, thanks Andie!

I'm so happy that surgery went very well.

Kim is a REAL fighter and warrior and will make it!

I admire him for his great will to fight!

My prayers are always for him.

Your friend,
Devid

[John Durham]

Anybody heard any good news?

[Patrician]

I would say Kim surviving open heart surgery (and having a healthy heart now) is real good news...

Also the fact there is such a thing as chocolate chip pancakes. YUMMMMMMM
(please email me some to chocolaterocks@myinbox.com)

[Richard Van]

This is great news.

A very nice guy, Clio (goes by the name of psst) brought this up yesterday and Frank Donovan was kind enough to update people in that thread.

I'm looking forward to seeing Kim give an update himself and I think we should all put our hands in our pockets when he does (as many of us have) and keep helping him out with those dreadful health bills he's having to pay out.

Has anyone got the link to his donation site, it's high time I changed my signature or do I just put the link to the WSO Patricia and Heysal are linking too? EDIT, Sorry I see Patricia has both in there, I wasn't looking properly.

Either way, thanks for the update Andie and if you see this Kim, you're one heck of a battler and everyone admires your incredible strength of mind and body. Bravo chap.

[Patrician]

Thank you Richard.

(Please send Richard some chocolate chip pancakes too!)

[KimW]

Probably one of the shortest post I have made.
After being in the hospital longer than any time before,they let me come home.
I hurt. A lot.
I walk around with a teddy bear ,an aid to prevent my chest from opening up.
I am severely limited in what I can do.
Cant lift anything over 5 lbs for a month.Then nothing over 10 lbs for another month.
The list goes on and on,but I'm sure you get the idea.
The good news is the billboard should ge going up soon,with the Warrior Forum prominently displayed. Pictures will be posted online.
I just wanted to thank everyone for all the support,both financially and spiritually. It has meant more to me than one could imagine.
I can't be on the computer much,but will check in as often as allowed.
Take Care my friends,
Kim

[glchandler]

Probably one of the shortest post I have made.

But probably means more to so many people than some of your
llloonnngggeeerrr ones!

Hurt yes, but ain't it grand to be breathing?

Welcome back!

[Richard Van]

Welcome back Kim,

I think everyone has been worrying about you and following your progress.

Keep that teddy bear close by and make sure you recover as quick as you can.

Great to have a real bona fide genuine Warrior of life, back on the Warrior forum.

Congratulations Kim, onwards and upwards chap.

[HeySal]

Hi Kim. You have no clue how closely we watched for your post. With your spirit, I imagine that you will get well very soon now that you are back in your own territory. The pain will fade soon. Until you are well enough to be here again, just let Rilda read to you. Mayhaps she will dictate a message for you now and again so you will save your strength. Now that we know you are okay and on the mend, we can wait. For now, healing is the important issue. Don't push yourself for us or anyone.

When I was a kid I was very sickly. I had a little stuffed dog that went with me everywhere - and he was my hospital companion. I still have him. He's worn and thread bare. He'd probably disintegrate if I were to try to wash him. He always has a place in my home, no matter where I live. Don't be surprised if later, your little friend finds a permanent place in your home, too. Be even less surprised if he accompanies you to get your new kidney. He has healing energy now.

Rest, recuperate. You have lived to fight another day, Warrior.

[Psst]

I like this thread, it looks like a family meeting.

Originally Posted by Richard Van

A very nice guy, Clio (goes by the name of psst) brought this up yesterday and Frank Donovan was kind enough to update people in that thread.

Oh, I never thought I'd be called a nice guy just for posting that. I've yet to do more significant things. Now that I heard about this thread thanks to Frank Donovan, I'll keep up with what's happening.

Has anyone got the link to his donation site, it's high time I changed my signature or do I just put the link to the WSO Patricia and Heysal are linking too? EDIT, Sorry I see Patricia has both in there, I wasn't looking properly.

I saw you put the link to the WSO on your sig; that's a kind of you to do that. And that keeps me motivated to try to contribute what I can.

And welcome back Kim - so great to see you back here! Get well soon but ya it's grand to be breathing.

[John Durham]

Just rereading your thread here Kim. Wow, you are a strong man... I cant believe everything you have been through. I now am saying in my own heart "I once cried because I had no shoes, then I met a man with no feet...".

Wow. This kidney will be a most welcome and well deserved miracle.

I know you dont feel that great right, but if it helps, "We love You". I mean that. "We" mean it, as Im sure others can attest. Praying for you brother.

-JD

[Andie]

Kim,
No need for you to do anything but work on healing....another week and you will be feeling good enough to think you can do things you really are not supposed to do. so don't try Think of it as 'good pain' because it is your body healing/stitching back together....and the more teddy pressure the better..even though that might sound backwards, it is true. reminds me of my C-sections --first one I lived in a 2story house and was told no stairs for 2 wks. Of course after the first I thought I was doing well enough ...didn't make it past the first step oh the searing agony LOL
Give it time....read or catch some football games on the tube (my option this wknd!)
Just don't try to rush it even though I know you will want to.
No reply needed dear --- tell the wife thanks for tending to you so well from us WF Hens and keep the faith; each day now it will be better than the one before!

Andie (simply scorching here in Htown - setting triple digit records ALL month)A C K!

[Diane S]

Originally Posted by KimW

Probably one of the shortest post I have made. Kim

Yes! But a most welcome one! So glad to hear from you directly. Where do I send your 'welcome home from the hospital' chocolate chip pancakes?

[KimW]

Chicago - Feeling Stronger Every Day - YouTube

[Diane S]

I'd forgotten all about Chicago and how much I like that song. My very first rock concert was to see the Chicago Transit Authority. Remember how CTA made them change their name?

[Andie]

Keeping the Important thread on top!

And......mah baby just off to his first day of HIGH SCHOOL>....WAAAHHHHH

[KimW]

Diane S, yes when I saw them play they were the Chicago Transit Authority. Talk about mixed billing,they were playing with Vanilla Fudge!
Anyways, on with the latest news: I can't do a thing for months now,and I mean that literally.There is not much I can do except try to stay alive. Ironically, I just got a call from my transplant coordinator telling me I have been approved to get back on the list.
Might not have been the best decision,but I chose not to tell her about the recent hospital stay and operation. I just figure let them find something out for themselves for a change.

[Roaddog]

Originally Posted by KimW

Diane S, yes when I saw them play they were the Chicago Transit Authority. Talk about mixed billing,they were playing with Vanilla Fudge!
Anyways, on with the latest news: I can't do a thing for months now,and I mean that literally.There is not much I can do except try to stay alive. Ironically, I just got a call from my transplant coordinator telling me I have been approved to get back on the list.
Might not have been the best decision,but I chose not to tell her about the recent hospital stay and operation. I just figure let them find something out for themselves for a change.

Welcome back Kim,

That's the best plan I've heard all day. Let them screw up in your favor for a change.

I hope things are going as well as possible.


Jim

[HeySal]

I agree, Kim.

From what you've told us, they probably won't even find out about that until after they got you a kidney anyhow. What're they gonna do at that point, make you take it back out?

If they couldn't figure out a doctor said you were back on the list and you lost a kidney because of it, they have no right to think that you will jeopardize your own situation by supplying information that they may use to your disadvantage. Let them earn their income on their own.

[KimW]

Jim,
I am in a LOT of pain,but haven't taken a pain pill since leaving the hospital. Not trying to be macho,they just create another health issue I would rather not deal with.

Otherwise the biggest problem I am having is "getting my breathe". I use a device that is suppose to improve my lunge power.IM suppose to use it for 10 breathes,4 times a day. Its also suppose to help prevent my from developing pnumonia(sp). I also now have an inhaler to use as needed. I'm also suppose to walk for 5 minutes 4 times a day. I think the most I have done in a day is 3 and the longest times was 3:50 minutes. BUt I figure some is better than none. Hopefully I can work up to more in due time.

Another problem is I can literally do nothing. so if I drop or spill something or anything along those lines,it has to stay on the floor till my wife gets home,because I cannot pick it up.

And lastly we are doing dialysis about 30-45 minutes later than we used to because I can no longer set it up and have it ready when she gets home.She now has to do her part and mine.
This is already more than I planned on typing today. I think they said I could use the computer 5 minutes a day for the first month.

[Patrician]

Kim - my heart goes out to you and I am just wincing when I think of the description I could never bring myself to type before in this thread about what transpires in open heart surgery. (and I guess trying to deny this is what your trip involved)

Did they break all your ribs and more or less fillet you with a cut all the way from below your neck to your waist?

If so I don't need to have much of an imagination to realize what you are feeling -

As usual you are an inspiration and so is your good wife. Sounds hollow in the throes of severe pain, but it will get better.

Just want to share something else I posted earlier:

http://www.warriorforum.com/plug-pro...ml#post4539324

[KimW]

Patrician,
"Did they break all your ribs and more or less fillet you with a cut all the way from below your neck to your waist?"

In a nutshell,yes. Maybe over the weekend I will post a simple pic.Because of that I have both Dr instructions not to move much and my own fear of damaging the spot. They don't "sew" you up anymore,instead they basically wire and super glue the incision together.


PS: I don't know if its coincidence or what, but I have posted the same inspirational line here on the forum before. One of my favorites.

[waterotter]

Hey Kim, hope you're feeling a little better everyday. Sure hope you don't have to leave the comfort of your own home due to Hurricane Irene - stay safe.

[KimW]

Thanks Jody. I am hoping we far enough inland to not be that affected.

[waterotter]

Good news Kim. They way they are reporting this on HLN - doesn't sound good for many folks.

[Andie]

No, it isn't sounding good....my big concern, Kim...will you be able to manage if you lose power for days??? any kind of backup plan just in case? dear Irene is looking like a bit of a monster and if you don't evacuate...can y'all manage??
Sometimes it makes more sense to be away from home for a few days than end up in worse shape for sticking around.

we're keeping an eye on you...never doubt that!
Andie

[KimW]

Off to dr for first check up since getting out of hospital. There is one complication but I am hoping it is minor. Will update when I get back home.

[KimW]

OK, Got a relatively clean bill of health from the dr. Wants me to do cardio-rehab but that was expected. He changed one of my scripts and told me at the moment the one complication needs to be watched but he thinks it will correct itself.
All in all a good visit.

[Patrician]

You know Kim, you had mentioned earlier you weren't taking the meds for pain - I am extremely sensitive to this stuff and always flush it down the toilet or don't fill the Rx.

The last kidney issue I had they tried to give me Vicodin and I just about barfed even hearing the name. Well after saying that for years and having doctors shake their heads like (tough ****, guess you will just have to suffer) the Urologist really shocked me because he knew just what to give me and it is called Tramadol or Ultram.

Although without insurance it cost me $98 for 15 pills I was astounded because they didn't make me sick or dopey -- They did however let me sleep - even for long periods, which is really hard when you are in pain.

Just a thought...

p.s. glad your status is good!

[KimW]

Patrician, thats exactly what they gave me for pain! I'd never heard of it or used it before. Like you I am highly sensitive to pain meds,but for the most part all they do is make me nauseus.

[Patrician]

cool - well on the one hand you might want to try it as it is really different - and I mean just about any drug you can think of for pain, anxiety, whatever, I will barf, and this stuff did not nauseate me at all (1 per day for a week straight).

on the other hand I hate to be the one to encourage you to try it because barfing would be super terrible with a glued together chest. OMG I hate to even think about how you would have to really concentrate on not heaving while heaving LOL.

... but if it gets too bad, maybe half? (mine are coated tabs and I guess you would need a pill splitter)...

[Patrician]

PHONE HOME ET

KIM - LET US KNOW IF YOU ARE OKAY - PROBABLY YOU HAVE NO POWER?

I will worry until I hear from you - (and realize if your power is out you can't use your PC) -

Hopefully we will hear from you soon.

[Roaddog]

Originally Posted by Patrician

PHONE HOME ET

KIM - LET US KNOW IF YOU ARE OKAY - PROBABLY YOU HAVE NO POWER?

I will worry until I hear from you - (and realize if your power is out you can't use your PC) -

Hopefully we will hear from you soon.

He was on a little while ago Patrician.

He said that power was going on and off for him.

Hurricane Irene

[KimW]

I'm here Pat,and giving storm updates in the thread Jim posted.

I was just thinking though,this is the first occasion when a natural calamity has struck when I didn't feel healthy enough to manage if something happened. In other words I feel almost hopeless,and I don't like it. Oh well, we adapt if we can.

[Andie]

Kim,
never feel hopeless....in disasters when people are not able to help themselves due to health or other reasons, it is time the community & government can provide much needed help.

How the heck did you end up way down here on page 2 ??? Not acceptable!!!


Andie - hope you are getting enough rest and feeling a bit better each day

[KimW]

Andie, right now I only feel like I was run over by 10 Mack trucks instead of a whole fleet.

I AM getting better,slowly but surely. I am walking a bit every day,except of course days taken off due to tropical storms! It may not seem like much to the average person,but I am averaging about 1/10 of a mile when I walk. Slow but steady.

[HeySal]

Kim - just consider the storm an equalizer. You feel like a mack truck hit you so nature in your world is letting a lot of people know what it feels like to be hit by a mack truck. Makes for good empathy.

Seriously though - this was not the best time for you to have this kind of stress heaped on you. Now that the storm is past, you will get better a lot faster again.

You worry a lot, Kim -- but over and over and over the world keeps showing you that you are going to get through it. Face it, guy -- if you were meant to be gone, you'd be over and out by now.

Everything happens for a reason. You might not be able to see it now - but there is a reason you have survived several illnesses. There is something beyond the medical community keeping your butt right here on the planet.

You need to stop worrying because you are being shown that the universe wants you here and can be trusted to keep you here. Instead of worrying -- start thinking about what you intend to do when this whole ridiculous situation is past and you can do what you must be meant to do here.

[Patrician]

I second that motion, Kim.

You are a true Warrior and you are being really really 'tried by fire' (whoops is that the only thing that hasn't literally attacked you by now? ({knock on wood} )

As your body gets stronger so does your character and no telling what you are being 'groomed' for - certainly whatever it is must require being nearly invincible!

As they say, 'you just can't keep a good man down' and as you know every day is a new chance.

Don't worry and remember 'The Man of Sorrows' is always beside you and He knows all about pain and suffering. Maybe the point to all this is only that you understand all that He has overcome.

Yep! Hoist a tall one (H2O) to the overcomers! You can't beat them and you can't stop them - even if they die!

[Andie]

<inserting my own note of Beachi-ness>

If you want to try the fire part just come visit me MrKim
I am SOOOOOOOOOOO mega sick and tired of this HEAT!! Cripes...only 105 as I type - we made records at 109 the other day....all would be a bit tolerable except for one hour of rain in the past........oh ..i dunno how many months. JEEEESH ...enough already!!
No h2o jokes either....haha...we have been on Major Water restrictions for a couple of weeks now. It gets wearing and even tho I have the patience of a Saint, I am gettin' regularly grouchy from it at this point.
Hopefully, forecast is right and by mid/end of this week we will drop back into the double digits and have a refreshing 98 for the high temps.
GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

<end of bitchsession>
Andie

[KimW]

They tell me one of the side effects of the surgery is insomnia,and boy do I have it bad.

Andie, I would love to trade places with you. I am eternally cold. Of course,they also tell me I can't go out in weather when it is higher than 82 degrees,so I guess I have to stay here.

I go see my kidney dr Wednesday morning. I have a feeling they will put me back on the two BP medicines the other Drs took me off of while I was in the hospital. My dialysis nurse also called and told me that I had a choice,start getting shots in my stomach twice a week or get a blood transfusion. I told her I'd do the shots but I may end up having to do both.

Allright, no more news worth talking about so I am going to try once again to get some rest. If you see me post on here later on you know it didn't work.

[waterotter]

Kim, are you able to take Gravol? It's for motion sickness. I know a few people that take it if they can't sleep. One is a retired cop - his wife is the nurse that told him to try it.

[KimW]

Jody,
Never eard of it,but I have a dr appt in the AM, I'll ask about it.

[KimW]

Pretty standard (kidney) Drs appt today. Said I was healing well, gave me a script for some BP med and said I need to restart my epogen shots (at home) and go in center to get some iron shots.

[Diane S]

Thanks for keeping us posted. We mother hens have this thread bookmarked so we can keep on top of things, ya' know?

[Patrician]

bumpety bump - nothing to say for a change except have a happy day and get well.