“Home” (from the hospital)

After nearly a week-long stay as a VIP guest at Durham’s finest health care establishment, laying in a very uncomfortable hospital bed listening to everything that happened and talking to any and everyone who walks in the room but not sleeping) …..I’m finally “home” (from the hospital).

Which actually sounds pretty weird as this is only a three month, fully furnished lease. And, lets not forget I’ve spent 2017 and 2018 before I got sick venturing through 17 countries. I guess I could count my parent's house, where I stayed during most of Covid and the build up of my kidney transplant….home, for now. 

The final conclusion is that my white blood cells were so low, that even a simple irritated eye could convert into a massive infection. A few professionals had the nerve to say, kinda as I was tearing up, that I was “lucky this was it”. I had to agree even though it was hard to feel lucky at that moment. As mentioned in the previous post, the injection to increase my blood count caused me to have severe back spasms. Luckily for me we were able to pinpoint the root and treat accordingly. 

Good news is this marked the 8 weeks of restricting weights to 10lbs, so I can begin to think about getting my life back to normal… or what most people consider normal, not necessarily what I was doing when I realized I had Lupus and Kidney Disease. More good news is that my blood cell count is looking nicely and my eye infection is gone! 

Sure, I have an entirely new regiment of medicine to take; new pills, same pills but different doses, additional liquids, injections… you name it, but two brain surgeries blood clots along the way and this whole situation has prepared me well to adapt. 

So what is my new normal? Once Duke says I don't need to return there every week; where will I call home, can I travel, should I date for fun or finally find the one? I guess for now I will keep lunging at every fastball God throws at me and sit back and wait on the curves. 

One thing is for sure I will continue to maintain the amazing relationships I’ve built thus far and never stop seeking dope new souls to connect with. I recently had to answer a business related questionnaire where one of the questions was “what is your biggest accomplishment?” my answer undoubtedly was that 37 people volunteered to be evaluated for potential kidney donation when I posted my video last May. A bit of perspective here, the average person has one or two potential living donors and over 85% of all transplants are of deceased donors, taking on average 5-7 years to commence. My procedure took less than a year, despite a two month Covid scare and a freak Texas snow storm delay. 

I’m not bragging that I know a lot of people, I'm bragging that I know a lot of GOOD people, loving and caring, selfless, who support me when it matters most. This, along with the positive energy I receive daily through texts, calls, cards, and social media provides comfort that no matter where I decide to call home, I will be surrounded by good peeps. And, well I like to think birds of a feather flock together.. 

Thank you for being a part of my Flock!!

Very special thanks to my old & new friends at Duke Transplant who selflessly made me feel ‘at home’ this past week. 

If you’re new to my health journey, please feel free to check out some earlier posts. Or ask any questions you like.

Be Encouraged!

Aaron