Updates on what we've been up to for July and August are still under construction but we wanted you to know that we've just completed Carman's 6-month post-transplant assessment and received a big thumbs-up! from the team.
They are very pleased with his health and recovery progress and encouraged him to "keep doing what you're doing". This made me panic a bit - because we've been doing a bit of travelling to visit with family and friends, so he hasn't been completing his exercise regimen as he should, nor has he taken on any of the life-chores he was unable to do before surgery - "doing what he's doing" doesn't include these important things. Exercise is a key component of his recovery and continued good health.
Not to worry though, Atilla will soon have him home and happily doing those things he has greatly missed for the past few years, like:
- carpentering (also known as working the Honey-Do list)
- exercising his elbow by drinking lots of water to flush kidneys and reduce those swollen feet
- cooking (including meal plans, grocery shopping & putting away, meal prep, consumption and clean-up)
- exercising (20 min daily on the treadmill and bike)
- cleaning (including dusting, mopping, scrubbing, sweeping, and beating the rugs...but no vacuuming just yet)
- exercising (stretches and free weights)
- laundry (including sorting, washing, drying, folding & ironing as needed - not just dumping it on the floor by the machine and hoping it will end up in the drawer, ready to wear)
- exercising his right to have a nap as needed, but not more than 2 hrs daily
- pampering Pamela (as she's never dreamed possible) in gratitude for the great care she has given him
Oh yes, he may also be seen doing some biking, cycling, golfing and walking. He'll just have to find a hobby for his spare time!
In the meantime, we wanted you to know about this...
Organ and Tissue Donor Registration in Ontario
- Since the launch of the Gift of 8 movement in April 2012 - 185,430 people have registered consent to organ and tissue donation.
- Users (including many transplant recipients) have created more than 467 personal and 115 organizational web profiles on BeAdonor.ca to inspire their families, friends neighbours and co-workers to register consent for organ and tissue donation.
- During 2012:
- 1,468 tissue donors enhanced the lives of thousands of patients, (this includes gifts of corneas to restore sight; heart valves; bone and skin for grafts).
- 253 deceased Ontario donors contributed to 796 organ transplants (this includes 385 kidney; 189 liver; 104 lung; 74 heart; 23 kidney-pancreas; 20 pancreas and one small bowel transplant).
- As of December 31, 2012
- 78% of Health Card Holders (16+) are NOT registered
- Of the 9 Million NOT registered 1 in 4…. THINK THEY ARE - because they "signed a card years ago"
- It now takes only 2 minutes to “Check One’s Status” or “Register” online - anytime, any day OR
- if you do not use the internet, you can register at the time you renew your Health Card at Service Ontario
There are currently 1,489 patients listed and waiting for life saving organ transplant - mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, friends...your family member or friend could be one of them. There are many others who need organ transplant but are not yet listed.
Check it out for yourself at: Organ Donation Statistics
Have a look at Carman's page, read his story and check your status.
You could help someone go from helpless to hopeful!
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| 11Feb13 Unable to do personal care |
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| 21 hours post-double lung transplant |
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| 15May13 Up & down 27 flights of stairs! |
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| Speaking about Organ Donation & Transplant Surgery with staff at McCormick Canada - 08Jul13 |
TYD = Thank you Donor
...and a heartfelt hug and thanks to your gracious family who followed through on your wish to donate. We would not be where we are today without your precious gift.
We are sending you blessings and gratitude every day...
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