It's Been A Month and a Half Since My Last Update... · 4:54am Aug 7th, 2018
...So for those of you that wanted to know what's going on, here you go.
My last post was actually June 19th, but I didn't tag the story. I figured I had abused that function quite a few times, but it's been a while, so I think I've earned the right to do it again so you all know what's going on. I've been keeping what is essentially an off-site journal in the form of a blog since mid-June, so if you have any interest in the day-to-day happenings, you're welcome to go there. If not, I'll give you a breakdown of the most important bits and where I stand right now:
— I was officially put on the heart transplant list at the end of June, and right on the last day of the month I was told I was number 13 on the list, which isn't bad.
— About a week later I jumped up to ten when three transplants happened over the course of two days.
— It was discovered that I need a new kidney also, so I'm now on a dual heart-kidney list.
— Being on the dual list bumps me up a bit higher, but I don't know how high. I don't have an exact number this time.
— There are a lot of little 'gory' details in between, so I won't bother with them here, but as of now I'm still waiting at whatever number I am on the heart-kidney list. That's basically all it is now—a waiting game. Just have to keep any ridiculous crap from happening while I'm in here, and hopefully I'll be out of here by the end of the month. That's no guarantee, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
If you want to know all the little stuff, I've talked about most of it in the blog I linked above. There are currently about 45 posts, so depending on how much you want to know, it might be a lengthy read. Some posts are much shorter than others, though.
Aside from giving you all a personal update, I did want to give you an idea of how DaD is progressing. Unfortunately, it kind of isn't right now. I've gotten about three pages of the next chapter(s) done since I came in here (though since I had started before I came in, that does bring the total to about 27 pages, so it's not like nothing has happened since the end of Act II). All the 'small' in-betweener stuff that's happened has really sapped my energy—despite the fact that it's about 12:45am for me right now, damn circadian rhythm—so I really haven't been able to focus on the next part of the chapter I'm currently working on. It's another instance of knowing exactly what's happening next, but you just can't get the damn words down.
Anyway, the long and the short of it is that there's only been some minimal progress made on DaD, no matter how much further I'd like to be. And when I do get my new organs, I'll likely be out of commission for quite a while longer. My hope is that a month or two into rehab—if not sooner—I'll start being able to focus a bit more. If I'm lucky, maybe I'll get a few inspirational sparks while I'm still in here, but I'm not really counting on it.
If anybody wants to know some more details without going through the massive blog, you're welcome to comment here or send me a PM. I'm not shy about what happens while I'm in the hospital. I actually find it somewhat therapeutic to talk about it with people I don't know from time to time. That doesn't mean anyone needs to feel obligated to ask questions either, though.
Little fun fact, yesterday into today is actually the 22nd anniversary of my first heart transplant. I was joking with my family a week or two ago that it would be funny if my second transplant happened on the same day(s), but I guess that wasn't meant to be. Oh well.
I think that's enough now. I'll still be hanging around the site reading, at the very least, so you'll probably see me online fairly frequently.
Until next time, everyone, crossed fingers and good vibes are much appreciated.
—LD
I'm finger-crossing and good-vibing as hard as I can. Hang in there!
Here’s to hoping the transplants you need can come soon!
You know all my best thoughts and strongest vibes are heading your way, my friend!
I was just at the doctor myself yesterday and mentioned you to them. I told them what an amazing, positive person you are and that you are a great inspiration to me. They were amazed with how much you've been through and how you continue to remain so positive.
Stay strong and know that we are thinking of you, Dasher!