Alyssa is out of the OR

[Deborah Deffenbaugh]

Alyssa is not back from recovery yet but her surgeon reports that all went well and she is making urine!!!!Hooray!!!If anyone is interested in the details, please go to Alyssadupdate.blogspot.com. Everything went quite smoothly and I want to thank everyone for their support and prayers. It means so much more than I can express to have this a-HUS Foundation family!

[Deborah Deffenbaugh]

Just a quick update on Alyssa---she is doing great!! She did end up needing a blood transfusion, which of course led us to some very nervous moments--but everything turned around after the transfusion. The Doctors think she was receiving too much bllod thinners in the form of aspirin therpy, heparin and somemed to keep her platelets from being sticky. They did all this as a precaution as she has a thrombomodulin defect which can cause clotting. So they stopped the heparin but continued the rest and after the transfusion, she has been great. For you numbers people, her crit had dropped to 20. Her creatinine was 15 just prior to surgery and dropped to .9 within a couple days of surgery. The kidney is doing such a good job that her potassium, which was high before surgery, is now way too low. Her phosphorous is .9 too and that is also way too low. We are working on those things but she is having some stomach issues so we are going slowly. Her kidney worked right on the operating table and she had 5 liters of output the first day!! She lsot 20 pounds in the last week--all fluid. We are all amazed at how much the kidneys do--who knew until you lose them? Alyssa will never take peeing for granted again or ever complain about having to go. We are so relieved that the surgery is over and although we will always need to be vigilant in her care as far as anti-rejection meds. and being watchful of a-HUS symmptoms, we are so excited for this opportunity for a new lfe that doesn't include constant nausea and tiredness. We are very optimistic that we have seen the last of a-HUS and we know Alyssa will take great care of this beautiful new kidney she was given as such a most precious gift!

[Bill Biermann]

that is great, the fact that you are now back at home. I know you will get back to a regular routine quicker that way, and hopefully, all of this will become just a background distraction !

Bill Biermann

[Deborah Deffenbaugh]

Thanks so much to everyone for all your positive thoughts and your prayers. Alyssa is doing great and up and walking. She had to have a little insulin as her glucose is elevated but docs say that is not unusual with all the new anti-rejection meds. She had the third dose of Soliris today. She gets it with benedryl to prevent any reaction so she has been sleeping soundly all afternoon. She did not do pherisis and has not received anyblood. She has a pic line for access. She told me today she feels SO much better. I think she forgot what be it feels like to feel "good" after a year and 9 months of dialysis! Keep up the positive energies and all the prayers Thanks!!!

[Paula Blanchard Lamigo]

We hope Alyssa has a speedy recovery. We are praying for her.

[Jonathan Aguallo]

Our family has been praying for Alyssa. We are so excited to see things are going well. What a milestone for all of us who have been impacted by this terrible disease. Thanks for being such a pioneer, Alyssa!

[lisa ann peterson]

good news... PTL.... praying for speedy recovery

[Jodi Kayler]

Whoohoo! We know there is a long road to healing but what a great first bit of news.

[Kerri Grey]

What awesome news...congratulations!!!

[Cheryl Biermann]

Awsome! Thank the Lord for answered prayers,hoping you'll be able visit soon, and itching to read more.

[Linda Burke]

We are so happy for you!! Please pass along our wishes for a speedy recovery and a glorious future thanks to this life-changing event.