Post Op Day 8 ... Details of the Day

If you read my last post, you know the results of Owen's biopsy were ZERO!! That means he has no rejection of his new heart at this time. His pressures are also great and he's only on one blood pressure med, which is really great.  This morning the nurse brought in his meds so I could review them.  I had my home pharmacy training and I know what each med is for and their side effects.  He will slowly wean off some of the meds, but this is only one more than we were on before transplant... I'll take it!!  For you medical peeps out there and so I can look back on this one day and remember, these are the meds we are going home on.

Cyclosporine (anti rejection)
CellCept (anti rejection)
Prednisolone (steroid - anti rejection)
Lasix (diuretic)
Cardizem (blood pressure med)
Omeprazole (acid reducer)
Clotrimazole (Owen calls this his mint.. sucks on it to prevent thrush in his mouth)
Septra (treats bacterial infections)
Valcyte (treats viral infections)
 Lipitor (helps to prevent Coronary Artery Disease)

At rounds they decided to pull all his tubes and lines today and prep for discharge tomorrow!!  YAY!  Owen had his chest xray and EKG to ensure the lines were ready to be pulled.  After that traumatic and painful experience... he earned a car ride! The chest tubes are long and deep and look horrific when they pull them.  Owen loved his ride, but was tired after one ride around the 3rd floor.  I still can't get over how well he does with his mask.  He loves his "storm trooper mask".

Settled back in his room, Owen was ready to get his PICC line removed.  Kam and I ran to do a little laundry and iron out some insurance/pharmacy issues before tomorrow.  I think we have things figured out to have all his meds ready by the time we are discharged.  The only thing that may keep us here longer are his med levels.  Owen will have labs drawn in the AM and we will make sure everything is working at therapeutic levels. 

Our room at the RMH won't be ready until 3pm, but we have to check out of our room by 10am so they can prep for another family.  So I will have a busy morning of packing, moving, and cleaning.  Then back to the hospital to prep this boy to come "home". 

I am so grateful that C and Kam are here.. I don't know what I'd do without them.  We are all working together to make things flow.  I am so happy that Owen and his new heart are happy together.