A note from Alison

Where do I begin...wow. It actually happened. I have a new liver in me and am alive and doing pretty fantastic. I can hardly believe it, it all seems like a dream to me. And, my liver functions seem to be doing so well! We anticipated more issues because the doctors said that not every transplant is perfect, but come on, have you met me? I AM perfect. (Haha, just kidding). All I keep thinking is that I am so thankful that God brought the donor into my life and I was given the most gernerous and amazing gift of all time; a second chance at life. For a while there, I was extremely keen on giving up because feeling the way I did with all the symptoms that I had was just getting to a point where I honestly just didn't want to live anymore. But with the support of my great friends and amazing family I got through it, and thank God I did. I just hope that my donor is doing as well, if not better than I am feeling. I can't say that things are perfect, but I am even suprising myself with how good I feel. I guess when you go from a point of being so sick, having a such a major surgery like I did, recovering from this almost seems a lot easier (weird...huh?) My donor is constantly in my mind and I just want him to be doing well. Hopefully he finds everyone's prayers comforting to him as we all keep him in our hearts and prayers each and every day.
So...a lot happened today, pretty sweet in my book. Of course, I got woken up at what seemed like the crack of dawn (anything before 1pm to me seems early nowadays) by the doctors who were talking about the future plans. I know my mom posted some things when she wrote on here earlier, but I figure I would updated you all on my own. So since the drain in my side is still draining a good amount, they aren't going to take it out until tomorrow. Also, I know my mom mentioned that I had some bleeding in my intestines, which seems to be slowing down. My blood counts are looking better day to day, so that is great. It is kind of strange how the area over my incision for the most part has no feeling. I can't say I am pain free, 'cause I am not, but right over where they cut is somewhat numb.
Aside from all of that business, I got moved out of the ICU today! It is my first of little "graduations". I also got to eat some substantial food today instead of just jello and nasty chicken broth! I had a little bit of a chicken quesadilla and some cheerios. I am trying to take things slow, I don't want to go overboard just yet. So those two things are pretty awesome, and I can't believe that it has been only about 5 days since I had my surgery and I am able to eat and stuff. I am doing my best to walk around and stay ambulated but it's hard because of how incredibly swollen my legs and lower abdomen are. The doctors say this is completely normal and within a few weeks it should all go down, but oh my gosh, I just can't describe to you how uncomfortable being this swollen is. I feel like I am walking on two tree trunks; it is a very abnormal feeling for me.
Just as I am feeling now, I get tired really quickly. I will be in the middle of doing things and my eyes will just feel very heavy and I feel like I can fall right asleep, and usually do. This is why it is best if people call someone's (mine, my mom's or my dad's) cell phone before you want to come visit so we can judge how tired not only myself but my family is too. I know my mom is exhausted because she is pretty much living this surgery with me as she hasn't even been home once yet. Dad does go home but he is here sooo much too, he only goes home to sleep and make sure the dogs are taken care of (a special thanks to our dog sitters- Melissa, Mrs. Jordan, and Aunt Sandi). Really, my family has just been great. I would not be doing as well as I am without how much they have helped me not only throughtout my life, but right now and recovering. Let me just say that you would be shocked at some of the things your family will do for you in situations like this (my mom knows exactly what I mean.)
Okay, well that is how I am doing at this point in time. I am getting very tired, so I think I'll go take a nap now. It's a challenge to type on this thing, but I'll try more because I know you all want to stay updated. My mom has been doing a phenomenal job at keeping you all updated with how I am doing, so that takes a weight off of my shoulders. Okay, nap time; maybe you will hear from me later if I feel like typing a novel again (haha). I love you all and thank you very much for your continuing thoughts and prayers and keeping myself, my donor, and my family in your hearts. Having such a supportive group of people around means more to us than you could ever imagine.

~Alison <3
xoxo

PS-Happy Birthday to Grandma Lindwall (I know that she is up in Heaven watching over me right now and keeping me safe)