As mentioned in the earlier blogs, my transplant was scheduled to be held in July 2010. After many tests, several alterations and the availability of the operation theater, my surgery was finally scheduled on the 7th of July 2010.
I was admitted in the Toho University Hospital on the 28th of June 2010 to prepare myself for the operation. The stay was enjoyable and memorable to me because of the hospital staff. Speaking medical term in Japanese was really tough for me, but I do agree that I learned many terms and words in Japanese because of the wonderful nurses. The nurse in charge of me was Yamashita-san. A kind and very hospitable lady. She was really kind to me and looked after me really well. She was always willing to go the extra mile to help me. For instance, once she prepared the English version of post-transplant book for me. That was the nicest thing :)
I got along well with other nurses too. Yamaguchi-san is another friendly nurse. I first met her during my dialysis session at Toho University Hospital. Although she speaks English very well; sometimes she converse to me in Japanese language in order to teach me. Some words can be tricky or hard to understand but I managed to learn them by seeing their hand gestures. They tend to speak with me with lots of hand gestures and that definitely helped me a lot! I didn't feel like a patient but was treated more like a friend.
I think that's the specialty and the nobility of the Japanese people. All the people that I met are very friendly, kind and very helpful. The are very concerned people and are really very dedicated to their work! I have never seen anyone as disciplined and humble like them. I consider myself very lucky to be treated here in Japan amidst the kindest people on earth.
The doctors are excellent too. Dr Ken Sakai consulted me in his clinic prior to my admission. Once admitted, I was under Dr Hyodo's supervision. A concerned, friendly and funny doctor. He originated from the Kansai region and therefore thought me a lot of Kansai slang. The head surgeon is Professor Dr Aikawa who usually visits his patients every Tuesday mornings. A powerful surgeon but yet very humble. A patient once told us that Dr Aikawa is referred to as the 'hands of God'.
The patients were like a family. We can relate to them so well although most of us can't converse to each other at all! This was because the patients are all kidney failure patients, either on dialysis or already had their transplant surgery. We could relate by understanding their pain and sufferings and vice-versa.
At the end of June, the doctors were still debating whether to give me a plasma exchange prior to the transplantation but finally agreed to perform it one time on a day before my operation. As of early of July, my family came over to Japan. My donor was admitted on 1st of July 2010 and underwent several tests as well. My donor and I had a good HLA matching and a small trouble at T-cell matching but it was OK. We had a matching test again 48 hours before the surgery and the results were not promising. My 'blood' was rejecting my donor's. We were slightly worried but the doctor convinced us not to worry as I will undergo a plasma exchange session. My last dialysis was scheduled on 6th of July 2010 and a plasma exchange was performed thereafter. Another matching test was conducted after the procedure and the results were good; which means that the operation is on :)
Finally, Wednesday came. It was the 7th of July 2010. I was all excited but there was a problem.My donor was having a fever and the doctors needed to discuss whether to proceed with the operation. It was necessary because, if operation was performed on a sick patient, he or she is highly prone to infections. My donor somehow got better and after several discussions with the doctors, the operation was not canceled. I wasn't so excited because I was worried about my donor. I really wanted the donor to be healthy, happy and prepared for the operation.
After everything seemed well, we had our operation :)
During the operation my family were asked to wait in the ward. My husband told me that it was Dr Ken Sakai that ran to the ward and informed them that the kidney is working :)
After the operation was over, we were transferred back to our respective wards. I somehow remembered being ushered to the ward and seeing my family. I asked about the donor and glad to hear that everything is OK. I even remembered Dr Ken Sakai holding my hand, telling us everything is OK. A doctor whom shall not be forgotten by me, ever.
The recovering period was quite painful and uncomfortable but I wasn't complaining. Somehow I felt lifted and everything seemed like a dream. I was able to walk on the third day after the operation and visited my donor first. I was sadden and felt guilty to hear and see that my donor had a little trouble handling the pain. It was so honorable of the donor to be doing all this for me. I hope that the donor gets better and leads a perfect, normal and happy life forever.
My donor was discharged a week later and I was discharged a month later. I stayed at home most of the time except for going to the hospital for weekly check ups. The creatinine was quite stable and I was scheduled for a kidney biopsy three months later.
My mother took care of me for three months and left for Malaysia at the end of September. I was pampered and well taken care of during her stay.
I was admitted in the hospital, three months later and a kidney biopsy was performed. This was the hospital's procedure to ensure no rejections occur to the graft. The results returned five days later and we were happy to learn that the kidney is functioning well and there were no signs of rejection. Before being discharged, Yamashita-san came running to my ward to wish me well. I was overwhelmed to see her so caring about her patient. She said that she was anxious about the results and now relieved that everything is fine. I was speechless. I couldn't ask for better doctors or nurses.
These were my experience throughout my stay at the hospital. I am truly very grateful for all the care and the love shown. Therefore, this will be my most memorable and important moment in my life.
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