Here is a picture of the GFR test and machine. Basically they inject some radioactive stuff into Jackson's IV and then take x-ray type pictures of his body as the stuff circulates through his body and into his kidneys. Then they draw blood one hour and three hours after the injection to see how well his kidneys are processing.
The test itself is easy, but the IV placement is not fun (not fun is an extreme understatement- I have to physically restrain him as they place the line and he screams bloody murder).
There were so many numbers at the hospital today. Getting platelets took almost two hours and then getting blood took almost three hours. We watched two movies at the hospital today. Jackson ate one Otter Pop and three gummy alligators. I spent five dollars in a Cafe Rio knock off hospital cafeteria salad. Jackson had his blood drawn five different times by three different people. We walked across the Rainbow Bridge to the University of Utah Hospital and back again six different times. Jackson weighed 20.5 kilos and was 110 cm tall. Jackson's platelets were 21, his ANC was 700 and his hemoglobin was 8.0. While getting blood, Jackson spiked a fever of 38.0, but it went back down so we didn't end up getting admitted (thank goodness)! Numbers, numbers and more numbers!
Seven hours at the hospital was exhausting. Jackson was so excited to be able to come home.
One more number for you: Jackson slept for 40 minutes on our drive home.
I've been thinking a lot about you and your family lately. I'm starting to get a feel of what you might be going through. (even if it is just a small bit of what you are going through). You can get pretty tired of the hospital pretty fast. Plus, having your family split up stinks. Connie, I love you and your family and I hope that your journey is nearing it's end soon. I can only imagine how tired you are and how dearly you want your boy to be healthy and strong and to live a long and wonderful life. I can tell you have taught him well. He is such a wonderful person. I'm sure you want your family to be home together. That is my dream right now. Just to be together. Thinking of you and praying for your family to be healthy and to have the strength to get through this trial.
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