So the transplant was called off at 10.30pm last night. The first we got wind of there being a problem was at 3.45pm, when we were told there was an ‘anomaly” with the blood results suggesting an elevated liver enzyme. Two further sets of results showed it was no anomaly, and that the levels were going up. After a frantic round of calls to liver experts at King’s as well as both surgical teams, it was decided not to go ahead.
The initial explanation was that the rising levels could be due to a reaction to the anaesthetic from last Friday’s operation to remove the permcath, or possibly a hepatitis infection. Anne’s research reveals that vancomycin, TAC (the immunosuppressant) and the Hepatitis B vaccination can all provoke this reaction. In Phil’s case, it could actually be a combination of all three – he had the vaccine on Friday, started the TAC course over the weekend, and was on a vancomycin drip for an hour yesterday.
We have a ‘big meeting’ with the consultants tomorrow to discuss it and plan the way ahead. The transplant has tentatively been rescheduled for March 5 on the presumption that the problems can be resolved by then.
Let’s wait and see… For now, Phil is going to have to go back into surgery first thing tomorrow to have a permcath inserted so he can recommence dialysis. It’s a big blow, but he is being very brave about it all (and was an absolute star with the repeated blood tests yesterday).
We’re going to have a hospital-free day today. Phil has had his canula removed this morning, so for the first time in a very long time he is line-free.
And we’re off to collect Chris…:)
our kid needs a kidney 