Stephen's Journey: Surgery began

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Surgery began

Stephen was taken back at 10:50 am by anesthesiology. They had given him a dose of versed which made him a very happy and smiley little boy. Now we just wait the long couple of hours....

3 comments:

AnonymousMay 9, 2013 at 12:57 PM
Such a beautiful smile ! Lots of prayers coming your way ! Xoxooxoxox. Carrie Tom CC Tommy and Quentin
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AnonymousMay 9, 2013 at 1:17 PM
We're praying for all of you! Jan & Tom
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AnonymousMay 9, 2013 at 1:36 PM
Hi Lindsey,
We were over at church this AM and our pastor and everyone there took time to pray for Stephen and Kristen. In my heart, I know this is going to be the best day in all of our lives. All of our prayers will be answered and the new chaper in Superman's book will be awesome!!
Prayers and hugs for all...
Aunt LuAnn
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Our Crazy Kidney Life

As many of you already know, our son Stephen, was born with a very rare kidney disease called Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease (ARPKD). When the disease was discovered during my 27th week of pregnancy, Stephen was given a less than 1% chance of living more than a few hours past birth. He was to have such severely underdeveloped lungs that the doctors said he would likely not even take one breath. However, on January 4, 2011, we were granted our 1st miracle - and Stephen came into this world crying (and breathing!) and fighting for his life with fierce determination. At 6 days old he had BOTH of his kidneys removed and began peritoneal dialysis. Stephen came home from the hospital when he was 59 days old requiring 12 hours of dialysis every night as well as enteral (feeding tube) feeds during the day and overnight.

On May 9, 2013, we were granted our 2nd miracle, in the form of a new kidney from an extremely generous friend. Stephen received a kidney from a non-related living donor at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. He spent 13 days in the hospital recovering from his big surgery and ever since has been living life the fullest! His life is still a delicate balance of medications and weekly lab work, but he's an extremely vibrant, loving, active 2.5 year old.

This blog is Stephen's journey told through my eyes (his mother's), thoughts, and emotions, with extreme highs and lows. But there's no way we would be where we are today without all of the support, thoughts and prayers from our family, friends, and readers! Thank you!!