Friends of Kaley Conway: Transjugular Liver Biopsy....

Friday, February 10, 2012

Transjugular Liver Biopsy....

...do not google it! Oops, I already did! I should probably have some sort of "google/parental" control on here!

Don't worry though because it is actually considered a safer method than the traditional biopsy.

My liver numbers are still heavily elevated and show rejection as of this morning. They cant wait any longer....So, on Monday I will be having a transjugular liver biopsy. They will be going in an artery through my neck with the needle down to the liver. This way they will be able to check the vessel pressure, inflammation and level of rejection. If the rejection is mild-moderate, they will begin heavy doses of oral steroids. If rejection is severe, then admit to hospital several days for IV steroids. They are expecting for mild-moderate rejection to be the outcome! I will receive anesthesia and shouldn't remember most of it. I have stopped my Coumadin (oral blood thinner for my DVT (clot) --getting so fancy with my medical terminology :). But my biggest risk will still be bleeding, so I will be monitored for several hours after the procedure before being sent home.

Monday morning: Hospital by 6:15 a.m., biopsy at 9:00 a.m......Monday night I plan to be back in my recliner for a Mad Men (thank you Elizabeth for the recommendation) marathon! Popcorn in hand of course!hmmm maybe a box of girl scout cookies too!

Ready for the biopsy with my sensational scarf!

side note: I was watching, Home Sweet Hollywood with Tori and Dean (please do not cast aspersions)and I was inspired to design my own hospital gown! Tori's was off the shoulder with ruffles...I so need one of those! Easy IV access that way! ;) But until then I guess I must opt for accessories! Thankfully, my friend Stacy thought of and got me a sensational scarf! She suggested I wear it to cover my bandage. I'll totally Make It Work!!

3 comments:

KacyFebruary 11, 2012 at 12:39 AM
I could probably sew one of those for you! :)
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KacyFebruary 12, 2012 at 7:40 PM
Thanks for all the comment love! I was starting to get a little disheartened...is anyone out there?? I should have known my fellow KC would have my back!
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Mom (Kathleen/Aunt Kathy)February 21, 2012 at 11:25 PM
This KC is there, too. Actually about to go to sleep on your couch! I am beyond grateful, thankful, and blessed for the gift God provided for you, the support of so many amazIng people! Thank you, all! Praise God.
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Contribution Information and Background

If you wish to make a financial contribution towards Kaley's recovery online, please utilize the PayPal DONATE button below. If you prefer to send a check, please make it payable to Kaley Conway and email friendsofkaleyconway@gmail.com for the mailing address.

*Calls, texts and emails are all welcome. People may visit for short periods of time in very small numbers. Since Kaley's immune system is so weak and will continue to be, please do not visit if you have been, feel, think you might be or have ANY symptoms of being sick.

A very condensed version of Kaley's story:

On Monday, November 21st, Kaley was rushed to the emergency room at Dallas Presbyterian Hospital where her medical team found her to be in acute liver and kidney failure with her right lung partially deflated. Arrangements were quickly made to transport her by ambulance to St. Paul’s/UT Southwestern ICU. Upon admission to the ICU, a team of specialists determined that she would need a liver transplant in order to survive and that the liver would have to become available on an emergent basis. They began the task of getting her body healthy enough to be placed on the national liver transplant list. During this time, the medical team confirmed her diagnosis to be medication-induced liver failure, caused by Augmentin, a common antibiotic prescribed for strep throat. The next couple of days included a multitude of critical procedures, including continuous kidney dialysis, pulmonary treatments for her lungs, and stabilizing an acute infection in the kidneys and lungs. Kaley was placed on the national liver transplant recipient list on Thanksgiving day. She entered the list at the top, meaning most critical. In less than 24 hours after being listed, they received a telephone call from the UTSW Transplant Coordinator that they had located a liver, which was a perfect match and in great condition. On Saturday, November 26th, at 8:17 a.m., Kaley was taken to the operating room to receive her new liver. The surgery took 11 hours, and the medical team determined that they would preform a 2nd look-see procedure 2 days later. At the completion of the first surgery, they loosely closed her and took her to the ICU. On Tuesday, November 29th, Kaley had her 2nd and final surgery which took about 3 hours.