August 11

Hey All!!! We are taking a 8 block walk in the morning and evening. I am walking the halls somewhere in between to get a third walk in. I feel stronger every day. I have clinic on Wednesday. I hopefully will get the staples out. That will be a big relief. Lab work again today showed great kidney function.

Jessica has her 2 week check up tomorrow. Carole will be driving her up and will return home on Wednesday after my clinic. I can’t wait for them to get here. It gives them a chance to enjoy the home cooking Ed has provided.

Jennifer, Carole’s niece, had to head back to Pittsburgh on Saturday. Many people wanted to come and be with Carole but it was Jennifer’s job that afforded her the opportunity. I want to thank her for everything she did to help get Carole through this. It had to be a tremendous stress having both husband and daughter in surgery at the same time.

I hope Carole is trying to get some R&R. She is back to work and I will be coming home soon. But from what I understand, I am the perfect patient. So it should be a piece of cake!!! Pray for her, please.

Love to all, Alan

August 10

Hey All!!!! Besides his job on Eglin AFB, my brother Ed has a small LRM catering business. He is a trained chef. YEAH!!! I am eating well. He has read the renal diet and found out just how important it is for recovery. The diet is meant to aid in the health of the new kidney, to prevent some side affects of the transplant medication and the healing of the body. He says he has read more labels in the past week then in in his entire life before. He said that pretty much everything on the shelf is wrong for me. Either to high in fat, sugars or specially salts. So, I get three freshly made meals from fresh products. We keep track of each group, protein, starch, vegetables, fruits and dairy. It was too difficult to get it all at three meals. So now we have three meals and two snacks a day. I told him I was going to chain him to him kitchen when we get home.

We decided it was the getting in and out of the car the other day that pushed the limits. So getting more walks in around the Town House area. The weather has been with us to do more. This morning we took an 8 block walk before breakfast. We try and go 2 blocks farther each walk. I also have found out that going around with the Fred Mertz’s look is much more comfortable.

So its pretty much R & R today. But with each walk I am feeling much better.

I hope you are all doing well. Because up here,”Its all good!!!”

Love to all, Alan

August 8

Hey All!!! I am still on orders for R & R, so not much to report. Now, will be a good time to tell you about my medical team. I wish than I had pictures and names of everyone. But, the list goes on and on.

Dr. G. Deerhoi was the lead surgeon on my team. He was what I would describe as soft spoken. He was extremely thorough in his visits, making sure I understood everything. He made sure I knew what was going to happen and what to expect would follow. But, you know me, I had to throw them a small curve. That curve I will discuss only with my closest friends. As my balloons started to circulate, I made a elephant hat for Dr Deerhoi. He promptly put it on his head and went on with my visit. I was told later that he came to a patient that was having a bad day, so he donned the hat and went in. I guess it brought a smile.

Dr. Hoffamn was also part of the team. Again, kind of quiet but I guess docs do need to be professional. He was always upbeat and had a smile. When I met him, I notice the cross and dove hanging around his neck. This was very comforting and calming.

Bert was first care giver I had before going into surgery. Her smile and face just seemed to beam. I could tell she truly enjoys what she does.

Susan was the first to care for me after surgery. From surgery I went to a step-down unit. A small ICU type set up just for kidney transplants. First impression was that she was all business. I was wrong. She was all about caring. She always had a smile and a very positive attitude, which helped with mine. For that, I thank her.

I know that I shouldn’t pick favorites. But, I couldn’t wait for either Bekah or Dr. Broderick to visit. I was even better when they both showed up together. They did t5he medial visit thing but then chatted and laughed together. They smiles and laughter just brought out the clown in me. That made their smiles even brighter. Bekah enjoyed her balloon so much we had to take a second picture as she tried to stop laughing. Dr. Broderick was with Dr. Deerhoi when I made his balloon. She had tears streaming down her face and had to turn away. I see bright futures for both these young ladies.

 

The entire staff at UAB and at the Town House have just been the very best. I keep saying it and I’ll say it again.

I am blessed!!!

August 7

Hey All!!! My brother described me as being preoccupied or out of sorts, yesterday. So I just relaxed the day away. I had a very restful and recuperative sleep last night. Ed put me on report and gave me orders to rest and relax today and tomorrow. That is exactly what I am doing. There’s not much to report.

Shawna, I am really glad you shared that joke with me and the rets of the people who sign in. When I laugh it pulls on my staples, so I didn’t have to worry with that one!!! ;o)

Love to All, Alan

August 6

Hey All!!! I had a great feeling day yesterday. So, I push myself just a little. As I laid in bed trying to get comfortable and being so uncomfortable, I realized I pushed to hard. I know that this has always been in God’s perfect timing. So by me pushing to get ahead, I push pushing in front of God’s timing. Which means I was trying to get ahead of God. So the message was “be patient”. I then fell asleep and had a very restful sleep. So today I am just relacing and enjoying the day.

I went to my 1st clinic today. Doc. says all is progressing well. The kidney functions are great and no signs of any problems. I found out that the is a small follow up procedure that will be done on Aug 19th. The next day they will do labs and if all is OK, I will get the discharge to come home.

I have the address for the Town House and will be here until the 19th.

Alan Klink %UAB Town House Apts.

2008 University Blvd: Room 417

Birmingham, AL 35233

 

I am unable to connect to my e-mail from my brother’s laptop. So will catch up with them all when I get back

Love to All, Alan

 

August 5

Hey All!!! I had a terrific surprise yesterday. The Lord lifted my spirits higher than they already were!!! Bill Craley, a friend from Trinity UMC, gave me a call. It was great to be able to talk with him but even better when I found out he was in Birmingham. We were able to spend about an hour together. We caught up on family and whats happening at Trinity UMC.

Do you think it was just a coincidence that Bill had a business trip to Birmingham as I was in Birmingham recovering? God is good!!!

Love to All

Alan Post – August 4

Hey All!!! I am at the Townhouse. I was discharged yesterday. Carole and Jennifer took me for a short ride before coming to the townhouse. What a great thing that was. We made the 2 block walk to the lab this morning. The kidney functions are still good but the 2 block walk was just about the limit. It looks like my little brother Ed is going to be a “by the book” care giver. I think he referred to it as pay back. Again to have a brother who is taking time from his family to care for me. I am blessed

Alan Post – August 3

We are waiting this morning for the hopeful news that Alan will be discharged and moved to the UAB Townhouses. The medical team and caring nursing staff have been wonderful…but Alan is anxious to leave the hospital and get out into the sunshine!

Visit the photos to see a few members of the incredible UAB staff!

(http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/alanklink)

Alan Post – August 2

It is Saturday morning and there has been a small bump in the road. Alan’s temperature rose throughout the night and doctors have indicated this can be expected with some of the medications. They plan to run a few tests today just to be sure there are no infections. The good news is that Alan’s kidney is working well and the functions are all normal…there are no signs of rejection. We know God will continue to keep him in his care.

Alan will be staying at the hospital for another day or two until his temperature returns to a normal level. Ed plans to travel to Birmingham today, and Carole and Jennifer will continue to stay here as well. Jessica is recuperating at home and continues to heal.

Alan Post – July 31

Hey All!!!!! Well things are really beginning to look up. Some of the unwanted tubes are coming out. What a relief. The kidney functions are continuing to improve. Many of them are now in the normal level and I just keep better every day. so much so that there are balloons floating around the hallways. Any balloons in red are greatly appreciated but the orange balloons I’m to keep deflated.The bracelets are the most popular but the doctors enjoy the jesters hat. Now thats just a lil bit scary.

It looks like I will be moving over the Townhouse Unit on Saturday. Its a unit set up for out of town transplant patients. they will monitor the kidney function daily. This will allow them to get the medications and dosages right. my brother Ed will be coming up to stay with me there. The expected stay is 2 to 3 weeks.

Can’t wait to get home though. Love you all, Alan