Captain's Quarters

March 30, 2007

Transplant Update (Update: Success! Update II: FM Speaks!)

Note: This has been bumped to the top; newer posts are below.

I have a few moments to update everyone on the First Mate's progress. She went into surgery around 9:15 CT, about an hour ago. The donor went into surgery earlier, as is normal, and everything we see tells us that both surgeries are going smoothly. Before that, we had an opportunity to gather together in prayer in the staging area, which helped the FM to relax.

I've been joined in the waiting room by my sister and the donor's wife and her friend. So far we've been regaling each other with tales of Marriage Encounter, which is apparently a much wilder group of people than one might think. It's been a good morning so far, and I will update you with any more news.

10:26 - The friend has a son who is working on his doctorate in political science. His topic? The role of Internet advertising in American politics. He has a survey that CQ readers might want to check out ...

10:31 - Well, I thought she had started, but I just got a call from the OR that they just anaesthetized her, and they're starting to clear a space for the new kidney. I'm guessing that they waited until they were sure that they had a viable kidney from the donor, whose surgery probably started an hour ago...

11:01 - The donor's surgical team started isolating the kidney at 10:45. It took two hours of work to get to that point, which underscores the complexity of the procedures here today, and the care that the medical teams take in performing them.

11:12 - Here's the link to the post I wrote about the FM's last kidney transplant, on June 8, 2004.

11:15 - Thanks to all who have offered their prayers in comments and e-mail. Hugh Hewitt, one of the best friends a guy could have in the blogosphere, asks his readers to offer their prayers for us -- and notes that live-blogging is a good way to deal with the stress. He's right ...

12:29 - Went and got some lunch. Nothing much new to report about the FM, but it sounds as if the doctors may have finiished with the donor. They're supposed to be coming out soon.

12:42 - I guess I timed that well. The OR just called to say that they have the artery and vein tied to the new kidney, and they're about to attach the bladder to the ureter. It's looking good, and she's doing very well in the surgery. We're going to offer a few prayers of thanks for the surgeons and nurse on both teams who are working hard to get her healthy again. And a big welcome to Corner readers!

1:24 - Excellent news! The surgery is done, and the kidney is already producing urine. The doctors saw stones in her appendix and decided to do an appendectomy as long as they had her open, especially since stones precede appendicitis. She will be in recovery for two hours and then will return to her room. The donor has also gone to recovery, and except for a little bout of high blood pressure, did just fine. He'll be leaving the hospital perhaps as early as Sunday.

2:34 - The donor has been released from Recovery to go to his room. He's in good shape, and they expect him to heal quickly after the surgery. It looks like it might be an hour or so longer for the FM.

2:44 - I love this comment by James Joyner, on learning that the doctors did an ad-hoc appendectomy: "Try getting that kind of service under socialized medicine!" If I may borrow from Glenn, who also sent his readers here: Heh. Indeed. And please read this kind note from our good friend King Banaian, who has more people that could use our prayers.

4:19 - Looks like they're going to keep her in the ICU for a while, rather than just return her to her room. They've made a point of being very careful with her, and I'm sure this is more of the same.

5:00 - The FM is awake and ready to go to her ICU bed. She wanted me to thank everyone for their prayers and thoughts, and says that she really appreciates all of them. She has made over 1200 cc of urine in the last three hours, so the kidney -- which the donor nicknamed Ricardo -- is already doing its job!

Posted by Ed Morrissey on March 30, 2007 2:34 PM | Comments (61) | TrackBacks (8)

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Listed below are links to weblogs that reference Transplant Update (Update: Success! Update II: FM Speaks!):

» Keeping up the prayers for The First Mate from Macsmind - Conservative Commentary and Common Sense
Capt Ed is live blogging The First Mate’s kidney transplant. “I have a few moments to update everyone on the First Mate’s progress. She went into surgery around 9:15 CT, about an hour ago. The donor went into surgery earlier, as is... [Read More]

» Congrats to First Mate & Captain Ed! from Ordinary Everyday Christian
Great news! Captain Ed reports that the First Mate's kidney transplant (and appendectomy, since they were already there) went splendidly. [Read More]

» First Mate Doing Well After Kidney Transplant from Outside The Beltway | OTB
Ed Morrissey’s wife is producing urine. ... [Read More]

» Some hot links before I retreat from The Anchoress
I’m off for a prelude-to-the-Triduum retreat and so the pickings will be slim and the blogging quiet in these parts, but I’ll leave you with all the stories and blog entries I’ve been meaning to direct your way for the past two days: ... [Read More]

» In Thanksgiving... from The Mad Tea Party
...for the excellent outcome of the First Mate's (see The Captain's Quarters) kidney transplant and for the quick recovery for her and her donor! [Read More]

» Good news for the First Mate from Stix Blog
Sorry I didn't put this up earlier,but better later then never. Today Captain Ed's First Mate underwent kidney surgery and the operation was successful. Sending well wishes to them. [Read More]

» FRI MAR 30 Red Fridays v. Those Adorable Little Lyin’ Democrats! from The Pink Flamingo

Great News: ...

[Read More]

» The Gift of Life from Right-Thinking from the Left Coast

Over at Captain's Quarters Ed Morrisey's "First Mate" is getting a kidney transplant. As someone whose father died needing a heart transplant I can empathize completely. If you're a religious person please say a little extra...

[Read More]

Comments (61)

Posted by hunter | March 30, 2007 10:37 AM

May the surgery go smoothly and the recovery be rapid and complete. The first Mate, as well as you and your entire family, are in our prayers and thoughts.
Best wishes,

Posted by lexhamfox | March 30, 2007 10:41 AM

Ed, Best wishes to the FM and hope everything goes well.

Posted by SwabJockey05 | March 30, 2007 10:57 AM

Skipper, God bless.

That donor is a real HERO!

Posted by jiHymas@himivest.com | March 30, 2007 11:04 AM

My thoughts are with you, Cap'n

Posted by March Hare | March 30, 2007 11:19 AM

My prayers are with you both.

Posted by kimsch | March 30, 2007 11:19 AM

The First Mate and you and your family, and the donor and his family are in my prayers Cap'n.

Posted by DiscerningTexan | March 30, 2007 11:43 AM

Godspeed to the first mate and to you, sir.

Posted by Sourdough | March 30, 2007 11:44 AM

My wife, Katherine and I are praying for the first mate, her donor and both involved families. God bless and keep you all.

Posted by Faith1 | March 30, 2007 12:03 PM

Hope it all goes well.

Posted by JAT | March 30, 2007 12:13 PM

Hang in there - with God's help, we surely hope that all goes well for the First Mate, her donor, and you Captain.

Strength comes from family, friends, and God.

Posted by JayReding | March 30, 2007 12:16 PM

Good luck and godspeed!

Posted by muirgeo | March 30, 2007 12:17 PM

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Captain. Hoping for a successful surgery and a speedy recovery for the FM and your amazing friend/donor.

Posted by Duke of DeLand | March 30, 2007 12:53 PM

While one finds reason to be opposed to the blow-by-blow of surgery (on line)...it is certainly comforting to know what goes and where the entire process stands.

Our prayers remain with you as we vicariously watch the progress, and pray for the outcome!

Duke & Duchess DeLand

Posted by PappouD | March 30, 2007 1:02 PM

Our Prayers are with you all. Keep the FAITH

Posted by Michael Babbitt | March 30, 2007 1:08 PM

My prayers to you and your family, Captain Ed, and to the donor and his family. At the other side of this, may you all end up with a great sense of joy and a renewed health and happiness!

Posted by AnonymousDrivel | March 30, 2007 1:08 PM

Great to hear everything is progressing nicely, Ed. Thank goodness for donors and modern medicine.

Posted by Dusty | March 30, 2007 1:19 PM

I'm really glad to hear that things are going well, Ed. I'll keep everyone involved in my prayers.

Posted by Tom Shipley | March 30, 2007 1:21 PM

Keeping some good thoughts for your wife and the donor (and yourself).

Posted by Webloggin | March 30, 2007 1:23 PM

Hi Ed,

I wanted to send in best wishes and prayers from everyone over here at Webloggin. We're glad to hear that everything is going well.

Posted by John Cox | March 30, 2007 1:33 PM

Ed,
Hope that everything continues to go well. We'll be praying for you and the First Mate.

Posted by Bill M | March 30, 2007 1:35 PM

My famiy's prayers are with the FM and you Cap'n.

I took the survey. I agree with one commentor about -- the donor is a real Hero! How could I not help out a family so selfless. I urge all readers and commentors to take a few minutes to take the survey.

Posted by Fight4TheRight | March 30, 2007 1:38 PM

Your wife and your whole family are certainly in my prayers today . God Bless, her and keep her safe.

Posted by Only_One_Cannoli | March 30, 2007 1:41 PM

Very glad things are going so well.

Posted by SoldiersMom | March 30, 2007 1:45 PM

Oh Thank God. I've been checking progress all morning, and this is wonderful news.

Posted by Sissy Willis | March 30, 2007 1:51 PM

You are all in my prayers. God bless.

Posted by numbersix | March 30, 2007 1:57 PM

Wonderful news Captain, our prayers continue.

Posted by OldDeadMeat | March 30, 2007 2:02 PM

Godspeed you both on your way Cap'n

Hope FM's recovery is gentle and speedy.

Posted by rbj | March 30, 2007 2:25 PM

Wonderful news, Cap'n, especially so close to Easter.

Posted by Emily | March 30, 2007 2:26 PM

Wow, three transplants! Amazing! Your wife and family are in my prayers. I had a double-lung transplant in July of 05, and that was enough for me. :) I cannot imagine having to do it three times!!

Posted by Sissy Willis | March 30, 2007 2:30 PM

P.S. I took the survey. Told 'em they didn't give an opportunity for libertarians like me to say what we really consider ourselves. :-)

Posted by dixie68 | March 30, 2007 2:30 PM

May God continue to bless you, the brave First Mate and the heroic donor and his family.You are indeed a special person, Cap'n--I had a very good friend who had to go on dialysis and when his wife found out, she walked out on him. May God give a special blessing to you for being the kind of husband that you are.

Posted by AJStrata | March 30, 2007 2:31 PM

Excellent news Captain! All the best from The Strata-Sphere.

AJStrata

Posted by Fausta | March 30, 2007 3:06 PM

Very glad things are going so well. Thank you for the excellent news!

Posted by Retread | March 30, 2007 3:35 PM

What good news to get on a Friday afternoon. Very glad to hear the surgery went well for both, and best wishes (and prayers) for a speedy recovery, too.

Now, back to lurking.

Posted by Pasco Conservative | March 30, 2007 3:44 PM

Great end of the week news. We are praying for her continued speedy recovery and good health.

Posted by muirgeo | March 30, 2007 3:50 PM

Fantastic news that all went well...but can't help myself on the socialized medicine comment. 47 million Americans have no insurance...many of them need transplants too. Can you imagine if heaven forbid you and the FM were so unfortunate? What a horrible ordeal you two have endured. For many Americans they endure such hardships and then are bankrupted by their medical cost.

Posted by syn | March 30, 2007 3:51 PM

Wonderful news, you and the FIrst Mate are truly a beautiful couple.

Posted by bbbustard | March 30, 2007 4:09 PM

Congratulations from one who almost never agrees with you - and best wishes for a speedy recovery!
I imagine you;ll be spending a lot of time in the hospital in coming days- perhaps you can look around and see what happens to the uninsured working poor that need such surgery.. Mme Bustard has ovarian cancer, and I learned a lot about insurance during her hospital stays.
With All the Best to you both!

Posted by Right2thePoint | March 30, 2007 4:11 PM

Prayers and best thoughts to all involved.

Faith will carry you through.

Posted by RBMN | March 30, 2007 4:20 PM

muirgeo wrote: " 47 million Americans have no insurance..."

About half of those 47 million are young adults who can afford good health insurance, but they choose to spend their money on something more exciting--like a new car or a boat. They don't buy health insurance because they think they won't need it any time soon.

Posted by patrick neid | March 30, 2007 5:03 PM

the mind boggles...........how many would donate a kidney?

wow.........

Posted by bbbustard | March 30, 2007 5:06 PM

Posted by chsw | March 30, 2007 5:12 PM

May the First Mate and Ricardo have a long, happy life together!

chsw

Posted by PappouD | March 30, 2007 6:02 PM

WONDERFUL NEWS ... We've ALL been "pull'in" (as they say it up here in NH) for you two. Seeya .. "Down the Road." ( saying a prayer of gratitude)

Posted by sandspur | March 30, 2007 6:04 PM

Captain, best wishes and prayers to you, First Mate and the whole family. Hope everything proceeds smoothly.

Posted by cave16 | March 30, 2007 6:24 PM

Capt'n: Thanks for taking the time to post update on FM's progress.

A. Lurker

Posted by tgharris | March 30, 2007 6:28 PM

Thanks for the updates and the great news.
All the best to both of you.

Posted by Karen | March 30, 2007 6:29 PM

The miracles of modern medicine. Outstanding kudos to the doctor and the donor. Capn, did you 2 know the donor before this or was it a match up on the registry service?

And here I was feeling pretty discombobulated myself after having a 3 hour heart stress test today. After the resting MRI, they put you on the EKG wires and then inject some sort of chemical drug that simulates exercise on a treadmill to test the heart under stress, then do another MRI after waiting some more time. That drug that stresses the heart would work wonders down at Gitmo. I felt nauseus, my neck was very tight and I would have spilled all my secrets if asked . But back to the point, I was feeling sorry for myself because I am still not feeling tip top and I came in to do my daily read and read about the First mate.

Wow, talk about a day, a very long surgery, being cut wide open and having a delicate surgery like this kidney thing. And then having this being the 2nd time. That takes guts. I hope she gets out of ICU soon so she can get some rest and you can stay with her longer in the room.

Posted by Stix | March 30, 2007 6:33 PM

Best wishes to you and the First Mate

Posted by gull | March 30, 2007 6:36 PM

Warm thoughts and wishes to Ricardo, the FM, the Capt'n, the donor and both families!

Posted by Brent | March 30, 2007 6:42 PM

My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your wife during this time. I have enjoyed reading your site for some time now but have never had occasion to post a comment. I hope her recovery is swift and the new kidney greatly improves her quality of life.

From one Captain to another.

Posted by unclesmrgol | March 30, 2007 6:54 PM

Congratulations on success and the 2fer. May all of you have good health.

Posted by ajacksonian | March 30, 2007 7:14 PM

May your First Mate have a speedy recovery and you both have good health from here onwards.

Posted by Bill | March 30, 2007 8:01 PM

Glad to hear all is going well. Best wishes to the FM and your family. Godspeed!!

Posted by Hardliner | March 30, 2007 8:19 PM

GodSpeed Captain... You and the first mate are in my Prayers.

Chuck
Editor-In-Chief
The Populist Blog

Posted by TWood | March 30, 2007 8:33 PM

Congratulations to all on a successful surgery, and I hope things continue to go well for her.

Posted by Laura | March 30, 2007 11:54 PM

Sending best wishes and prayers to you and the First Mate. Delighted to hear that all went well today.

Sincerely,
Laura

Posted by Obi's Sister | March 31, 2007 8:03 AM

Great news! Continued prayers for a safe and speedy recovery!

Obi's Sister

Posted by Kimberly | March 31, 2007 6:01 PM

I'm so glad the operation went well! My stepfather donated a kidney to his biological grandson two years ago, so I know what it's like to sit and wait while body parts get transferred around! Good luck and I wish your wife a safe and smooth recovery!

Posted by Bubba | April 1, 2007 9:29 AM

May God bless you both, and keep you in His protection.

Posted by TalkLeft | April 1, 2007 10:21 PM

Great news, Ed. Best wishes to the First Mate.

Jeralyn

About

Captain Ed is a father and grandfather living in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota, a native Californian who moved to the North Star State because of the weather. He lives with his wife Marcia, also known as the First Mate, their two dogs, and frequently watch their granddaughter Kayla, whom Captain Ed calls The Little Admiral.

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Transplant Update (Update: Success! Update II: FM Speaks!)

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