Hi Everyone,
Sam came home late yesterday afternoon! We are so grateful to our Lord Jesus and all of you who have prayed for us and the medical staff that took care of Joe and Sam. I truly believe it made all the difference in such a positive outcome. We had no guarantees that the transplant would be a success without complications. We are humbled that God, in His mercy, blessed Sam with a new kidney and that Joe is doing well with the one he still has.

Sam's new normal will be carefully monitored meds, labs twice a week, daily logging of body temp, blood pressure and weight to catch any infection or rejection early. Sam is not experiencing any pain that requires more than Tylenol to manage. He has an exterior drain at the incision site which will be removed on 12/19/18. The staples will be removed sometime in early January.

Joe is recovering well and is not experiencing any pain that Tylenol can't handle. He has a follow up with the surgeon on 12/19/18. It will be at least 6 to 8 weeks before he can go back to work (self employed remodel contractor) and no heavy lifting for at least 3 months.

Thank  you all for your care, support and prayers. I wish each of you reading this all the best and if you are experiencing a trial or a sadness, I will pray you find comfort in the One who knows your heart and is there for you at all times.

Sincerely, 

Joe, Carol and Sam Connelly