Here's how this chapter begins . . . just before Christmas, Ken was hospitalized locally for six days with a high fever, chills and abdominal pain. He was released just before Christmas. Even though he did not feel well he still managed to preach several sermons and enjoy some family time.
In January, Ken returned to the local hospital with similar symptoms for a seven day stay. After being home a couple of weeks, similar symptoms reappeared in addition to jaundice (a yellowing of the skin pigment from increased levels of bilirubin in the blood) so we were advised to go to UW Hospital in Madison, WI. This is where Ken received a liver transplant in 2006 and where he usually receives medical care. The condensed version of this chapter is that Ken was in and out of the hospital five more times between the end of January and the middle of April. We made it home for a few days here and there. A couple of times we never made it home before having to return. So far in 2014, Ken has been hospitalized for 70 days! After much testing and many treatments it was determined that his liver is failing due to the return of a liver disease known as PSC (primary sclerosing cholangitis). At the end of March he was re-listed for a second liver transplant. We have been able to be home the past couple of weeks and hope to manage as much as we can from home. It may take a year or more before receiving a second transplant.
At this time, the rest of the story is yet to be told. Since we have been down this path before we already know the challenges of keeping friends and family informed. We also know the power of prayer and staying connected with those who care. Through this blog we will communicate how things are progressing. On these days please use the "comment section" to post encouraging messages for Ken. I know he will appreciate it much! In addition to the medical updates, I believe there is much more to our story and I hope you enjoy some of the life lessons, the funny stories, the faith messages and the occasional family picture.
Blessings,
Lisa
Good job, Lisa. Your story is one that I believe will help others on their path. Great job on the blog and I know it will be well received when you go public with it. Love to all of you- Diana
ReplyDeleteLisa- You need to go into your settings and take off the word verification. Right now when anyone tries to leave you a comment they get two scrambled (very hard to read) letters that they have to type in before they can leave a comment. People will not take the time to do it- trust me-I know from personal experience.
Just checking to make sure the word verification is off...
ReplyDeleteOkay- Your follower button is working (like everyone else's is) You will have to educate people. When you click follow it say- this option is not available now. However, if you click that little double box thing to the right of the Follow button that will let you sign up. It's a pain in the butt -but it is the only way you can make it work.
ReplyDeleteVery nice posts so far Lisa. You and Ken are never far from my thoughts.. Continuing to pray..
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you have a Blog...I used to really enjoy your emails back in the day! Onward and Upward...if anyone is going to face this situation head-on and fight like no one's business it is going to be Team Mangold! We are cheering you on from South Bend, Indiana and wishing you strength and better health!
ReplyDeleteGlad to connect again ! Wow all the kids are growing up an onward!! Can't wait to hear more of how and what they are all doing. Did we let you know that we are all in ND now? Since September. Good to be reunited :).
ReplyDelete- Margaret Fetzer
Hi Lisa, I found your blog through Nana Diana's post. I'm so glad you are sharing your journey with us. I will be praying for you. I have health issues caused by auto immune illness too and it has been a tough road for my hubby and family. We just returned from a month at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. I will keep you in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteMary