Hospital Visit

Well, that good clinic report didnt last long.
I kinda knew someting wasnt really right with Curtis.

The fatique and nausea and vomiting was getting worse, we mentioned that
while at clinic but they said it was probably a virus going around.

Over the weekend the 15th and 16th he got really sick. I told him it was
time to go back to the doctor, rather he wanted to or not.
He needed a blood draw anyway so Monday we went over and had the blood
drawn then went home. We weren't home 15 minutes when the hospital in beaver
called and wanted hime to come back to draw it again. It was the same results.
His potassium level was dangerously high, causing his kidneys to start shutting down.
They put him right in the hospital, he seemed to get feeling a little better with IV
fluids, but after he was sent home, we went back over for more blood work, it showed
the level was back up again.
So into the amublance he went and to Salt Lake U of U hospital.
That was friday evening.
We were three weeks there. It took a week to get his kidneys to be normal again. Then they could do the CT scan and MRI to show them the problem with the liver.
He had grown scar tissue at the connection site of the portal vein causing fluid to back up
into his liver and body cavitiy, putting pressure on the lungs.
they drained the fluid off four different times. They did 3 procedures, to get into the vein
of the liver. the last time they did angioplasty where a ballon was inserted and enlarged the opening making it possible for the fluid to pass through.
This made a big difference. Finally he was feeling a lot better.

We came home last night ,the 9th of June. So glad to finally be home.
Thanks for all the prayers on our behalf. I surley felt them.
Thanks to our kids for taking care of our home and animals and for
giving me a comfortable place to stay in Salt Lake.
We love you all,
Curtis and Lee Ann

Good Clinic Visit

We visited the Liver Transplant Clinic on Wed. for a routine
checkup for Curtis.
Other than some asthma and fatigue, he is doing very well.

We saw other patients there who are awaiting a transplant,
who dont look so well. Makes us realize how sick he really got
before he was transplanted.
We talked on the way home about how much better Curtis
looks and feels now.
And how thankful we are for how fast he received a new liver
after being put on the list.
We talked to the Transplant Buddy while in clinic. He is a liver
transplant receipent, and his job as a buddy is to visit with
patients in the hospital pre-transplant and post transplant.
I asked him if it bothers him to see so many sick people all
the time.
His comment was, "I spend time with the patients who are just dropped off
for clinic, with no caregiver with them for support,I feel so bad for them that
I have to give them some support ."

I cant beleive that people can be so heartless to not be there
for there loved one. How sad is that.
I remembered a patient who was in a coma after transplant that
was on the same floor as Curtis. His wife had to leave him to go back to
her job in Idaho, so they would have insurance.
I mentioned that to him, and he told us that patient had died not long ago
of pnuemonia.

Reminds me of how blessed we are to have Curtis here with us
and have him doing well.
His life hasnt been easy, always riddled with illness and diease.
He has been a trooper, and endured well.
We never know what our trials may be, we just need to be able to
endure the trial we are given, and through faith in Jesus Christ
we can endure.

Wedding Anniversary

Today is our 33rd Wedding Anniversary.

We took a trip down to Zions National Park. Stayed last night
at a Band B. It was beautiful there. More signs of spring than there
are here. There fruit trees are actually in bloom.
It was busy, lots of
tourists already, we sat next to some people at breakfast, from Paris.

We rode the park shuttle into the canyon and took pictures. Curtis got a
little uncomfortable with so many people around, especially on the bus.
But he dealt with it good. He tends to stay away from crowds of people, to
many germs going around.

We went to the Imax theatre there and saw AVITAR in 3D. I thought it was way cool.
Curtis said it was just alright.

Im so thankful Curtis is still here with me to celebrate our anniversary.
A year and a half ago I wasnt so sure he would be.

He is doing very well. His blood draws have been really good. This week he was
told to go down .5 on the prograff, the anti-rejection drug.
So he doesn't need so much, which is good. It tends to confuse him at times and
cause spikes in his blood sugar.
He still suffers from fatigue, but that will always be there. Transplant patients seem
to all have that problem.
So we just do what he can and not worry about anything more.
Just trying to enjoy life and be grateful for the time we have together.

What a difference year makes!

Things are pretty much back to normal for us. I guess as much as normal
can be considering all we have been through.
When I read the previous postings and remember how bad it got for Curtis, I realize
our lives are really good now.

He is doing very well. The blood results from his tests are very normal.
His only problems have been with the diabetes. He has a lot of extreme lows
which cause siezures. One happened in a store in beaver about a month ago. It was scary and
we ended up going to the hospital by ambulance. I was with him and knew what
to do for it. So we were ok. They kept him a few hours in the hospital in beaver
until he was thinking normal and the blood sugar was in normal range.


The prograff can cause ups and downs in the blood sugar. So we have to remember
to eat and check his blood glucose often. He still has fatigue and sleeps a lot.
But that is to be expected.
As far as working , he's not. Other than dispatch for his truck and keep his wood
cutting crew on task.
I tend our new Grandaughter a couple days a week, and we both enjoy having her here to love.

It finally feels like things are going in the right direction for Curtis.
It was such a miracle. When I look at him now as compared to a year ago.
He looks so good and young! You would never know he has been through so much
in his life.
We are so grateful for the wonderful blessings we have enjoyed, and for all the people
who helped us along .Our familys have been great support.
Especially our children. They are wonderful . What would we do with out you?
I know I would not have gotten through it all without the love and encourgement
of our kids and extended family. (especially my sisters)
Thank you all
We are looking forward to a Happy Thanksgiving and a Merry Christmas
Happy Holidays to all of you
Love Curtis and Lee Ann

One year anniversary..

There’s a rare and special quality
in the way some people live
However busy they may be -
they still have time to give.
Anything you ask or need,
they’ll do their very best -
No matter what the task is
or how simple the request.
Kindness just comes naturally -
to this rare and selfless few...
Special, giving people

–People just like you!



A year ago on November 10th, Curtis received his liver transplant. If it wasn't for the good people of Beaver County who donated to his transplant fund, Curtis wouldn't have been with us today. Words can't express our love and appreciation for the financial support, the prayers and the love we received during this difficult time and this past year.



We are so blessed and thankful for everyone of you.
Curtis & LeeAnn Johnson and Family

New Update....

My dad is back in the hospital at the U of U. He has bacterial pneumonia in both of his lungs, which is making him pretty sick. He also has a sore throat but the pain is lower into his esophagus, they are supposed to do a scope to see what is causing the problems. As far as his liver goes, it's doing great, there hasn't been any issues with it so far. We hope that it stays that way. We don't know how long he will be in the hospital yet, as he went in over the weekend. Like is said we are still waiting for Dr. Hutson to do a scope down his throat and into the esophagus. When that happens I will post more information. He is on 6th north, Rm 601 at the University of Utah Hospital if anyone wants to contact him.

Home at last......

I guess you could say that this blog is REALLY outdated. My mom asked me to update it weeks ago but I am soo busy lately I kept forgetting. So, I better get busy. My dad is doing so well, most of you probably already know that he is home and has been home for probably a month now. His last appointment was a few weeks ago and the doctor told him he didn't have to come back for another 5 weeks. The team is so happy on how well he has been doing. The keep lowering the doses on his anti rejections and steroids. Which is help his blood sugar to be the normal it's supposed to be.
I think he is really enjoying being at home, finally. He told me he never thought he would be able to go back home. He isn't supposed to drive because he's still on the pain patch, which if your around his for any amount of time you can kinda tell :) I'm happy he's in his place of comfort and I hope he continues to get well.