Chris, hopefully the hospital has given you and your family guidelines about preparing your home for your homecoming. At first, it was comforting to be in the hospital with round-the-clock care. But after a while, that room gets awfully small. It’s so good to get home to your own bed and other comforts. Move as much as you are able, but don’t feel like you have to “do” things. You’ll be tired, so give in and rest or nap frequently. You’ll gradually reach what I call your “new normal” so embrace it!

I have been home 66 days after my transplant. I was in the hospital 19 days and felt so good to get home. I have been able to have family over and the best part is we can sit outside on the patio and no one wears masks, I have been walking everyday. The biggest problem was not being able to sleep but s few hours and it seems I wake up every morning at 3:30 am and then have a hard time getting back to sleep, this was the time for 19 days that they would wake me up for blood tests . I have just about got over that, but once in a while I wake up and have to go to bathroom and then go back to sleep.

Chris, personally, I was happy but also worried about how was going to be not to have the 24/7 care I had at the hospital, but after finally being at home was SO good. My bed, my pillows, my family. Also a little bit stressing because all the special care we must to have, like being isolated, the food, the super cleaning routine of every thing around me, my family wearing mask...and more. It's not a picnic at the park, but time flies and things get better. Has been 13 months after my transplant, and I'm now allowed to do many more things than even before. I walk almost 2 miles a day. 7 days a week, my taste for almost all foods I like is back, and since December my kids and grandchildren not living with me can come to visit without having to wear a mask (as long they aren't sick)
Last Sunday I went to a concert!! After 19 months of only walking and medical appointments, and of course with a good face mask, and all the precautions, I went back to the real world 😂 and had a great time!! Now I'm getting ready for my son's graduation in San Diego! My immune system is getting stronger and can do a lot of more things! It's hard but be patient, keep moving, exercising, but take your breaks and naps when you needed. Listen to your body, follow your physician directions and be happy! It's a different kind of life, but is not bad! 💚