Sunday, March 27, 2011

Report from Hematologist at Hopkins

Mark's appointment at Hopkins with the Hematologist was Thursday of last week. We learned that Mark does not have antiphospholipid syndrome, a blood clotting disorder in which Mark has family history and that has been associated with unsuccessful transplants. The Hematologist felt that Mark's blood did not look abnormal and felt like he did not have a hypercoagulability problem despite the issues that he has had with clotting over the past two years (i.e. clotting of first transplanted kidney, clots in his heart in January of 2010, and a non functioning dialysis fistula). He did see a few minor things with Mark's blood that he felt warranted a few additional tests, but nothing he found he felt would be directly linked to the failed kidney transplants. As we had mentioned in earlier posts, the Transplant Team at Hopkins has been successful at transplanting patients with a history of failed transplants and antiphospholipid syndrome. In fact, one of their current research projects is investigating the use of a new medication in transplant patients with antiphospholipid syndrome. So, we were actually hoping that Mark would have this blood clotting disorder as it would serve as a reason why the transplants have failed. Needless to say, we were a bit disappointed on Thursday.

While we were at Hopkins, blood samples from Mark and me were collected to investigate whether or not there is the presence of anti endothelial antibody when our blood is combined. The Team will also analyze Mark's blood when combined with Justin's blood (Justin has sent his blood to Hopkins earlier this year). If the presence of this antibody is detected when Mark's blood is combined with the blood of his donors, it is evidence that the transplants failed due to humoral rejection or antibody mediated rejection. This would actually be a good thing as this would explain why the transplants failed. It too is an issue in which Hopkins is researching as has had success with transplanting patients using their "highly sensitized protocol". Hopefully, we should find out the results of the testing within the next two weeks. As always, thanks to all of you who have prayed on our behalf. We ask for continued prayer as we will learn soon whether or not a third transplant will be a possibility.

On a positive note, Mark Thomas and Mark's mother, Rhonda, accompanied us to Baltimore. We spent some time in DC and had a blast! Mark Thomas was so excited about riding the Metro. He actually became quite skilled at traveling via Metro...he would insert his card and walk through the Metro gates alone. He reminded us often, "I can do it all by myself because I am a big boy." He also liked the Air and Space Museum and Natural History Museum of the Smithsonian. He especially enjoyed the planetarium and dinosaur exhibit.









6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Still lifting you and Mark in prayer.......praying that it will be determined that a third transplant is possible. I think of you often.

Amy Tippins said...

Being a parent of a transplant child is so hard. While I am not a parent, I was a patient as a teenager and I can only imagine how helpless parents feel. You will remain in my thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

Have been checking your blog periodically for updates........praying and hoping that Mark's situation has improved. Any more from JH? I submit a prayer request for Mark and your family almost each Sunday at our church.........praying for comfort, strength and peace that can only be supplied by our Lord.
Please update when you can.......

Anonymous said...

Any updates since your last post in late March? Am hoping that you are still working with Johns Hopkins. I check your blog periodically for news........keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. My brother struggled with many issues with a transplant, as well, thus the interest and empathy.

Samantha said...

Thank you for your blog. It is touching and moving and very special and I wanted to point out an ORGAN DONOR awareness campaign that you may not have heard about by an artist David Foox. His uncle has cystic fibrosis and was lucky enough to get a double lung transplant which allowed this man to survive prosper and enjoy life to the fullest. The inspiration led David to create his cute creepy ORGAN DONORS. http://www.foox-u.com/vinyl/25-boxes-1-tray.html All of the proceeds go to donor awareness charities like Donate for Life and Gift of Life. Thought you would like the connection. Samantha.

Geralynn said...

Praying your son is doing well. Just ran across your blog and was very moved.
Hugs from Houston!