Nikki Rider Updates

Nikki’s first full day at home was uneventful - which is good news!  She walked in the house like she was supposed to and ate her prescribed diet.  She also used her one stair trip a day to get a shower!  Nikki is still very sore but hopefully that will get better with each passing day.  

Great news!!  Nikki is on the way home!  She’s obviously still tired and sore with everything she’s been through, but she’s happy to be out of the hospital and heading home. Several people have asked about providing meals, but right now Nikki has a very strict diet.  Although I’m sure Alex would love if anyone wanted to do the family laundry since that might be his job for now :)!  

There were a number of medical staff in with Nikki today checking all kinds of things.  After looking at everything, they decided to keep her in the hospital at least one more day.  Probably bc of her positive personality!  The biggest concern right now is that the level of anti-rejection drugs in her bloodstream is not as high as they would like.  Despite this, Nikki is getting stronger each day and is continuing with her walking regimen.  She continues to eat normal food and is excited that she can take a shower at some point today - although she isn’t looking forward to the pain involved.   Hopefully Nikki will come home tomorrow, as long as everything goes as expected. 

There were a lot of steps forward again today.  Literally, in the amount of walking she did today. The medical team continues to monitor her levels, especially her kidney function.  She is eating solid foods again today which is very positive. In addition, hospital staff gave her a “brace” for around her waist to help with the pain when walking and moving around.  Tomorrow will be an important day with a lot of medical providers making rounds.  If Nikki’s levels are good and the entire medical team signs off, there’s a possibility that she could come home as soon as tomorrow.  Fingers crossed 🤞🏻

Saturday night was a little bit rough. Nikki got very nauseous while trying to eat dinner which can be attributed to the anti-rejection meds.  Thankfully they were able to give her something for the severe nausea and she felt better - although she got very sleepy. 

More milestones this afternoon!  Nikki had turkey and mashed potatoes for lunch, so eating solid food is now a checkmark.  Nikki is going for her first walk in the hallway right now!  She is still in pain but is powering through!  She even managed to get herself back in the chair on her own!  

 More good news this morning!  Nikki had a good night sleep and hospital staff now have her sitting up in a chair in her room.  She has even eaten some jello this morning.  As expected, she is still very tired but eating the jello is another positive milestone!  

 Nikki is out of the recovery room into a regular room. Gabby and Brian are with her now along with David. The boys are on the way to the hospital enjoying Friday rush hour traffic in Philly. Gabby said that Nikki looks great and was talking before she fell back to sleep. 

David is able to be with Nikki in the recovery room. The medical team said again that everything went really well and the kidney is functioning as expected, which is excellent news!  Nikki is able to talk a little and is in some pain which is to be expected.  So far everything is going about as well as it can go!

Happy to report that Nikki is out of surgery and that everything went smoothly.  The kidney is functioning well,  although Nikki might have to do a couple rounds of dialysis. This is fairly normal with the kidney being outside the body for a period of time.  She is in recovery right now and David should be able to see her soon.  She is at Univ of Penn hospital in Philly. Her room has a nice view of Franklin Field. 

 As of 6:20 am this morning Nikki was transported to surgical prep and was on track for surgery to begin around 7:00 am. 

As many of you may have heard, Nikki is getting a new kidney!  She is reporting to the Univ of Penn by midnight and is scheduled to get her new kidney on Friday April 17.  They have done extensive testing om the new kidney and feel like it will be a great fit.  This blog will provide updates on her progress so check back for details as they become available.  This will save the family from answering tons of texts, since Nikki is loved by so many people!   The best thing that can be done right now is to offer prayers and positive thoughts!