Clinic and Labs

We took Jaisal to clinic last week and had a full set of labs drawn. Jaisal was a champ! When the tech called him back to get blood drawn, he happily said hi to her and ran through the doors. He was fine all the way up until we pulled up his sleeve to look at his veins. Even then, little man only shed a few tears and was ready to play as soon as labs were done. I honestly struggle with understanding how brave and forgiving he is. He's definitely at an age now where he recognizes the hospital and understands what is going to happen with the phlebotomy techs. He looks for particular toys when he gets to the waiting area. He likes having band-aids. Despite knowing that he isn't going to like the process of having blood drawn, he only fusses minimally. The kid never ceases to amaze.

After killing some time eating breakfast and playing in the elevators, we had our quickest clinic appointment to date. Labs were awesome. Perfect in fact. Growth continues on pace.  Everything feels and looks good. Which means - we can go 2 months before getting labs again and having to go back to clinic. 2 months without the hospital. 2 months without pokes. It might just be enough time so that every receptionist and lab tech on the 3rd and 4th floors don't know us the minute we walk in the doors.

Jaisal settles right into the clinic room and starts playing with the equipment. 

He used these to peak into my ears and mouth.

The docs are now thinking that perhaps Jaisal always had some kind of alternate smoldering rejection since transplant (because of his previous quasi-high liver function numbers and his now normal numbers).  When we go back for clinic if his numbers are still good, they'll either wean or stop the steroid. They are optimistic that this time stopping the steroid won't cause rejection because hopefully his body will better tolerate Sir Oliver. It's all very promising and exciting.

And you want to know the craziest thing of all? I went into clinic expecting this type of news. Things have felt good with Jaisal lately. Coincidence that this all coincides with us moving past the first year post-transplant  - the exact time frame that every liver transplant parent told me was bumpy? I don't know, but if so I'll take it. C'mon Normal land, we really want to visit and stay for a while.