Caring for Ximena for more than 600 days
Caring for Ximena for more than 600 days
Ximena Molina Parra arrived at Texas Children’s Hospital in October 2018 in liver failure. She was in desperate need of a transplant, and a few days before we rang in 2019, she underwent surgery. I met her and her mom, Yaqueline, just a few days later, never imagining that I’d be walking with her in her journey for more than 600 days.
As a physician assistant (PA) at TCH, I work for abdominal transplant surgeons. My primary role is to have extensive knowledge about liver and kidney disease, and able to quickly identify any post-surgical issues that may arise. Care management and education are critical, but the most important aspect of my role is communication. I serve as the point person for patients from their initial stay following the transplant to when they leave the hospital. Because I’m so intimately involved in each case, it’s important that I communicate well with everyone involved in a patient’s care. My role provides an important aspect of continuity that ensures the entire team knows what’s going on, and we’re all working together to provide the best care.
“Marielle was always attentive with both the medical side and anything else they could provide to make Ximena comfortable,” Yaqueline said. “Ximena had three complications after the transplant, and I am truly thankful she was considerate with Ximena. She was ready and available to help and care for her. She formed a special bond with Ximena.”
“We’re about to celebrate one month out of the hospital. After two years in the hospital, when the day came that it was possible for us to leave, I think the medical team was as excited for us as we were and to be honest, we are so happy,” Yaqueline added.
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