Latest lung transplant update: They have scheduled a "clean out" bronchoscopy on
March 27 with the pulmonologist to see how things are going and to clean out
the mucus buildup that goes on. I'm feeling better, but my FEV numbers on the
spirometer continue to click downward, I can feel and hear the mucus when I
breathe, and even light activity makes me breathe hard, though my oxygen sats
stay up. Today, they also scheduled an outpatient surgical bronchoscopy on
April 11 for more debridement of the slough and to replace the stent if needed.
This was what I went in for on March 3 and they kept me until March 11 with two
additional surgeries. Hopefully that's not needed this time, but I will do as
they say to try to make this thing work. So I'm clearly not out of the woods
yet, and didn't expect to be. One in five lung transplant patients die in the
first year, one in two in the first five years. But at the time I received the
transplant on December 23, I was declining rapidly. I think by now I'd be dead
or on death watch in hospice at the least. So it was like calling an artillery
fire mission on your own position when you are being overrun--there was no
choice. I will continue to march and still have a positive attitude. I have
complete faith in the healthcare team at UW Hospital/Madison VA--but this
process has things that can be beyond anyone's control. I know a couple of lung
transplant folks having a harder time than I am, but still in the fight. And several good folks worse off with other health challenges, so I feel blessed. Thanks
as always for the thoughts, prayers and good wishes.
Last Monday, I took three trays of cookies--one for each
shift--up to the nurses and health techs on the ward. One of the nurses said I
was sweet. I said that they had all been so wonderful I wanted to do something.
She said, "You're easy to be wonderful to--it's the people who aren't who
make this job a challenge." I try to put myself in their point of view and
make things as easy and cooperative as I can. They have a lot on their plates, and I'm hardly the only patient. ~Bob
Posts
Saying a prayer that you continue to do well. I was recently diagnosed with COPD and I'm seen at a VA hospital except for the COPD because I cannot get the medications I need through them and have to use Tricare that I have through husband. The fear of the disease is sometimes worse than the disease itself--I quit smoking when diagnosed after 30+ years..
ReplyDeleteAs always, thoughts and prayers to you and the family.
ReplyDeleteRobin
Thoughts and prayers, and thanks for remembering the 'little' folks...
ReplyDeleteI try to never miss a day checking on you and your blog. The Nation could use a lot more people like you but by the time they realize the need it might be too late. When I read your health issues I am reminded that at 70 I am fortunate that most of my problems can be treated with drugs. Keep fighting and keep trusting. We are really lucky to live in a place where people dedicate their lives to helping others through medicene and research.
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