My transplant consult

[merryfl]

June 3

We got home this afternoon. It was a long trip and I’m really beat, but wanted to let everyone know how it went.

We went to Shands in Gainesville yesterday for my initial consultation with the transplant doctor. He was extremely nice - spent over an hour with us. He looked at my latest x-rays and CT scan and took my history -- concentrating on my quality of life, use of oxygen, what I can and cannot do now that I could do a year ago, etc. Then he gave me a quick once-over.

The rest of the time was spent telling us about the transplant process, the evaluation, scoring, listing, surgery, risks, prognosis. Really just everything. He was very good at explaining things in plain English and making sure we both understood everything he said.

He wants me to start a pulmonary rehab program to improve my strength and stamina. So I will call my Pulmo tomorrow to get that started. Had me stop for blood work on the way out to check for stuff that would automatically rule me out for the program (HIV, etc)., and said I would get a call in a few days re when the evaluation would be done. Lady called today and had set me up to come back July 9, 10 and 11 for all the testing. She will Fedex all info and I will have it Thursday. That will tell me what all they will be doing to me.

I think that about covers everything. If you have any question, ask away!

[Cherylmcc]

I think that's wonderful news and I hope you'll keep us updated on all that goes on.

[Colleen-NC]

Sounds like your off to a good start Merry. Rehab will help a great deal, especially when it comes to recovery. They say the stronger you are the quicker you come off the vent. keep us updated as things move on for you.

[virginia]

Hi Merry....Sounds good, and like Collen said the rehab will help lots...I'm happy for you girl , hope everything will go like you want...

[blondie]

Merry, I am so glad you've got the ball rolling. When I was in rehab, there were a couple of ladies who'd had transplants. The first was 10 years out from one and has done fantastic since and the other lady had one lung transplanted and she was off oxygen and feeling wonderful. Please keep us up-dated on your tests and appt's. Pat

[merryfl]

I received the schedule of test I will be having. I will be spending 2 days going non-stop and then the 3rd day will be a heart cath, which means I'll be in bed most of the day. I think I'll need it to rest up from the 1st 2 days LOL.

They will do a large battery of labs and urinalysis, a TB skin test, a bone scan, an abdominal ultrasound, an echocardiogram with bubbles (I'd never heard of that before), EKG, V-Q Scan (also was unfamiliar with this. It is 2 tests to evaluate blood flow and air flow in the lungs), and chest CT. Of course, I couldn't get by withuot a PFT and a Physical Therapy exercise analysis. In addition to all that, there is an hour with a financial counselor, a psychological consult, a meeting with a pharmacist, and time with a social worker. Whew!!! I can't believe they cram all that into 2 days. Hope I'll have an assistant to wheel me around. I need a nap just thinking about it.

Something to look forward to.

[joann]

Wow Merry, packed schedule, but sure they'll wheel you around , and make it as easy for you as they can! I'm looking forward to reading about your journey!

[pennypa]

Merry, I have a short explanation of the VQ test on my LVRS page. I wish you all the luck in your testing.

As an aside, a fellow rehabber got her lungs yesterday! The docs said it was a perfect fit and they didn't have to 'trim' them or anything. She's off O2, off the vent and, though hurting, can breathe again! They'll probably have her up and walking the halls tomorrow.

[blondie]

Merry, it sounds like alot to go through for you. I had to laugh when you said just thinking about all the tests made you want to take a nap. Did I miss when all these tests will take place? I don't think you said.

You must be very excited and a little scared too. Just know your friends here are pulling for you.

Pat

[merryfl]

Pat, tests are next month -- the 9th, 10th and 11th. Guess I should have put that in!

Penny - I did read you blog, but must have skimmed over that part. I just went back and reread it. Can't say you were real reassuring!! LOL I'm sure it will be fine. Thanks for the blow-by-blow.