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Post by merryfl on Jul 14, 2008 18:13:09 GMT -5
My transplant evaluation was exhausting, but in some ways fun. I met some nice people who live not too far from me - they were going through the same tests I was for all three days, so we all kept each other company. Kept us from feeling quite so overwhelmed and alone. All of the staff was absolutely top-notch and super nice.
The 1st stop was the lab for urinalysis and blood draw - they took 10 vials of blood, so I’m pretty sure they checked me for everything possible. Then I headed for the cardiology clinic and got a TB skin test (an injection in my forearm). Next up was an echocardiogram. They put in an IV and injected me with a syringe full of bubbles which they traced on the echo. They left the IV in for later tests. Then they did an EKG.
We then headed for the bowels of the hospital and the Nuclear Medicine department. Had a bone density test. Then down the hall even further and had an abdominal ultrasound.
Shands is a huge place, and next we had to catch a shuttle bus to a building down the street for my VQ Scan. I had never had that before. It started with 20 minutes on a nebulizer which had some sort of radioactive stuff in it (they even put on a nose clip to make sure I was getting the full dose). Then they took pictures in a machine similar to a CT scan, injected something in my IV, and took some more pics. It took about 20 minutes total-- no where near as fast as a CT.
Then back on the shuttle bus to ride back to the main hospital to meet with the admissions department and make sure they had all my insurance stuff correct - basically pre-registering for admission.
Back to the bowels of the building to another office for a CT scan with contrast - I hate the way the contrast makes me feel. All flushed and like I wet my pants. HONEST! Finally they could take the IV out, and we got to have lunch. (It was about 2:00 by then)
After lunch was an hour and a half with a psychologist (actually an hour for me and about 20 minutes for my husband). Finally day 1 was over. We headed for the motel and basically went straight to bed. Didn’t even bother with supper. We were beat!
The second day began with a Pulmonary Function Test, including arterial blood gases. Then we headed for the Physical Therapy department for testing. I had a 6-minute walk test on a treadmill. The therapist said I did better than 90% of the people he sees for their initial evaluation. Then he checked my leg strength. Shands had determined that leg and hip strength is a major component in how well a patient recovers from transplant surgery, and they require patients to be able to press a minimum of 80% of their body weight. I passed that test, but just barely. I will have to really work on strengthening my legs. He also checked how quickly I could stand up and sit down from a chair five times with no hands. It took me 18 seconds. They want it to be below 15 seconds. There again - leg and hip strength.
He gave me a new gadget to help with my breathing - a PEEP Valve. It is similar to Pursed Lip Breathing, but had an adjustable pressure valve to create resistance when you breathe out. Opens up the airways much quicker and relieves that shortness of breath more quickly.
We went to lunch and then met with a pharmacist to learn about the drugs (including the costs!) which are prescribed after transplant. Interesting.
From there, we headed to the Social Work department. We talked for about 2 hours regarding all sorts of things: finances, family support, religious preferences, housing after the transplant, pets - no cats or birds allowed!- wearing a mask to avoid infection, and on and on. She gave us a whole notebook to read and learn - I have not yet looked at it. Too much to take in all at once.
Day three started with checking the site of my TB skin test - negative. The we headed to the cath lab for right and left heart catheterization. Doc said I had some plaque - but less than average for my age and it all looked good. We got out of there about 2:30 and prepared to come home.
All the different departments will have a meeting to discuss me and all my test results and make a decision as to whether I am an acceptable candidate for transplant. We should hear in a couple of weeks.
It was an exhausting process, and I am glad it’s over.
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Post by blondie on Jul 14, 2008 19:14:42 GMT -5
WOW Merry. They really checked your over with a fine tooth comb. I hope they say you are a candidate. They certainly did every test I have ever heard of and then some I haven't. I'll be keeping a eye out for updates. Pat
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Post by virginia on Jul 14, 2008 19:44:28 GMT -5
Merry, so happy for you that it's over...and gosh it made me tired just reading it..Bet you were pooped. Sounds like you will pass with flying colors...A big(((((( hug)))))) for you girl...
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Post by Colleen-NC on Jul 15, 2008 6:01:52 GMT -5
Glad things went smoothly for you. It is exhausting but you will know exactly where you stand as far as your health. I had an appointment to go back for all the results, do you have one or are they just going to call with the results and then make one ?
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Post by merryfl on Jul 15, 2008 17:42:28 GMT -5
Colleen, they didn't say when I would have to come back. Just that they would be in touch as soon as a decision had been made. Will just have to wait and see, I guess.
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Post by pennypa on Jul 16, 2008 14:01:12 GMT -5
Merry, are they going to require that you do "x" number of sessions of physical rehab before they list you? Talk about getting a complete physical....whew, I'm pooped just reading about it.
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Post by merryfl on Jul 16, 2008 18:39:32 GMT -5
Penny - I am supposed to keep going to rehab, but I passed the minimum requirements for surgery, so long as I don't regress. So, no X number of sessions required. Basically they just want me as good as I can get. Any improvement is a plus.
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Post by Colleen-NC on Jul 16, 2008 19:38:03 GMT -5
Merry, I have a question if you don't mind. The 6 min. walk, did they measure how far in steps you walked or how did they do it? My curiosity is peeked since you said you did it on the treadmill. I have had many of these and not once on the treadmill. I did have a test to see how fast and how long I could stay on the treadmill but then went and did the 6 min separate. Funny how everyone has a different way of doing things.
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Post by maryaz on Jul 16, 2008 22:23:26 GMT -5
Very very interesting. I saw your post Merry when you made it. Been trying to find time to read it. That was a work out. Good luck to you when you hear from them. It also wore me out reading it.
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Post by merryfl on Jul 17, 2008 18:25:43 GMT -5
Colleen- regarding the 6-minute walk....I was surprised myself. I was expecting to have to walk down a hall, or something similar. Instead, they asked me what speed I use on the TM, and the slope, told me to hop on and just watched me for 6 minutes. I walked, and we chatted. He said endurance is important - as long as you keep moving, that's good - and that mine was quite good. If I walked at a slower pace, it may have been different - I just don't know. He was more concerned with my leg strength than how far I could walk.
He stressed that rehab programs try to use bike riding for leg strengthening, but said you really need to use a leg press. They have found this to be the most important factor in recovery. Your endurance is directly related to leg strength. Here in FL there are very few opportunities to climb stairs, so weakening legs is a problem.
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Post by merryfl on Sept 10, 2008 18:09:46 GMT -5
Well, I finally heard from Shands Hospital. I have been approved for transplant. In fact, they said I am an "excellent candidate." I am on hold until my legs pass their strength test. I go on October 1st to let them see how well my Pulmonary Rehab is working. I am currently only 5 lbs shy on the leg press of meeting their requirements, so am sure it won't be a problem. I'll meet with the doctor after my visit to the PT guy.
Yay!!!!!
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Post by Colleen-NC on Sept 10, 2008 18:55:41 GMT -5
With what you have been doing in rehab, you'll pass with flying colors!! Congrats!!
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Post by virginia on Sept 10, 2008 20:46:06 GMT -5
Merry...A big congradulations!!!!!
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Post by roadtrip on Sept 11, 2008 11:39:55 GMT -5
Merry,
I am beyond excited about your acceptance. That is such wonderful news. Shands is such an incredible place and their transplant teams are kind, caring and dedicated. My girlfriend's heart transplant at Shands was outstanding. Congratulations. We will be rooting you on the whole way.
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Post by Toby on Sept 11, 2008 17:26:20 GMT -5
Congratulations Merry! After going through all that I'm glad it was a heads up!!!!!
So many of you are going through so much. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you!!!!
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Post by merryfl on Sept 11, 2008 18:08:29 GMT -5
Linda, it is so good to hear from you. We've all missed you terribly!
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Post by maryaz on Sept 12, 2008 23:42:59 GMT -5
Hi Merry; I am very happy for you. You will get there.  |
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Post by debbieky on Sept 15, 2008 19:44:43 GMT -5
Hi Merry, I just now saw your post and I want to add my congrats with the others. You will not have any problems with the leg strength getting to where it needs to be. I am so happy for you. (((((((hugs)))))))))))!
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Post by pennypa on Sept 17, 2008 8:35:38 GMT -5
Congrats, Merry! I've found that my leg strength has diminished greatly post LVRS because I'm no longer in rehab and using the leg press. Squats are also very good for leg strength but my knees are killing me. If you don't have access to the leg press, do those squats...from standing to "sitting in a chair" is what they said for us to do. Oh wow, you must be excited.
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Post by merryfl on Sept 17, 2008 18:18:24 GMT -5
Penny - I am going to rehab and using the leg press (I'm up to 100 lbs). Also do the sit/stand thing while holding a medicine ball. "Sitting" in the air with my back against the wall was suggested as a substitute, but it kills my knees.
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