So, I met with the Transplant nurse first. He said that everything is a go. All my test were good, no red flags. Only one problem is the extra support for after my tx. He called the social worker while I was sitting there and she called him back. He said that she and I needed to try to get things done.
I told him the problem I had been having with pain since the catherization and he check that area. He didn't see anything unusual, like bulging.
Next, he said that the bone density showed that my bones were very weak and that I needed supplements such as calcium and vitamin. I didn't ask how many units or whatever and know nothing about vitamins and need to call about that again, duh. I had the vitamins they make me sick.
I also did the six minute walk today, which had been rescheduled. I did well on it. Next, my range of motion and strenth was assessed. I didn't expect a glorious report on this. I have a couple of herniated discs that do cause me problems still. So, in my right arm there is weakness and when I turn my head, in addition to pain. However, I did expect this. However, that is no biggy in tx world I guess because my doctor did not mention it.
Next, the tx pulmonologist came in...Dr. Lee. He said I have B blood which is uncommon. This works in my favor. There are currently 40/45 lung tx recipients on the list for O; and there are only 4/5 on the B waiting list. As mentioned before, it works in my favor in some aspects, in that not many in my category are waiting, but not many are donors either.
Next, he said I needed to go to an allergist and keep up with all my shots and exams. Also, he sent me for 3 more blood tests. One is to see which zoster category I am in, since this has some bearing, and he wanted to know. It showed that I was positive for it. I forget how they explain the bearing of shingles on the tx donor and recipient, except that they don't want someone who has not been exposed to be exposed.
He asked how the oxygen was working out. I told him that I don't seem to be getting the same benefit that others speak of. The increased energy, endurance, speed, etc. He said that he didn't know why, but some people just feel no benefit from it. However, I must stay above 90 and use it!!!! He said there is no harm in getting too much oxygen and it does not damage the lungs.
He also examined the site of catherization. He sent me for an ultrasound. The ultrasound showed no bleeding or other nicked veins. I had this done over at the other building after my appt. A doctor came in and said that nerve damage does happen and that it can take up to 3 months to heal from it. He said that sometimes there is no way to avoid nerve damage and that is just the way it is. Hmmm, no mention of this at the time of catherization.
So, after the social worker calls and in the event that I can find more support, I will recieve a letter that I am officially on the list. An estimate is that I would wait approximately 6 mths to 1 yr. However, after I am placed on the list and when, he will be better able to give an estimated wait time.
The only obstacle is getting support and I am working on this. Where is that dang frypan?
Let's just keep hoping.
Thank you all for walking with me. I hope that all of you are here to walk with me again when I must go up another and much harder hill to climb. You have been a source of strength that cannot be explained.
I will let all know when support is in place.