On Wednesday we went to TGH to meet with the surgeon and to sign the consent papers for transplant.
Didn't sleep a wink the night before and when we left at 6:30am had to battle really bad rush hour traffic. Almost didn't make our 9:00am appointment...more stress I didn't need!
Met with the thoracic surgeon who along with four other surgeons, does the lung transplants. He explained the procedure to us along with all the risks . Those on the transplant list are divided into three. Those who are in Group 3, need both a heart and lungs, Group 2 are those who are the very sickest and Group 1 are those like myself.
It doesn't mean that I have to get into Group 2 in order to get the call as it could come at any time.
We asked whether or not I would receive one lung or two and he indicated that we won't find out until closer to the actual surgery but if someone only needs one then obviously they would give the other to someone else.
We also asked about the size of the lungs and he said that if they try to match someone with the correct size but if they are a bit too big they will trim them to fit! I found that pretty amazing!
He then spoke about the research and clinical trials TGH is doing.
I was given three consent forms to sign with respect to the clinical trials. I am to read them over and if I wish to participate, I sign them and give them to my coordinator.
I'll do a separate post to explain them later.
Next I signed several consent documents for the surgery and Gord witnessed them. Surprisingly my hand didn't even shake as I signed them.
After our meeting with the surgeon, we met with Cathy my coordinator. She set up my pager which I received by courier several days before. She quickly ran through how it works (since then I've gotten comfortable with how to use it)and then she proceeded to give the instructions on what to do when "The Call" comes. It's a good thing Gord was with me because again there was so much information, I found myself overwhelmed when we left. We were given everything in writing and I've since gone through it.
I now have a clinic appointment on Nov 4, an education session on Nov
and I meet with the Physiotherapists Oct 15 to set up my schedule.
When we left Cathy, we attended the weekly support meeting (Wednesdays at 11am). My Mentor was there along with several folks who had already received their transplant and two of us who are waiting. The fellow that was waiting was from Newfoundland and he has moved here along with his wife and mother. It was very interesting to hear some of the stories...some good, some bad. Hopefully we will be able to attend more meetings as I feel they can be beneficial.
I guess not sleeping the night before and also having the stress of signing the consent papers lifted because after we left the hospital I slept all the way home in the van.
Now the really hard part...waiting for the call...
Again, I hope I wasn't too long winded...