LVRS to be or not to be?

[wendyco]

Last week when I went to the Doctor was the visit I thought I would find out if I qualify for the LVRS. I really was a frustrating visit because the Dr. I spoke to didn’t even bring it up. He spoke as though I was there to a follow up visit for an illness. He was ready to send me home when I had to speak up and remind him WHY I was there, to find out.

He glanced at the computer (all of your records are right there on the computer) and said that it says there I was NOT a candidate and see you again in a few months…I uttered no that can’t be right! It just came out of my mouth….he looked and read some more and said he would confer with Dr. Make (my real pulmo down there)…that’s when he returned to the room and told me they would discuss my case with the thoracic surgeons at University Hospital and someone would call me to let me know…..



I came home from that visit feeling very upset, not only did they think I probably would not qualify they didn’t seem to know why I was there. And of course I was upset with myself as well because I didn’t bring up the hundreds of questions I thought of after we left.. The reason I saw the cardiologist was because they couldn’t decide until he had conducted his testing and such to be sure my heart could withstand the surgery. I had all the testing and these doc’s had the results although I don’t see the cardiologist until July.



So over the weekend and the first of this week I have been feeling as though I probably don’t qualify. I have had such mixed feelings with this. When my regular pulmo suggested I get tested for LVRS or transplant I didn’t think I would qualify for the reduction. (I had never allowed myself to think about LVRS because I really thought my “E” was through out my lungs and I have had this disease a long time now so the old lungs are pretty beaten up) But as I tested and things kept going I was beginning to get excited thinking about it and the fact I might actually feel better and breath easier with this surgery. Something I had never allowed myself to consider. I have adjusted very well to my limitations and get along pretty d**n well for a lady in this shape

BUT…..thinking of the possibility of doing what I do without getting SOB is more excitement than I can handle……



All of you that have had the testing know this is not an easy thing to get through, including getting to and from your appts., but you do it and each test you complete you feel so good that that one is over and you did it and on to the next.

So I was pretty bummed that I was told what I was told, but was told it in such a way that I knew it wasn’t right and that’s why I had the doctor double-check….just imagine if I just sat there and said, Oh and left it at that….I would have slipped through the cracks and not had my reduction surgery, If I qualify………that’s what has me the most upset….



So I got over that (usually do get over things pretty quickly) and figured I would hear something from someone pretty soon now…..I got a call today…………..The surgery is still up in the air but I’m very encouraged……..after meeting with the surgeons to discuss my case, they want to wait until the cardiologist has met with me and they and I find out exactly what is going on in there. (The pulmo’s can see the test results but as they said, they are not heart doc’s, they are lung docs and they leave that up to the heart guys.)

I asked if that meant if was a possibility I could have the surgery and was told by the main pulmo doc, Yes depending on what cardiologist has to say…………….

So that’s where I stand today….another month before I know……..But I am doing the Happy Dance because I am still in the running!!!!

[bobbioh]

I cant even imagine how you feel. Hang in there Bobbi

[toni]

Talk about ups and downs! Stay strong girl!

Thinking about you Wendy...

Toni

[mary57]

Oh Wendyco, what a ride! thank heaven you spoke up, my thoughts are with you.

[John]

Wendy you are another case as to why we have to speak up for our own welfare . Good luck

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

Wendy..... what an emotional strain and drain on you! John's right about speaking up and thanks Heavens you did! Talk about peaks and valleys! Hang in there lady! We're rooting for ya!

[aero63]

Wow what a roller coaster ride you have been on. I am glad you questioned the doctor. I am glad you are keeping your spirits up because that matters also.

[blondie]

Wendy, I hope and pray the heart doc gives the ok nod for the LVRS. What a difference it will make in your life if all goes well. I'll be doing the happy dance if everything gets a thumbs up for you. Pat

[zar]

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"http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/pu...ys,823154.shtml
Wed, 13 May 2009 15:01:34 GMT