Well, I felt a bit better starting my day off since I was able to take my meds. So, the day seemed to be getting off to a good start.
Hit a traffic jam on the way in and just barely made it on time to my first appt.
9 a.m. was my first appt. for an EKG and ECG. There was little wait time for this and the test went quickly. Of course my left ribs are a little sore, but I was expecting this.
I got a wheel chair since my appt. was in a building across the street. It was a long trip and I was glad that I did. I never would have made it all that way without it. But, I am a little embarrassed that I had to use a wheelchair and the other two candidates that were there did not and were able to walk it.
The next appt. was for ventilation and perfusion scan. I waited two hours. I then went to the receptionist and told her that I had other tests in the other building and I needed lunch. I was getting real miserable and angry at this point. I was really ready to walk out and tell them to reschedule. The only good thing was that I was able to talk with the other candidate for a while till she went back.
For this test you must lie on your back on a table, then the table is moved into a donut that is similar to a ct scan machine. There is a slat that is similar to an x ray slat that is lowered down to your chest and just below your chin. Then a tight fitting mask is held on your face and a gas is released. The gas is odorless and tasteless. I was told to take a deep breath and breathe out through my mouth. I did this a few times. I began to feel pressure in the mask and began sqirming. Apparently the woman knew this would happen as she was very aware. She was very good and talked me through it. She then patted my head when she took the mask off and told me I did good.
. Next, the slat is lowered even more until it is about an inch from your face. I didn't relish this. I hate mri and this is just as close. A picture frame is taken for about 5 mintues. Then, there are four more frames taken with two slats being used and close to your chest on different angles. The test took approximately an hour. Overall, this test wasn't difficult or hard, didn't even have to change into gown, yes, a def plus in my opinion. However, and it just may be me but my right lung is so so hurting right now. Or right ribs whatever,
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Next it was wheelchairing to the next building.
I was supposed to do a six minute walk test and the abg. But, because I was so late they had to reschedule even though they know that it was not my fault. The receptionist is so sweet and I know her from before. She will really fight for you, but they were packed and I essentially missed it. It is re scheduled for March an hr before I see the transplant pulmonologist.
I was actually wasn't too upset as I was just so so hungry. It was also 2:30 p.m. and hadn't eaten all day.
I received a call from Cardiology giving me instructions. She said 10 a.m. for tomorrow. My papers say 6:45 which is what I adjusted my meds to. She said she doesn't know why Pulmonology puts 6:45 on all the papers, but she said to be there at 10 a.m.
Tomorrow is 10 a.m. for heart catherization of which I am a little nervous about. Nothing to eat and drink after midnight. I am going to be a bear without my coffee. My friend is protesting!
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The other two tx candidates said they were scheduled at 6:45 too. I imagine their's was rescheduled. I think they just throw in a time so that day you reservefor scheduling.
So, I am going to eat until midnight and drink water till I float. I can take meds in morning.
A few snafus today but went smoothly except for an extremely long wait. Maybe I am just wimpy when it comes to tests.