8/16/11

[bobbioh]

I arrived in Cleveland at 8:00 am my first stop was to the Psychiatrist ,Had to do paper work then met with her. She was a younger women, Very nice She asked about all the things that have happened in my life. She said there was nothing on her part to stop me from having a transplant. That took about 2 hrs. Then we had to load back up in the car and head over to the Transplant center. I then met with the Financial Coordinator she went over the cost of anti rejection drugs. And suggest getting more health insurance and a couple possible ways to get the drugs at a reduced price.She was very helpful. She also informed me that my transplant and immediate after care would be free of charge that was awesome!
Next was the transplant nurse We went Thur basic information about the transplant. The protocol and were the lungs may come from and the fact you can turn them down.And how the first year after transplant is. And the many trips you make back and forth to the hospital during that first year. And the rest of your life.
Then it was time for the Social worker He asked the same questions about my life's history. He was rather obnoxious and I didn't care for him much. He seemed to ask the stupidest questions.
And then it was time for lab work I think they must of took a pint of blood from me. It took two jabs and awhile to do. They tested me for everything known to man I'm sure. And a urine test. And the next trip I have to take a 24 hr urine sample.
Last but not least was the VQ testing, They shot me up with isotopes they were cold and it hurt and the site still hurts to the touch. You had to lay flat on your back for about 45 min. in a very closed in place with the machine at different angles at different times. That last part of it really started to get to me but I made it OK. You could see your lungs lighting up it looked like fire flies it was showing your blood flow in your lungs from different angles that part was kind of neat. by that time it was well after 4 pm and we were ready to head home. I still don't know anything more then I did just one more test down and who knows how many more to go. Bobbi

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

Bobbi...... Thank you. I don't think anyone has supplied the degree (in depth; deeper stuff) of info as you have. I realize for people like yourself testing, that you can get into so dang many appoitments; I can only imagine it's mind boggling and draining!

Then hurry up and wait .... and, and.... lots of stuff.

I know from talking with Antoinette and a few others that "post transplant care" is a BIG factor, as is the cost of meds.....

You said....

"She also informed me that my transplant and immediate after care would be free of charge that was awesome!"

Is this because of your insurance; or becasue you're going to one dang fine clinic that specilaizes?

You know... gotta tell ya something Bobbi.... and I've now read your post several times; but when I think of the "psychological" aspect of things which I know is a big part of the candidacy process, and if that's what all of this could be based on........ you're a winner and a keeper!

[bobbioh]

Thanks Jackie, The reason the Transplant would be free is because they lost their Transplant team several yrs ago, And are in the Process of getting re certified with Medicare, So its free of charge because you are helping them make their qoto to get re certified. Bobbi

[susanny]

Thank you for such perfect detailed information, Bobbi. I would have been utterly exhausted by the end of that day. How on earth did you make it through that scan laying flat on your back for all that time?!! Did they at least let you have O2 while doing it? I did that MRI for 30 mins and was in bad shape for that time.

[goof]

That's some heavy stuff to go through Bobbi.

Thanks for the detailed description.

[bobbioh]

Yes I had O2. Bobbi