First post-op Clinic Day

Monday morning began with our first visit to the clinic since before Lee had surgery.  His appointment was scheduled for 9:00 a.m. and we were told to arrive @ 8:30.  We arrived at Clinic 2-F and he was taken back to the lab for routine post lung transplant bloodwork.  From there we had to go down the hall and around the corner to the Radiology Clinic for a chest x-ray.  After a loooooooooong wait, we were back to Clinic 2-F for another blood test......this one from arterial blood and a breathing test.  To give you an example of how crowded these clinics are and how backed-up they are time-wise, there is a vendor pounding the halls with snacks and treats for a buck!

Our morning clinic finally ended around 11:30, so it was a quick trip back to the condo for lunch and rest (Lee rested while I ironed ).  We had to return to the clinic @ 3:00 for a meeting with the dietician to discuss Lee's diabetic diet and with the nurse post-lung transplant coordinator and with the pulmonary doctor.

We managed to pass the time greeting acquaintances from the Living Center who were there for the same thing.  One thing we have discovered here is that you find yourself becoming a part of "your team".  By that, I mean, those who were @ the Center for Living pre-operatively, having their surgery within one-two-weeks of each other and returning both to rehab and the clinic.  Because of this, there is always a familiar face to see and we discover more history of their condition each time.

We have been witness to so many medical stories.  Fortunately, the ones so far have had successful endings.  We are amazed at how many people have either pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive lung disease and Cystic Fibrosis.  Actually, there seem to be more people here with IPF (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis).  That has been very surprising to me.  One of the friends we have met is a 31 year old Navy Seal who is awaiting to get on the LIST.  He had leukemia and in the process of being treated, cured the leukemia but his immune system attacked his lungs and he now has advanced IPF.  We ask that you remember him and his young wife in your prayers.  Also wanted you to know that Jerry Woodell (the one I asked you to pray for) had his surgery @ 7:30 this a.m. and was still in the O.R. @ 4:30 p.m.  I will probably hear from his wife tomorrow. Please continue to pray for them as I know you will.

Good news!  All of Lee's tests today were within a normal range!  There was only one change in his medication and that was to increase his 81mg. aspirin to 325. (that is what he was on prior to surgery).  His chest x-ray and breathing tests were excellent!  No primary rejection!  All this was so good to hear.  Lee wants you to know that he was also freed from all sutures and staples.  Nothing holding him together now....he is on his own!  One thing we were advised:  He is not to fasten his seat belt across his shoulder.  We had not been told this until today and we promptly followed his instructions on the way back to the condo. and arrived home around 5:30 p.m.  It was a long and tiring day.

I just have to reiterate again how good Lee looks!  He says he is feeling great and as soon as he gets the weakness out of his legs he will be as good as new.  (That is what he just said).  Right now he is on the phone talking about robbing the bee hives @ home.  He is giving instructions to his friend about what to do and where all the supplies are.  He continues his life here................So wonderful to hear him happily chatting away with his buddy , Hewitt.  We are so blessed...............................more later......................Brenda