Today Lee and I hit the floor running! The first thing we have to do is do the morning procedures. For example, I must check and record daily Lee's Blood pressure, temp, weight and his tidal volume of air that can be expired after a deep breath. Next his blood sugar must be checked and his routine dose of Insulin given. After the usual morning hygiene, we are able to enjoy a morning cup of coffee together. Next is breakfast followed by 20 or so pills for Lee take. We have to be very observant of the time for these medications because it is important that we stay on a strict regime. This is especially important for the three anti-rejection drugs.
We feel so blessed that Lee is able to take food easily. 80% of the people who have lung transplants have to have the Nissen -fundo-plication procedure (wrapping the upper part of the stomach around a stomach tube that exits through the abdominal wall). If Lee experiences any symptoms of GERD (gastric esophageal reflux disorder ), at any time ( and this could be during the coming year or later) he would have to have this done. Duke pulmonary doctors do not take any chances with reflux into the lungs. We were so happy to be able to leave the hospital with no I.V.'s. This is also unusual. So far, we have much to be grateful for.
Medications were due again @ 10:00 leaving little time for anything except baths, etc. After lunch, we had to leave @12:00 for Re-entry to The Center for Living post-op rehabilitation. Lee had to be evaluated by the respiratory therapist and the physical therapist. After an EKG, it was determined that he could begin the program today. I will tell you this was very hard for Lee. His legs are extremely weak and he tires rapidly. They assured him that this was nothing unusual post-op surgery, especially after a double heart by-pass and lung transplant. They expect him to be weak and they know exactly how to pace him.
Today he was able to walk a six minute walk and accomplish 300 feet of the 400 foot track. He rode the bike for 10 minutes. He only stayed 2 hours today but tomorrow he will have to stay for the full schedule. Whenever he completes 23 sessions he will be able to graduate from the post-op program.
Today was like a reunion because Lee and I were able to see so many friends who were there before the transplant and who now have their new lungs. They all enjoyed sharing transplant surgery stories and there was some laughter as they did. For example, one of the guys who had a single lung transplant the day before Lee had his shared this story. While he was lying on the table, before going to sleep, he was listening to a discussion between the lung team as to which lung they should use....the right or the left. With that, he raised his head and said, "Wait a minute, I'm here for a tonsillectomy!" He was quickly anesthetized! What a joy to see them all without oxygen and able to walk and talk and laugh with each other.
Lee and I offer up prayers of thanksgiving daily for this gift he has received. Continue to pray for those who are still waiting and hoping to be given an opportunity to once again enjoy the gift of breathing. This gift is not available to everyone, but Duke does an excellect job of trying to see that all get that chance.
More Later............................................Brenda
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