Back on the Roller Coaster

If you have ever ridden a roller coaster you know that there are dips, curves, hills, and thrilling moments that are also scary ones.  That is what happens when you have to experience what Lee has had to go through these past eight months.  Each time Lee has a really good day, we become very excited and at times temporarily forget that this is indeed very much like a roller-coaster.  Today was one of the "dip" in the coaster days.  Lee has been somewhat short of breath and tires very easily.  Tomorrow is a clinic day and he is scheduled to see the lung doctor @ 10:00 a.m.

In spite of another Low day, he insisted on returning to the Center for Living for his rehabilitation session.  Again, he was able to complete all sessions.  He was so tired that I had to push him in the rolator from the door to the car and from the car to the condo.  He just could not stand and walk.  He was only able to walk one and 1/3 laps today as opposed to the 3 he walked yesterday.  It is very discouraging to both of us when progress does not continue.

One thing I talked to Lee about today is the way he is breathing whenever he is engaged in any activity.  He developed the habit of shallow breathing when he was on oxygen because he could only breathe from the upper parts of his lungs.  He still wants to breathe like that.  I am trying very hard to help him learn to breathe normally again in order for him to ventilate the new lung in the deeper parts.  That is very important.  I have mentioned this to the doctors and nurses and the therapist several times and they all reassure me that this is a normal response. Many people who have had a lung transplant must learn to breathe again.  Lee even had a private session with the expert on breathing when in the hospital.....he still has a problem with that.

We are looking forward to the doctor's visit tomorrow so we can determine if any of the following has happened:
1.  Possible rejection
2.  Infection
3.  Fluid retention
4.  Other

We hope it is none of the above or maybe another blood chemistry level that may be corrected.  Anyway we will keep you informed with the results.

Today we did enjoy a visit from Worth and Betty.  A belated Happy Birthday to Betty!  Worth had an appointment here and it was so good to see them.  Another surprise was a box of delicious chocolate chip cookies from Betty and Wayne Jones, our friends from Lincolnton.  THANK YOU!   Later this evening some of our transplant friends returned for a visit.  It is good to hear them all compare notes about their experiences.

Tomorrow begins early for the clinic............will close for now.

More Later......................................Brenda