I was so excited about the good news yesterday that I could not sleep last night! I was too busy packing in my mind. Today I have begun to settle a little..............still smiling though!
Lee had a very good day at The Center for the Living. I dropped him off at 12:30, returned to the condo, almost asleep as I was entertaining thoughts for a good nap. Moments after lying down, I remembered that Lee and I had not only forgotton to check his blood sugar before his lunch, he had not had his insulin! (We did have some interference because the nurse came and changed the dressing on his PICC line and we just became distracted.) Anyway, I gathered the monitor and the syringe and the insulin and headed back to the CFL.
Lee was on the floor doing the "floor exercises" and they use weights on their arms and legs. I waited until that session ended and proceeded to give him his insulin. I left immediately because this nap was still possible. I arrived at the condo only to remember that our neighbors wanted to share their supper and decided to make a pie. Nap was still on hold. By the time the pie was done, it was time to pick Lee up at the CFL @ 4:00.
When I got there he told me that during his walk, he did walk without the rolator, however; he just felt like his legs had weights on them. He continued walking and from there went to the stair for practice. He told the therapist that he was having some difficulty today because he just felt like he had weights on his legs. She promptly lifted his trousers and said, " Well, that is because you do have weights on your legs!" He had forgotten to remove his weights after the floor exercises! Guess I distracted him from his routine when I stopped in to give him his Insulin.
As you can see, it doesn't take much to distract us from our now very normal routines. I suppose age has a way of doing that to you. All in all, we manage very well and the light at the end of the tunnel is glowing brightly. YEAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!!
Never did get that nap...................tomorrow maybe............................
More Later......................................Brenda
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Happiness is.............................
Happiness is hearing all the good news from the doctor at the clinic today. All of Lee's test were GOOD! Everyone was very pleased that he has made so much progress these past few weeks. His tests did not show any reflux, all his lab chemistries were normal. His pulmonary function test was down 11%, but no one was concerned about that. The doctor explained that during the first six months after a lung transplant, mucous will continue to collect in the new lung, usually at the area of the anastamosis(this is the area where the new lung was sutured to Lee's bronchus). As time goes on and Lee gets stronger, this will probably disappear.
We are so HAPPY! The doctor also told us that we could come home the week-end of Greg's concert..................yeaaah....................... and when we come back, after two more clinic visits, one barium swallow, and one more doctor's visit....................probably go home for good!!!! Right now that looks like the middly of October! We are very excited, as I know all of our blog followers are too. We just wish we could see you face to face right now to share our good new, however; we know you are there and we can already hear all the Yeaaaaah's from you !
We were so late getting away from the clinic this a.m. (It was 1:00 by the time we returned to the condo), and after the meds, blood sugar and insulin, the lunch, and the I.V. push antibiotic, we just decided that we both needed a nap. We have both been sleep-deprived lately and with the soothing rain, a nap was in order. So, we did miss today's session at the Center for the Living. Lee will catch up tomorrow, especially since the doctor told him he wanted to see him "Burning Laps"!
So now our thoughts will be toward arranging to leave, pack, and get the house ready in Vale. We look forward to HOME because it is now in the near future!
More Later..............................................Brenda
We are so HAPPY! The doctor also told us that we could come home the week-end of Greg's concert..................yeaaah....................... and when we come back, after two more clinic visits, one barium swallow, and one more doctor's visit....................probably go home for good!!!! Right now that looks like the middly of October! We are very excited, as I know all of our blog followers are too. We just wish we could see you face to face right now to share our good new, however; we know you are there and we can already hear all the Yeaaaaah's from you !
We were so late getting away from the clinic this a.m. (It was 1:00 by the time we returned to the condo), and after the meds, blood sugar and insulin, the lunch, and the I.V. push antibiotic, we just decided that we both needed a nap. We have both been sleep-deprived lately and with the soothing rain, a nap was in order. So, we did miss today's session at the Center for the Living. Lee will catch up tomorrow, especially since the doctor told him he wanted to see him "Burning Laps"!
So now our thoughts will be toward arranging to leave, pack, and get the house ready in Vale. We look forward to HOME because it is now in the near future!
More Later..............................................Brenda
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Extended Rehab
Lee had another great day at the Center for the Living. The therapists told him today that they wanted him to stay in the same program until the doctors release him to come home to Vale. Today was the completion of the 23 sessions required after the lung transplant. Because Lee is still not able to walk more than one lap without the rolator, they have asked the doctors for an extended time. The goal is for him to be able to walk independently for a longer number of laps. The good thing about this is that Lee will be so much stronger when he returns home.
Tomorrow should be an interesting day. Lee will have clinic in the morning...............(this includes lab work, chest x-ray, and the pulmonary function test). We will get back to the condo around 11:00 and within 11/2 hours we will have to do meds, have lunch, do the I.V. med and leave for the CFL by 12:30. Lee will finish @ 3:30 and then we will go back to the clinic for his doctor's appointment and the results of the tests @ 4:00. We will probably get home around 6 or 6:30 p.m. It will be a long and tiring day for Lee. We are hoping to have some news in regards to this on-going infection, possible reflux and a time-frame for being discharged.
Betty and Worth came by this evening and we enjoyed a meal together in the courtyard. It is always good to have family & friends from home to visit. Worth is scheduled for a clinic visit in the a.m. with his cardiac group.
This will be a short blog. I have been going since 5:00 a.m. and have been going non-stop all day. I told Lee earlier that this is about as tired as I have been in a while! And.................there is still more to do before 10:00. So guess I'll just wish you all a good night .........................
More Later...................................................Brenda
Tomorrow should be an interesting day. Lee will have clinic in the morning...............(this includes lab work, chest x-ray, and the pulmonary function test). We will get back to the condo around 11:00 and within 11/2 hours we will have to do meds, have lunch, do the I.V. med and leave for the CFL by 12:30. Lee will finish @ 3:30 and then we will go back to the clinic for his doctor's appointment and the results of the tests @ 4:00. We will probably get home around 6 or 6:30 p.m. It will be a long and tiring day for Lee. We are hoping to have some news in regards to this on-going infection, possible reflux and a time-frame for being discharged.
Betty and Worth came by this evening and we enjoyed a meal together in the courtyard. It is always good to have family & friends from home to visit. Worth is scheduled for a clinic visit in the a.m. with his cardiac group.
This will be a short blog. I have been going since 5:00 a.m. and have been going non-stop all day. I told Lee earlier that this is about as tired as I have been in a while! And.................there is still more to do before 10:00. So guess I'll just wish you all a good night .........................
More Later...................................................Brenda
Monday, September 27, 2010
Rain & Good Things
We finally got the much needed rain in Durham today.........some received as much as five inches! It has rained steadily all day. There is always something very relaxing to me about the rain. It usually calls me to slow down, find a good book and curl into a comfortable chair for an hour or so. I like the coolness of the air and being able to go outside and smell the cleansing odors that follow the rain. I had ordered some books from Barnes&Noble last week and they arrived today. Perfect!
Another good thing was a morning visit from Harry and Diane. I told Lee after they left that now I really did feel homesick! It was so good to see good friends from home. I dropped Lee off at the CFL @ 12:30 and on the way back stopped for some groceries. I have learned to shop differently here because I have such a limited amount of storage in the cabinets, the freezer and the refrigerater. Living in the country and having to always drive at least 25 minutes to the nearest grocery, I was accustomed to shopping less frequently and having lots of storage space and freezer and refrigerator capacity. Living here at the condo requires frequent trips. Fortunately, the grocery is only a mile away.
Lee had another great day in rehab. He is being weaned from the rolator and today was able to walk most of the complete lap before stopping to rest! That was so good. He is getting stronger and more confident and the workers at the rehab are so proud of him. They can appreciate his hard work because they know how difficult it has been for him. Tomorrow will be his 23rd session! The therapists are going to ask the doctors for a five-day increase before they allow him to graduate because he got so far behind during his long hospitilization after the transplant. (the heart problem). We are glad that the therapists are concerned that Lee should be very strong before he returns home and that he should be able to walk independently. Lee feels very fortunate to have such caring therapists.
Tonight we will begin the new antibiotic. The good thing is that it will be an I.V. push over a 4 minute interval...............no waiting 45 minutes for it to run! Also, it is to be given every eight hours...........so go to bed at 10 and up at 6. That is a good thing.
Monday nights @ our house will be a coin toss to see if we watch Monday night football or Dancing with the Stars! We can always compromise with two T.V.'s........ So, I suppose the coin toss will be who gets the recliner and who gets the bed!
More Later...............................................Brenda
Another good thing was a morning visit from Harry and Diane. I told Lee after they left that now I really did feel homesick! It was so good to see good friends from home. I dropped Lee off at the CFL @ 12:30 and on the way back stopped for some groceries. I have learned to shop differently here because I have such a limited amount of storage in the cabinets, the freezer and the refrigerater. Living in the country and having to always drive at least 25 minutes to the nearest grocery, I was accustomed to shopping less frequently and having lots of storage space and freezer and refrigerator capacity. Living here at the condo requires frequent trips. Fortunately, the grocery is only a mile away.
Lee had another great day in rehab. He is being weaned from the rolator and today was able to walk most of the complete lap before stopping to rest! That was so good. He is getting stronger and more confident and the workers at the rehab are so proud of him. They can appreciate his hard work because they know how difficult it has been for him. Tomorrow will be his 23rd session! The therapists are going to ask the doctors for a five-day increase before they allow him to graduate because he got so far behind during his long hospitilization after the transplant. (the heart problem). We are glad that the therapists are concerned that Lee should be very strong before he returns home and that he should be able to walk independently. Lee feels very fortunate to have such caring therapists.
Tonight we will begin the new antibiotic. The good thing is that it will be an I.V. push over a 4 minute interval...............no waiting 45 minutes for it to run! Also, it is to be given every eight hours...........so go to bed at 10 and up at 6. That is a good thing.
Monday nights @ our house will be a coin toss to see if we watch Monday night football or Dancing with the Stars! We can always compromise with two T.V.'s........ So, I suppose the coin toss will be who gets the recliner and who gets the bed!
More Later...............................................Brenda
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Lazy Day
We have certainly made use of this Sunday for REST. It has been a lazy day for us. Good to have those days now and then. I even had a good nap this afternoon.
Earlier today we had lots of sunshine. It was a beautiful morning with cooler temperatures. Lee went for a walk around the courtyard while I just sat in the sun. The nurse coordinator called during that time and was able to bring us up to date on Lee's status with this infection he has been fighting for the past six weeks. I was afraid that it was still there based on some of the symptoms he has had for the past few days, such as productive coughing. No fever yet, but the coughing has become progressively worse. I had planned to call her tomorrow. It just happened that she was on call today or I would have called earlier. Anyway, she said that he would need to go on a different antibiotic. He finally showed that he was resistant to the one that he had been on earlier! Now they know which one should work and that will begin on Monday. Another I.V........Good news is this will be every 8 hours instead of the every 6 hours. We are hoping this will completely get rid of this stubborn bacterial infection in his new lung.
Good news was that she said he is showing NO signs of rejection. That is always good to hear. He is continuing to get stronger and I am seeing him become more and more independent. For example, I awoke from my nap because I heard someone in my kitchen! I opened my eyes in time to see Lee walking from the kitchen with a BIG bowl of Breyers ice cream. No it was NOT sugar nor fat free! When I got up he was happily enjoying each bite. Now that he is more mobile, maybe he will gain more weight!
Well, that pot of creamy potatoe soup and corn bread is ready................and we are hungry. A fitting supper for a cool, rainy September evening. YUM!
More Later................................................Brenda
Earlier today we had lots of sunshine. It was a beautiful morning with cooler temperatures. Lee went for a walk around the courtyard while I just sat in the sun. The nurse coordinator called during that time and was able to bring us up to date on Lee's status with this infection he has been fighting for the past six weeks. I was afraid that it was still there based on some of the symptoms he has had for the past few days, such as productive coughing. No fever yet, but the coughing has become progressively worse. I had planned to call her tomorrow. It just happened that she was on call today or I would have called earlier. Anyway, she said that he would need to go on a different antibiotic. He finally showed that he was resistant to the one that he had been on earlier! Now they know which one should work and that will begin on Monday. Another I.V........Good news is this will be every 8 hours instead of the every 6 hours. We are hoping this will completely get rid of this stubborn bacterial infection in his new lung.
Good news was that she said he is showing NO signs of rejection. That is always good to hear. He is continuing to get stronger and I am seeing him become more and more independent. For example, I awoke from my nap because I heard someone in my kitchen! I opened my eyes in time to see Lee walking from the kitchen with a BIG bowl of Breyers ice cream. No it was NOT sugar nor fat free! When I got up he was happily enjoying each bite. Now that he is more mobile, maybe he will gain more weight!
Well, that pot of creamy potatoe soup and corn bread is ready................and we are hungry. A fitting supper for a cool, rainy September evening. YUM!
More Later................................................Brenda
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Farewell Gathering
We met some of our new acquaintances ( lung transplant recipients) this past week at the clinic and that inspired us to get together. Most of us anticipate departure to our homes within the next few weeks and we wanted to have our last social visit. We had all thought about going out to eat, however; we decided that it was probably in everyone's best interest to meet here. So it was that eight of us met in the courtyard for a covered dish Brunch. We gathered under the gazebo and enjoyed our food and good fellowship. It was so wonderful to watch Lee, Jerry, Wayne and Larry (all lung transplant recipients) enjoy eating and laughing together. What a joy!
All four of them had been extremely sick prior to their procedures. Each one had a different pre-operative condition that was life-threatening. Each one had experienced extreme anxiety with high oxygen intake and feelings of suffocation. Each one had a special story to share..............and share they did. Sometimes the stories were so sad that we held back the tears...........most of the time, they laughed and told some really funny hospital stories.
While we have been living here, we have met many wonderful, special people. Each person has a unique story. The bond that develops among the recipients and the caregivers is the beginning of a life-long relationship. They know how fortunate they are to have this gift of life and we caregivers also realize the opportunity that has been given to them. Because of the donations of these lungs, we have received our loved ones back from the tyranny of suffocation. I cannot imagine how terrible that must be.
I just had to share this day with you! It was a beautiful warm and sunny Saturday. Later this evening Lee and I went for a drive. We had to stop at Walgreen's and decided to take advantage of flu shots. Iat was a good place for Lee to walk around for a while. We took the long drive home just to see some other parts of Durham and another route back to the condo.
This week will probably answer some questions for us such as: Will Lee have to have a stomach wrap and when can we return home?!!!! We should know something by Thursday.
More Later....................................Brenda
All four of them had been extremely sick prior to their procedures. Each one had a different pre-operative condition that was life-threatening. Each one had experienced extreme anxiety with high oxygen intake and feelings of suffocation. Each one had a special story to share..............and share they did. Sometimes the stories were so sad that we held back the tears...........most of the time, they laughed and told some really funny hospital stories.
While we have been living here, we have met many wonderful, special people. Each person has a unique story. The bond that develops among the recipients and the caregivers is the beginning of a life-long relationship. They know how fortunate they are to have this gift of life and we caregivers also realize the opportunity that has been given to them. Because of the donations of these lungs, we have received our loved ones back from the tyranny of suffocation. I cannot imagine how terrible that must be.
I just had to share this day with you! It was a beautiful warm and sunny Saturday. Later this evening Lee and I went for a drive. We had to stop at Walgreen's and decided to take advantage of flu shots. Iat was a good place for Lee to walk around for a while. We took the long drive home just to see some other parts of Durham and another route back to the condo.
This week will probably answer some questions for us such as: Will Lee have to have a stomach wrap and when can we return home?!!!! We should know something by Thursday.
More Later....................................Brenda
Friday, September 24, 2010
Choices
Today was one of those days when Lee and I had to make choices concerning both our well-being. I will explain:
Lee had to be at the clinic @ 11:00 to have the catheter removed from his stomach and our plans were to have him at the Center For Living @ 12:30 as usual. Again, Lee was able to walk into the clinic, however; this morning he did have to stop and rest several times. On the way out of the clinic, he had to stop and rest again. Each time he appeared to be pale and short of breath. When we arrived at the condo I checked his oxygen level and it was a very good 97. I checked his blood pressure and it was 80/60. I asked him to stand and let me check it standing and it was 60/40! Well, the choice at that time was to NOT go to the CFL after all. I gave him 1/2 of his midodrine tablet. (that is a drug to elevate the blood pressure). We chose to wait a couple of hours and check it again and see if it would come up. Meanwhile I told him not to get up and walk. Finally, around 2:30, the blood pressure was back up to 104/70.
I have been having some mild episodes of vertigo for the past 4-5 day, always positional to the left side and when holding my head backward (as to look up to the sky). Well, today, at about the same time that Lee was having his problem, my vertigo became worse. Anyway, to make a long story short, we are both fine now. I am back on the dramamine (which helps me) and Lee has a normal blood pressure and feels fine.
Today would have been his 23 sessions and graduation day at the CFL! That, of course, will just have to wait until Monday!
This was a tough choice to make today because Lee really wanted to get those 23 sessions completed. I believe we had no choice other than to rest this afternoon and we will both have the week-end to recover. We are looking forward to a visit from some friends tomorrow morning and again on Monday morning. Later next week, Betty and Worth will be down. We are looking forward to the next days and next week.
Lee's Blood pressure will stabelize with some medication adjustments and my vertigo will clear when I catch up on my sleep.
More Later..................................Brenda
Lee had to be at the clinic @ 11:00 to have the catheter removed from his stomach and our plans were to have him at the Center For Living @ 12:30 as usual. Again, Lee was able to walk into the clinic, however; this morning he did have to stop and rest several times. On the way out of the clinic, he had to stop and rest again. Each time he appeared to be pale and short of breath. When we arrived at the condo I checked his oxygen level and it was a very good 97. I checked his blood pressure and it was 80/60. I asked him to stand and let me check it standing and it was 60/40! Well, the choice at that time was to NOT go to the CFL after all. I gave him 1/2 of his midodrine tablet. (that is a drug to elevate the blood pressure). We chose to wait a couple of hours and check it again and see if it would come up. Meanwhile I told him not to get up and walk. Finally, around 2:30, the blood pressure was back up to 104/70.
I have been having some mild episodes of vertigo for the past 4-5 day, always positional to the left side and when holding my head backward (as to look up to the sky). Well, today, at about the same time that Lee was having his problem, my vertigo became worse. Anyway, to make a long story short, we are both fine now. I am back on the dramamine (which helps me) and Lee has a normal blood pressure and feels fine.
Today would have been his 23 sessions and graduation day at the CFL! That, of course, will just have to wait until Monday!
This was a tough choice to make today because Lee really wanted to get those 23 sessions completed. I believe we had no choice other than to rest this afternoon and we will both have the week-end to recover. We are looking forward to a visit from some friends tomorrow morning and again on Monday morning. Later next week, Betty and Worth will be down. We are looking forward to the next days and next week.
Lee's Blood pressure will stabelize with some medication adjustments and my vertigo will clear when I catch up on my sleep.
More Later..................................Brenda
Thursday, September 23, 2010
A Sort-of Birthday for Lee
Today marked three months for Lee's new lung! We feel so fortunate that his lung and his body are adjusting to each other. We have been told that it takes time for the lung to begin to "accept" it's new home and time for Lee's body to begin to "accept" the "alien". I use the term accept loosely because Lee has to take a lot of medication to help him and the new lung accept each other. So far he has not been told that he is rejecting the lung but we know that it can happen overnight. That is why it is so important that we log daily temps, BP's, weight, and his breath-functioning tests. Early lung rejection is usually most evident with the fevI test that is done daily.
ANOTHER FIRST! Lee was able to walk into the clinic and out of the clinic today WITHOUT having to stop and rest along the way! He is definitely getting stronger and his endurance is so obvious. We are indeed thankful for this renewed strength. It seems that the stronger he gets, the faster his strength is returning. He is becoming more like the Lee we all remembered before this terrible disease literally crippled him last December.
Today Lee had to have a catheter inserted through his nose into his stomach. He will have to wear this until noon tomorrow and during that time we have to log his hours of eating and any other symptoms that he may incur during that period. Hopefully this test will determine if he does or does not have any reflux. So far he is having no difficulty eating and no problems. He does say it is somewhat annoying to feel like something is in the back of your throat all the time. He has had this done twice before ( pre-lung and immediately after the lung transplant) and all have been negative for reflux. Hopefully, this will be the same.
While at the clinic today, we had a reunion with two other transplant friends. It is always good to see them again. One returned home after only two months post-op. (We call him the "poster boy" because he has done so well.) The other was ready to return home until he began collecting pleural fluid. He is to stay a while longer. Anyway, since we may not see them again or maybe by accident run into them during a future clinic visist.........................we decided to try get together here at the gazebo by the pool for a Saturday morning brunch. Gloria and I will work together to make this happen. Of course, it all depends on how everyone is doing. We talked about going out, but Gloria and I are not comfortable with Lee and Jerry eating out in public yet.
So far we have had another good week! What a joy to share the good news with all of you again.
More Later........................................Brenda
ANOTHER FIRST! Lee was able to walk into the clinic and out of the clinic today WITHOUT having to stop and rest along the way! He is definitely getting stronger and his endurance is so obvious. We are indeed thankful for this renewed strength. It seems that the stronger he gets, the faster his strength is returning. He is becoming more like the Lee we all remembered before this terrible disease literally crippled him last December.
Today Lee had to have a catheter inserted through his nose into his stomach. He will have to wear this until noon tomorrow and during that time we have to log his hours of eating and any other symptoms that he may incur during that period. Hopefully this test will determine if he does or does not have any reflux. So far he is having no difficulty eating and no problems. He does say it is somewhat annoying to feel like something is in the back of your throat all the time. He has had this done twice before ( pre-lung and immediately after the lung transplant) and all have been negative for reflux. Hopefully, this will be the same.
While at the clinic today, we had a reunion with two other transplant friends. It is always good to see them again. One returned home after only two months post-op. (We call him the "poster boy" because he has done so well.) The other was ready to return home until he began collecting pleural fluid. He is to stay a while longer. Anyway, since we may not see them again or maybe by accident run into them during a future clinic visist.........................we decided to try get together here at the gazebo by the pool for a Saturday morning brunch. Gloria and I will work together to make this happen. Of course, it all depends on how everyone is doing. We talked about going out, but Gloria and I are not comfortable with Lee and Jerry eating out in public yet.
So far we have had another good week! What a joy to share the good news with all of you again.
More Later........................................Brenda
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Multi-Tasking
I'm always amused when I use that term "multi-tasking" because it is the new word founded either at the end of the millinium or the beginning of 2001. From my vantage point, it has always just been the "norm" for me. Having to balance, juggle, or whatever verbage one uses, has been thoroughly utilized during our time here in Durham. For example, as I write the blog, I just finished putting the clothes in the dryer and prior to that I cleaned the kitchen between the washing and the drying. Somewhere during that time I was able to work in a blood sugar, Insulin injection, medications with the supper meal and clean everything up! To those female blog followers ( you do understand, don't you)? No offense, Guys, it just is that way. We learned it a long time ago with the babies, work, etc. So..................now that I have "tooted my horn", let me tell you about Lee.
Today was another great day! It began early this morning with a clinic visit. We decided to swing by the Burger King for some Whopper Jr.s for lunch and arrived at the condo just in time for the Home Health nurse's visit. She had to change Lee's PICC line dressing. After lunch we left for the CFL @ 12:15. When I arrived to pick Lee up @ 4:00 he was attending a breathing class. I informed him that we had already had that class so he left early. His FIRST today was that he walked a lap WITHOUT a rolator. The therapist took the rolator and walked with it alongside Lee. He did very well, but did get very tired toward the end of the lap. I am so proud of him!
Lee completed 22 sessions today! He will be able to graduate from the CFL after the 23rd session. They feel that he does need an extra 5 sessions and maybe some more after that. We really want him to be able to walk freely without the rolator before returning home. He still needs another month and then, if we have no more complications.....................HOME!
For those of you who have asked, my ankle is doing much better. I do, however; feel better wearing an ankle brace when walking because the ankle is still weak and does swell when I am on it a long time. I appreciate your concerns and I thank you for remembering me in your prayers. We are so grateful to have our huge circle of family and friends. We are constantly reminded of your vigilance and your thoughts and prayers. We thank you for that.
More Later...................................................Brenda
Today was another great day! It began early this morning with a clinic visit. We decided to swing by the Burger King for some Whopper Jr.s for lunch and arrived at the condo just in time for the Home Health nurse's visit. She had to change Lee's PICC line dressing. After lunch we left for the CFL @ 12:15. When I arrived to pick Lee up @ 4:00 he was attending a breathing class. I informed him that we had already had that class so he left early. His FIRST today was that he walked a lap WITHOUT a rolator. The therapist took the rolator and walked with it alongside Lee. He did very well, but did get very tired toward the end of the lap. I am so proud of him!
Lee completed 22 sessions today! He will be able to graduate from the CFL after the 23rd session. They feel that he does need an extra 5 sessions and maybe some more after that. We really want him to be able to walk freely without the rolator before returning home. He still needs another month and then, if we have no more complications.....................HOME!
For those of you who have asked, my ankle is doing much better. I do, however; feel better wearing an ankle brace when walking because the ankle is still weak and does swell when I am on it a long time. I appreciate your concerns and I thank you for remembering me in your prayers. We are so grateful to have our huge circle of family and friends. We are constantly reminded of your vigilance and your thoughts and prayers. We thank you for that.
More Later...................................................Brenda
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
The Push for Strength
When I asked Lee how he would describe his day today, he thought for a minute and said,"Push". What he means by this is that each time he returns to the Center for Living he is asked to push a little more. If he had walked a certain length in 30 minutes, today he was pushed to walk the same distance in 20 minutes. If he had been lifting 10 lbs of weight yesterday, he was asked today to lift 20 lbs. today. Sometimes more repititions are added, etc. Today, so many repititions and extended times were added that he finished at 4:00 instead of 3:30 as is usual. Lee does not complain. He is actually exhilerated by all the work because he is now seeing the good results.
Our days continue to be very busy. The mornings are filled with recordings of weight, blood pressure, blood sugars and all the medications. There is barely enough time between breakfast and lunch to work in a shower! It seems that we just barely meet the deadline to rush out the door to the CFL @ 12:00 each day. I return and usually run an errand or grocery stop. Some days I just rest! I return to the CFL @ 3:30 to pick up Lee and we are usually back at the condo by 4:30. Lee will try to get a short nap in and I begin preparations for supper that we will have at 6:30. Sandwiched in between all the necessary things to do are, of course, all the medications................they are never-ending.
It is good that we have a rigorous schedule and that we are very busy. If it were not so, we would be terribly homesick for our grandchildren! We do have some pictures here (my refrigerator door is my hall of fame), but I am sure the grandchildren have grown and changed in the past four months. It is good to live in such a time that we do have imnmediate communication. That does make things more bearable.
We have missed Dennis and Betsy this past week. They have been in California visiting their children and grandchildren. They will return to Raleigh by the week-end. We will look forward to seeing them again.
Lee wants Bill Canipe to know how good it was to talk to him today. Bill, you and Debbie are in our prayers and we are wishing the best for you. Do not give up!
More Later.................................................................Brenda
Our days continue to be very busy. The mornings are filled with recordings of weight, blood pressure, blood sugars and all the medications. There is barely enough time between breakfast and lunch to work in a shower! It seems that we just barely meet the deadline to rush out the door to the CFL @ 12:00 each day. I return and usually run an errand or grocery stop. Some days I just rest! I return to the CFL @ 3:30 to pick up Lee and we are usually back at the condo by 4:30. Lee will try to get a short nap in and I begin preparations for supper that we will have at 6:30. Sandwiched in between all the necessary things to do are, of course, all the medications................they are never-ending.
It is good that we have a rigorous schedule and that we are very busy. If it were not so, we would be terribly homesick for our grandchildren! We do have some pictures here (my refrigerator door is my hall of fame), but I am sure the grandchildren have grown and changed in the past four months. It is good to live in such a time that we do have imnmediate communication. That does make things more bearable.
We have missed Dennis and Betsy this past week. They have been in California visiting their children and grandchildren. They will return to Raleigh by the week-end. We will look forward to seeing them again.
Lee wants Bill Canipe to know how good it was to talk to him today. Bill, you and Debbie are in our prayers and we are wishing the best for you. Do not give up!
More Later.................................................................Brenda
Monday, September 20, 2010
September Days
There is just something about the grand month of September. Some of our mornings are crisp and clear, while others still carry the heaviness of Summer. The other morning I actually came back in for a lightweight jacket. It is good to know that we will have some relief from the oppressive Summer of 2010. Even though we see the end of the long days of Summer and the beginning of the very short days of Winter, we get to enjoy the longer nights with usually more sleep. It is, I suppose, like the beginning of the turning of the leaves, another reminder of the turning of time. I say this because Lee and I are anxiously anticipating the time when we will be able to return to our home and the change of seasons is a reminder that our time here is drawing to a close.
As difficult as it has been during these past four months, Lee and I will find some sadness in the departure from all the new friends we have made. Our friends include the doctors, the nurses, the therapists at the Center for The Living, our colleagues of other transplant recipients, caregivers, and our neighbors here at the Duke Tower Condominiums. I suppose departures always hold some ambivilent feelings.
I love sharing with you all these good days that Lee is having! He continues to do good at the CFL! In fact, the therapist told me today that they would like to keep him because they have recruited him to orient all the new people coming in for lung transplants. He has become the encourager and the one to answer all their questions and to help resolve some of their anxieties.
We both realize though, that even on the good days, his day may make a change within a matter of hours. For example: This morning when he did his pulmonary breathing measurement, It was 10% lower than yesterday. (We are to always notify the post lung transplant coordinator when this happens). I called and now he is scheduled for a clinic appointment for Wednesday (a week earlier than was scheduled) because this can be the first sight of rejection. Anyway, we were advised to increase his anti-rejection medication as a precaution and to leave the PICC line in for another two weeks just in case he would need the I.V. steroids. So.............even though he seems to be doing very well, these things must be monitored and investigated.
As you can see, one does not have a lung transplant, get well, go home and return to normal activity as before the transplant. The monitoring, medications, anti-rejection drugs, bronchoscopies and return visits to Duke are now a part of our lives and will be for the rest of Lee's life. That is a small price to pay for the gift of life that he has received from a very generous donor's loved ones.
Mre Later...................................................Brenda
More Later..................................................Brenda
As difficult as it has been during these past four months, Lee and I will find some sadness in the departure from all the new friends we have made. Our friends include the doctors, the nurses, the therapists at the Center for The Living, our colleagues of other transplant recipients, caregivers, and our neighbors here at the Duke Tower Condominiums. I suppose departures always hold some ambivilent feelings.
I love sharing with you all these good days that Lee is having! He continues to do good at the CFL! In fact, the therapist told me today that they would like to keep him because they have recruited him to orient all the new people coming in for lung transplants. He has become the encourager and the one to answer all their questions and to help resolve some of their anxieties.
We both realize though, that even on the good days, his day may make a change within a matter of hours. For example: This morning when he did his pulmonary breathing measurement, It was 10% lower than yesterday. (We are to always notify the post lung transplant coordinator when this happens). I called and now he is scheduled for a clinic appointment for Wednesday (a week earlier than was scheduled) because this can be the first sight of rejection. Anyway, we were advised to increase his anti-rejection medication as a precaution and to leave the PICC line in for another two weeks just in case he would need the I.V. steroids. So.............even though he seems to be doing very well, these things must be monitored and investigated.
As you can see, one does not have a lung transplant, get well, go home and return to normal activity as before the transplant. The monitoring, medications, anti-rejection drugs, bronchoscopies and return visits to Duke are now a part of our lives and will be for the rest of Lee's life. That is a small price to pay for the gift of life that he has received from a very generous donor's loved ones.
Mre Later...................................................Brenda
More Later..................................................Brenda
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Sunday Outing with Friends
It surely was nice to be able to sleep a little later this morning. Not having to wake up at 6:00 and connect Lee's PICC line to the I.V. was a welcoming Sunday Morning! Sunday has become our pancake breakfast day and we enjoyed our breakfast along with the Sunday paper. My new friend, Gloria met me in the courtyard at 8:30 for coffee & conversation. We have become the support team for each other as her husband also had a lung transplant three weeks after Lee had his. Around 10:00, Lee and I injoyed the DVD from our church even though it is last week's service, we continue to enjoy seeing all our friends @ First Baptist, Lincolnton. I really miss the choir and do hope I will be able to join them once again when we return home.
After lunch, Lee and I met with Gloria and Jerry and went to the Southpointe Mall. Lee needed some long pants that would fit. He has lost so much weight that everything is not only too big, they are also too long. Whenever you loose as much weight as Lee has lost you don't have enough muscle and fat to hold the pants length up. Interesting, huh? He weighs 160 and is trying very hard to gain weight. He is eating three meals a day and sometimes a snack. The doctor wants him to eat six meals a day. We have found that is very hard to do with the schedule he has to keep. Since December he has lost 52 lbs.
It was good to be able to go to the Mall. Jerry and Lee parked on a bench. Jerry was very faithful in wearing his mask................Lee said he felt like he was suffocating and removed his........oh well..........
Hopefully he will become more accustomed to wearing it whenever he is around crowds. I tried to explain how I wore one every day whenever I worked in the operating room and that he would become accustom to it if he would leave it on long enough........................nope, to no avail.............................Would you say "stubborn"?!
This has been another great day! It was such a joy to go for the longer ride and enjoy the company of friends. Lee even gave up his Panther's game for the trip to the Mall. Now that is another FIRST!
More Later.........................................Brenda
After lunch, Lee and I met with Gloria and Jerry and went to the Southpointe Mall. Lee needed some long pants that would fit. He has lost so much weight that everything is not only too big, they are also too long. Whenever you loose as much weight as Lee has lost you don't have enough muscle and fat to hold the pants length up. Interesting, huh? He weighs 160 and is trying very hard to gain weight. He is eating three meals a day and sometimes a snack. The doctor wants him to eat six meals a day. We have found that is very hard to do with the schedule he has to keep. Since December he has lost 52 lbs.
It was good to be able to go to the Mall. Jerry and Lee parked on a bench. Jerry was very faithful in wearing his mask................Lee said he felt like he was suffocating and removed his........oh well..........
Hopefully he will become more accustomed to wearing it whenever he is around crowds. I tried to explain how I wore one every day whenever I worked in the operating room and that he would become accustom to it if he would leave it on long enough........................nope, to no avail.............................Would you say "stubborn"?!
This has been another great day! It was such a joy to go for the longer ride and enjoy the company of friends. Lee even gave up his Panther's game for the trip to the Mall. Now that is another FIRST!
More Later.........................................Brenda
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Slow-down Saturday
It has been good to slow our pace a little today. The busy Friday caused us to get an hour behind on the I.V. antibiotic which meant that it was given @ 1:00 a.m. instead of the usual Midnight hour. It also allowed us to sleep until 7:00 and that worked well for both of us.
Even though Lee was away from his usual weekly routine, he was still diligent with his strengthening exercises and walking here at the condo. After his shower (which he now accomplishes independently) he used the bands and weights for about an hour. After that he walked the walk-way around the courtyard. He did the walk independently while I checked the office for mail and stopped to visit our neighbor along the way. While I was visiting, he stopped by and also visited for about 20 minutes. We then returned to our condo. While he is moving about inside the condo he no longer uses the rolator. We now park it in the bedroom where it is no longer visible. This is a huge step for Lee. I need to remind you that Lee did not walk at all January and February. It was only after he came home to Vale that he was able with everyone's assistance and the good help from his excellent physical therapist, Lynn, that he was able to walk with the rolator. Now he is having to learn to use the muscles that hold his body erect without any assistance from the walker.
We spent the afternoon with Lee watching the Georgia Tech, Carolina game. Lee's team (GT) won! We both were able to work in naps and afterward, Lee took another walk around the courtyard. I sat in the sun while he took his walk. It was such a beautiful day! The temperature was perfect. Later, Lee found some more football to watch while I caught up on the laundry. Since this was to be our "Slow Saturday", cooking just did not seem to fit the agenda...............so I called for carry-out from the "Mad Hatter's" only a few blocks away.
We are both excited that this is to be our LAST MIDNIGHT HOUR with the I.V.! If you happen to be awake at that time, you may hear a big HURRAH from me!
This week Lee is scheduled for an esophageal monitoring test along with a measurment of the ph of his stomach. This will determine whether or not he has gastric reflux. We will get the results either on Friday or the following Monday. If it does show reflux, we anticipate the nissen plication or the stomach wrap.
To Elizabeth: Thank you, Thank you, for the surprise gift package with the pumpkin girl holding the candy corn! Yes, the candy corn brings back many fond memories of my grandsons, Alex and Max! How could we forget?!
To my neice Beth: We hope you are recovering from your surgery and are now pain-free. Know that we love you.
To all of our Blog Followers: We miss you and we look forward to the time in the future when we can be with you again.
More Later................................Brenda
Even though Lee was away from his usual weekly routine, he was still diligent with his strengthening exercises and walking here at the condo. After his shower (which he now accomplishes independently) he used the bands and weights for about an hour. After that he walked the walk-way around the courtyard. He did the walk independently while I checked the office for mail and stopped to visit our neighbor along the way. While I was visiting, he stopped by and also visited for about 20 minutes. We then returned to our condo. While he is moving about inside the condo he no longer uses the rolator. We now park it in the bedroom where it is no longer visible. This is a huge step for Lee. I need to remind you that Lee did not walk at all January and February. It was only after he came home to Vale that he was able with everyone's assistance and the good help from his excellent physical therapist, Lynn, that he was able to walk with the rolator. Now he is having to learn to use the muscles that hold his body erect without any assistance from the walker.
We spent the afternoon with Lee watching the Georgia Tech, Carolina game. Lee's team (GT) won! We both were able to work in naps and afterward, Lee took another walk around the courtyard. I sat in the sun while he took his walk. It was such a beautiful day! The temperature was perfect. Later, Lee found some more football to watch while I caught up on the laundry. Since this was to be our "Slow Saturday", cooking just did not seem to fit the agenda...............so I called for carry-out from the "Mad Hatter's" only a few blocks away.
We are both excited that this is to be our LAST MIDNIGHT HOUR with the I.V.! If you happen to be awake at that time, you may hear a big HURRAH from me!
This week Lee is scheduled for an esophageal monitoring test along with a measurment of the ph of his stomach. This will determine whether or not he has gastric reflux. We will get the results either on Friday or the following Monday. If it does show reflux, we anticipate the nissen plication or the stomach wrap.
To Elizabeth: Thank you, Thank you, for the surprise gift package with the pumpkin girl holding the candy corn! Yes, the candy corn brings back many fond memories of my grandsons, Alex and Max! How could we forget?!
To my neice Beth: We hope you are recovering from your surgery and are now pain-free. Know that we love you.
To all of our Blog Followers: We miss you and we look forward to the time in the future when we can be with you again.
More Later................................Brenda
Friday, September 17, 2010
Bronchoscopy @ the Clinic
Today was our first experience with Lee having a Bronchoscopy @ the clinic. All his others have been at the hospital. We were surprised that this was a better experience. Lee's appointment was for 11:00 a.m. and he was taken back promptly @ 11:00. (That was outstanding, considering we usually have to wait a very long time after the appointed hour for other clinic appointments!) I was able to accompany him to the holding area and go over his drugs with the nurse. We ran into some of Lee's colleagues (transplanters who were with Lee pre and post lung ) and were able to enjoy a brief visit with them. They too, were having Bronchoscopies.
Shortly after the nurse finished her admission process, the anesthetist WALKED Lee back to the operative area. I moved to the waiting room for what I assumed would be about a one and half hour wait. To my surprise, my name was called in 30 minutes and I was taken to his recovery area. Let me tell you, he was "snockered"! Looked very drunk to me!
During this time, the doctor who did the bronch came and talked to me and explained that all went well, no problems were encountered and the washings would be analyzed. They did not do the usual biopsy since he had that done two weeks ago. Whether or not he will get to discontinue the antibiotic (please, for me some sleep!) or not will be determined by the washing analysis. It was a good report.
Lee finally began to wake up about 45 minutes later. He was given some grape juice to drink and was able to be discharged. We arrived back at the condo around 1:45. I hurridly fixed him some lunch, checked the blood sugar (which was over 200 because of the sweetened grape juice!), gave the insulin, started the long over-due I.V. antibiotic, prepared the rest of his meds . Finally, he was eating his lunch by 2:00. (yes, we really are that fast!)
By 3:00, we had both settled in for a nap. Lee slept until 4:30. I had too much coke to drink and the caffiene made for a short, restless nap.
Tomorrow promises to be a more restful day and on Sunday afternoon we have planned a shopping trip to the big Mall @ Southpointe with our friends Gloria and Jerry. We will put masks on Lee and Jerry and park them in the Mall while Gloria and I have a good shopping day. The problem with shopping is that we can not purchase many things because this apartment is SO small that there is no room for storage! Good for the bank account!
More Later......................................Brenda
Shortly after the nurse finished her admission process, the anesthetist WALKED Lee back to the operative area. I moved to the waiting room for what I assumed would be about a one and half hour wait. To my surprise, my name was called in 30 minutes and I was taken to his recovery area. Let me tell you, he was "snockered"! Looked very drunk to me!
During this time, the doctor who did the bronch came and talked to me and explained that all went well, no problems were encountered and the washings would be analyzed. They did not do the usual biopsy since he had that done two weeks ago. Whether or not he will get to discontinue the antibiotic (please, for me some sleep!) or not will be determined by the washing analysis. It was a good report.
Lee finally began to wake up about 45 minutes later. He was given some grape juice to drink and was able to be discharged. We arrived back at the condo around 1:45. I hurridly fixed him some lunch, checked the blood sugar (which was over 200 because of the sweetened grape juice!), gave the insulin, started the long over-due I.V. antibiotic, prepared the rest of his meds . Finally, he was eating his lunch by 2:00. (yes, we really are that fast!)
By 3:00, we had both settled in for a nap. Lee slept until 4:30. I had too much coke to drink and the caffiene made for a short, restless nap.
Tomorrow promises to be a more restful day and on Sunday afternoon we have planned a shopping trip to the big Mall @ Southpointe with our friends Gloria and Jerry. We will put masks on Lee and Jerry and park them in the Mall while Gloria and I have a good shopping day. The problem with shopping is that we can not purchase many things because this apartment is SO small that there is no room for storage! Good for the bank account!
More Later......................................Brenda
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Appetite is Returning!
After we returned from the doctor's visit today Lee surprised me with what he asked for supper. He said he really would like to have a whopper from Burger King with french fries. I reminded him that the fries were not recommended both for the carbs and the potassium. He said he just could not imagine eating the burger without the fries. He got the fries. I hope he gains a pound or two and I know that his blood sugar will probably be too high. I did give him an extra unit of insulin, just in case. I'll check it again @ bedtime to see the damage we did. Anyway, Lee really enjoyed that meal! He ate all of it. That is the first since last November. How could I refuse?!
The doctor visit this afternoon was with the cardiac doctor who did that long ablation procedure about six weeks ago. Everything checked out good and he is now going to begin reducing his medication. He said the heart had had time to settle down and would be fine with some "weaning" off three of the meds. One of the ones to be discontinued after this med runs out (Lovenox) is the Belly shot. He and I will both be delighted to get rid of that one.
This has been another good day and another FIRST. Today, Lee walked (with rolater) into the clinic for the first time since his transplant. Up until now I have had to push the wheelchair. I told him a couple of days ago that this visit would be with him walking. He agreed with me. This is a very long walk and I want all of you to know that he did it with no complaints. In fact, as we were leaving I was busy scheduling him for a return appointment in three months and he just left me and started walking down the hallway to the lobby. By the time I finished, he was almost in the lobby.
If feels so good to be able to share all these good days with you. What a joy it is to write about his returning strength, appetite and his overall general health. I believe he is enjoying his returning independence as much as I am. It seems with each passing day we rejoice over yet another milestone in our lives.
Thank you for staying with us on this journey. I can't tell you how much it means to both of us to know that you are there. Our journey will continue until we come home. Stay with us.
More Later.............................................................Brenda
The doctor visit this afternoon was with the cardiac doctor who did that long ablation procedure about six weeks ago. Everything checked out good and he is now going to begin reducing his medication. He said the heart had had time to settle down and would be fine with some "weaning" off three of the meds. One of the ones to be discontinued after this med runs out (Lovenox) is the Belly shot. He and I will both be delighted to get rid of that one.
This has been another good day and another FIRST. Today, Lee walked (with rolater) into the clinic for the first time since his transplant. Up until now I have had to push the wheelchair. I told him a couple of days ago that this visit would be with him walking. He agreed with me. This is a very long walk and I want all of you to know that he did it with no complaints. In fact, as we were leaving I was busy scheduling him for a return appointment in three months and he just left me and started walking down the hallway to the lobby. By the time I finished, he was almost in the lobby.
If feels so good to be able to share all these good days with you. What a joy it is to write about his returning strength, appetite and his overall general health. I believe he is enjoying his returning independence as much as I am. It seems with each passing day we rejoice over yet another milestone in our lives.
Thank you for staying with us on this journey. I can't tell you how much it means to both of us to know that you are there. Our journey will continue until we come home. Stay with us.
More Later.............................................................Brenda
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Some of our Challenges
Most of the time, Lee and I are able to keep up with this busy schedule of medications, I.V.'s, blood sugars, Insulin and the belly injection of Lovenox. When we were at the clinic on Monday, the physician decided to add another Insulin injection in addition to the three that he is on with his meals. This is a long-acting insulin and is to be given at bedtime. The Lovenox injection is also given at bedtime.
Yesterday was a very tiring day for me and for Lee. Lee, because of the increased rehab. and for me, I suppose it is sleep deprivation. Anyway, we followed our usual routine with meds, etc in preparation for bed around 9:30. I fell into a deep sleep immediately and I believe Lee did too. At exactly 10:55, I awoke with a start. I had forgotten to give Lee his bedtime Insulin! I hurridly prepared the insulin and woke up Lee. He looked at me and said, "You forgot the Lovenox @ bedtime!" Again, I hurridly prepared that injection for his belly. By this time, it was around 11:20. Aware that the I.V. was to be started @ 12:00, I stopped the alarm and started the I.V. early. I set the timer for 35 minutes when it stopped and after the flush of saline and heparin and locking down the PCC line, I was finally ready for sleep...........................that is until the 6:00 alarm for the I.V. again. This is supposed to change by Sunday and then we will both be able to catch up on our sleep.
Sometimes in the evenings we get so tired and sleepy that we get a little out of sorts and it is easy to become forgetful or make errors. Today I made certain I wrote the evening schedule on the dry erase board so as not to forget!
Lee would like for all of you to know that his challenges are becoming easier to meet at the Center for The Living. Even though the weights are heavier and the repititions are greater in number and the time on the bike is longer and the walk around for laps is longer..........................the challenge is easier! That is because he is getting stronger each day. Another good thing is that his appetite is finally coming back! He now eats as though he is enjoying his food and usually eats all that I serve him. Today at lunch (for the first time) he asked for a second bowl of soup!
Today at the CFL, Lee was strategically placed next to a new pre-lung patient. The therapist felt that Lee would be a good encourager for him since he was apprehensive and overwhelmed by all that was being presented to him. When I arrived to pick Lee up, I stood and watched as he calmly talked to the guy beside him while they were on the pedalers (bikes). It was so good to see Lee able to appear more like himself before the illness.
As you can see, things are beginning to become more normal. We know that the life we had prior to this illness and transplant is now a part of our past. We do know, however, that our future holds the promise of having Lee here longer, free from his struggle to breathe and with a renewed appreciation of life. We both have that appreciation of life. We look forward to all that life has to offer and to God's blessings that we continue to receive.
More Later.....................................................Brenda
Yesterday was a very tiring day for me and for Lee. Lee, because of the increased rehab. and for me, I suppose it is sleep deprivation. Anyway, we followed our usual routine with meds, etc in preparation for bed around 9:30. I fell into a deep sleep immediately and I believe Lee did too. At exactly 10:55, I awoke with a start. I had forgotten to give Lee his bedtime Insulin! I hurridly prepared the insulin and woke up Lee. He looked at me and said, "You forgot the Lovenox @ bedtime!" Again, I hurridly prepared that injection for his belly. By this time, it was around 11:20. Aware that the I.V. was to be started @ 12:00, I stopped the alarm and started the I.V. early. I set the timer for 35 minutes when it stopped and after the flush of saline and heparin and locking down the PCC line, I was finally ready for sleep...........................that is until the 6:00 alarm for the I.V. again. This is supposed to change by Sunday and then we will both be able to catch up on our sleep.
Sometimes in the evenings we get so tired and sleepy that we get a little out of sorts and it is easy to become forgetful or make errors. Today I made certain I wrote the evening schedule on the dry erase board so as not to forget!
Lee would like for all of you to know that his challenges are becoming easier to meet at the Center for The Living. Even though the weights are heavier and the repititions are greater in number and the time on the bike is longer and the walk around for laps is longer..........................the challenge is easier! That is because he is getting stronger each day. Another good thing is that his appetite is finally coming back! He now eats as though he is enjoying his food and usually eats all that I serve him. Today at lunch (for the first time) he asked for a second bowl of soup!
Today at the CFL, Lee was strategically placed next to a new pre-lung patient. The therapist felt that Lee would be a good encourager for him since he was apprehensive and overwhelmed by all that was being presented to him. When I arrived to pick Lee up, I stood and watched as he calmly talked to the guy beside him while they were on the pedalers (bikes). It was so good to see Lee able to appear more like himself before the illness.
As you can see, things are beginning to become more normal. We know that the life we had prior to this illness and transplant is now a part of our past. We do know, however, that our future holds the promise of having Lee here longer, free from his struggle to breathe and with a renewed appreciation of life. We both have that appreciation of life. We look forward to all that life has to offer and to God's blessings that we continue to receive.
More Later.....................................................Brenda
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
The Four Seasons
I was reminded today of a movie that was popular in the "70's. "The Four Seasons". While driving to the Center for Living, a small yellow leaf landed on the hood of my car. After that I began to notice the trees that lined the street. I noticed that the dogwood trees were turning and shedding along with some of the others. I share this with you because Lee and I have experienced the four seasons of 2009 and 2010 in a very memorable way.
December through the first week of March, we experienced a very cold Winter while Lee spent 67 days in four different hospitals. December 18 through December 24, he was hospitilized at Catawba Regional Medical Center. He returned home for Christmas Eve and Day only to be sent to Baptist Hospital in Winston Salem on December 31. At Baptist he had a lung biopsy and was in pulmonary intensive care unit for six weeks. It was during his time at Baptist that Lee was most critically ill. On February 1, he was transferred to long-term acute care @ Select, Forsyth in Winston-Salem for rehabilitation. It was @ Select that we learned his only option for life was a lung transplant. He was transferred by ambulance to Duke on February 28. He stayed at Duke until March 11. 2010, but was rejected for a transplant because he was so weak.
Our entire Winter was spent in all those hospitals. It was THE coldest Winter I can ever remember. I do know that parking garages are a very cold place to be. They seem to draw all the wind inside.
Fortunately we were able to return home in time for Spring! Lee and I were able to see the farm in full bloom. I do believe it renewed both our spirits and gave Lee the determination to gain enough strength to return to Duke.
Summer seems to have come and gone in a flash. It is probably the first Summer of my life when I was not able to participate and enjoy the Summer activities with our family. It was instead, a Summer filled .with anxiety, apprehension, joy, then sorrow, and the continuous tidal wave of unimaginable emotions.
I share this with you because that one small yellow leaf that landed on my car gave me hope. Even though the leaves will die and the tree will become bare, I know that new leaves will return in the Spring. Even though it is almost Fall, I believe this is Lee's Spring.
Lee had another good day at the Center for Living. He is very tired tonight because each day they push for more from him. He was able to walk from the condo to the car WITHOUT the aid of the walker! Another first!
More later........................................Brenda
December through the first week of March, we experienced a very cold Winter while Lee spent 67 days in four different hospitals. December 18 through December 24, he was hospitilized at Catawba Regional Medical Center. He returned home for Christmas Eve and Day only to be sent to Baptist Hospital in Winston Salem on December 31. At Baptist he had a lung biopsy and was in pulmonary intensive care unit for six weeks. It was during his time at Baptist that Lee was most critically ill. On February 1, he was transferred to long-term acute care @ Select, Forsyth in Winston-Salem for rehabilitation. It was @ Select that we learned his only option for life was a lung transplant. He was transferred by ambulance to Duke on February 28. He stayed at Duke until March 11. 2010, but was rejected for a transplant because he was so weak.
Our entire Winter was spent in all those hospitals. It was THE coldest Winter I can ever remember. I do know that parking garages are a very cold place to be. They seem to draw all the wind inside.
Fortunately we were able to return home in time for Spring! Lee and I were able to see the farm in full bloom. I do believe it renewed both our spirits and gave Lee the determination to gain enough strength to return to Duke.
Summer seems to have come and gone in a flash. It is probably the first Summer of my life when I was not able to participate and enjoy the Summer activities with our family. It was instead, a Summer filled .with anxiety, apprehension, joy, then sorrow, and the continuous tidal wave of unimaginable emotions.
I share this with you because that one small yellow leaf that landed on my car gave me hope. Even though the leaves will die and the tree will become bare, I know that new leaves will return in the Spring. Even though it is almost Fall, I believe this is Lee's Spring.
Lee had another good day at the Center for Living. He is very tired tonight because each day they push for more from him. He was able to walk from the condo to the car WITHOUT the aid of the walker! Another first!
More later........................................Brenda
Monday, September 13, 2010
Good News!
Today was clinic day. As you know, each week Lee is scheduled for a clinic day. This includes blood work, chest x-ray, arterial blood gases and pulmonary function test. After these are completed, he is then checked by the nurse for weight, BP, Temp, and his O2 saturation. Next is the visit with the attending physician. He does not always see the same physician, however, he has seen one more regularly than the others. This physician was absent today and another one was seeing his patients. We had only seen this physician once before and that was before the lung transplant. In fact, he was instrumental in getting Lee's name on the transplant list. It was good to be able to see him again.
His report was very encouraging. There were no signs of an infection, fluid retention, nor any rejection of the lung. His potassium level was normal. There was one area that he did call our attention to and that is that Lee has been running a higher blood sugar, particularly in the evenings. This evening he will begin taking a long-acting Insulin (24 hour insulin) in addition to the sliding scale insulin he is on before each meal. Hopefully that will bring his sugar down to a more acceptable range.
Lee was told to return for a clinic visit in two weeks instead of one week and that if things continue to be good he may be able to go home in a month or so. Of course there are some big "IFS" there. He still has to have the PH test done for reflux on the 23rd of this month and if there is any reflux, he will have to have the nissen plication (stomach wrap of fundus around the esopheal opening into the stomach). This is an overnight procedure that is done with laparoscope. (no open incision) Reflux is taken very seriously post lung transplant and can be one of the major reasons for rejection and infection of the lung. We will learn his fate by the end of this month.
All in all, it was a good clinic visit. Lee was able to go to The Center for Living in the afternoon and complete another session (now 17!) He has had several small naps since returning this afternoon. Those rehab sessions continue to just drain him physically.
As for me, the ankle is getting better. I am still using an ankle brace for support and plan to begin the achilles stretching exercises later this week. My biggest problem now is trying to get some sleep. Those midnight I.V.'s are interfering. I go to bed @ 9:30, set the clock for midnight, start the I.V., set the kitchen timer for 35 minutes, back to sleep, get up and Dc the I.V. , flush with saline and heparin. Back to sleep.................and I get to do it all over again at 6:00 a.m. This will continue through Saturday.....Just hope I can make it til then!
More Later..........................................Brenda
His report was very encouraging. There were no signs of an infection, fluid retention, nor any rejection of the lung. His potassium level was normal. There was one area that he did call our attention to and that is that Lee has been running a higher blood sugar, particularly in the evenings. This evening he will begin taking a long-acting Insulin (24 hour insulin) in addition to the sliding scale insulin he is on before each meal. Hopefully that will bring his sugar down to a more acceptable range.
Lee was told to return for a clinic visit in two weeks instead of one week and that if things continue to be good he may be able to go home in a month or so. Of course there are some big "IFS" there. He still has to have the PH test done for reflux on the 23rd of this month and if there is any reflux, he will have to have the nissen plication (stomach wrap of fundus around the esopheal opening into the stomach). This is an overnight procedure that is done with laparoscope. (no open incision) Reflux is taken very seriously post lung transplant and can be one of the major reasons for rejection and infection of the lung. We will learn his fate by the end of this month.
All in all, it was a good clinic visit. Lee was able to go to The Center for Living in the afternoon and complete another session (now 17!) He has had several small naps since returning this afternoon. Those rehab sessions continue to just drain him physically.
As for me, the ankle is getting better. I am still using an ankle brace for support and plan to begin the achilles stretching exercises later this week. My biggest problem now is trying to get some sleep. Those midnight I.V.'s are interfering. I go to bed @ 9:30, set the clock for midnight, start the I.V., set the kitchen timer for 35 minutes, back to sleep, get up and Dc the I.V. , flush with saline and heparin. Back to sleep.................and I get to do it all over again at 6:00 a.m. This will continue through Saturday.....Just hope I can make it til then!
More Later..........................................Brenda
Sunday, September 12, 2010
A Sunday of Activities
Wow! What a day for Lee. It may not sound like much for you, but for Lee it was a major activity day. It actually began this morning with a shower and dressing. After his shower, he spent about an hour doing his muscle building exercises. He is now so much more independent. I am finding that he needs my assistance less and less. We spent most of the morning enjoying reading the Sunday papers ( sandwiched in among all the medications, blood sugar checks, insulin and the I.V. antibiotic through the PICC line.)
After lunch, Lee wanteds to go to Home Depot and I needed to make a grocery stop @ Krogers. Since they are both located in North Pointe Shopping area, we were able to make a shorter trip. Lee wanted to walk around Home Depot and I let him out with his walker while I parked the car. He was able to do a lot of walking in Home Depot. Folks, this is MAJOR! He never complained of being tired and was able to breathe normally and did not resort to his "oxygen dependent" breathing. I was so proud of him. Since he was "shopping" and was not satisfied with what he found, he informed me that he would like to go to Lowes. Niether of us knew where Lowes Home Improvement Store was located.
I asked for directions and since we really did not understand the streets we would be turning on, we just decided to go until we found it! Sure enough toward the end of North Duke Street with a right on Frazier................there it was. Not very far from where we are living.
So................once again.......I let Lee out with his walker and I parked the car....................Again.....He walked a long way around Lowes! Once again, he did very well and did not appear to be fatigued.
I know I sound very excited and I am. This is a big step in the right direction for Lee. I knew I could see his strength returning and today he showed me just how much. Perhaps it wont be much longer until he can stop using the walker. That is something I am looking forward to.
This evening, Dennis and Betsy are coming over and we plan to have our first bowl of oyster stew this season. I have a peach pie in the oven and for us, that will be a feast. We are happy to be able to spend some time with them as they will be leaving on Wednesday for a long vacation to visit their children and grandchildren in Calif. and return through Colorado to Visit their daughter. They will be missed!
The light at the end of the tunnell is glowing brightly today!
More Later.....................................Brenda
After lunch, Lee wanteds to go to Home Depot and I needed to make a grocery stop @ Krogers. Since they are both located in North Pointe Shopping area, we were able to make a shorter trip. Lee wanted to walk around Home Depot and I let him out with his walker while I parked the car. He was able to do a lot of walking in Home Depot. Folks, this is MAJOR! He never complained of being tired and was able to breathe normally and did not resort to his "oxygen dependent" breathing. I was so proud of him. Since he was "shopping" and was not satisfied with what he found, he informed me that he would like to go to Lowes. Niether of us knew where Lowes Home Improvement Store was located.
I asked for directions and since we really did not understand the streets we would be turning on, we just decided to go until we found it! Sure enough toward the end of North Duke Street with a right on Frazier................there it was. Not very far from where we are living.
So................once again.......I let Lee out with his walker and I parked the car....................Again.....He walked a long way around Lowes! Once again, he did very well and did not appear to be fatigued.
I know I sound very excited and I am. This is a big step in the right direction for Lee. I knew I could see his strength returning and today he showed me just how much. Perhaps it wont be much longer until he can stop using the walker. That is something I am looking forward to.
This evening, Dennis and Betsy are coming over and we plan to have our first bowl of oyster stew this season. I have a peach pie in the oven and for us, that will be a feast. We are happy to be able to spend some time with them as they will be leaving on Wednesday for a long vacation to visit their children and grandchildren in Calif. and return through Colorado to Visit their daughter. They will be missed!
The light at the end of the tunnell is glowing brightly today!
More Later.....................................Brenda
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Visits from family
A Great Saturday! Lee was able to walk outside the condo twice today. In the afternoon we went for a drive and found some really good food at Boston Market. We knew that Todd and Chase would be here around 5:00 and we decided to have them for supper. I had never used Boston Market before and was pleasantly surprised at how good the food was. I'm sure we will try that again!
This has been one of those days for Lee to rest from a busy week at the Center for Living and for me to catch up on laundry. I had planned to try to catch up on some sleep but since I am not a nap person, just could not do that. I had too many other things to do.
It was good to have a visit from Todd & son, Chase. We enjoyed our meal together and as usual, Grandaddy Lee and I are always amazed at how fast our grandchildren are growing. Seems they were babes in arms just a short while ago.
Lee and I are excited about his number of completed sessions at the Center for Living. Once he completes 23, we will be able to come home for some more week-ends. (that is, as long as we do not have the Monday Clinic visits). At least that is what we are hoping for. I think I told you on my blog last week that I was having a problem with my ankle. I have not been to the doctor, but based on my own observation and my confering with the internet , I believe I have a slight tear in my achilles tendon. My ankle is now black and blue and I continue to have to walk with an ankle brace. I am still taking ibuprophen and it is getting better...................This aging thing is no fun! I would like to thank Angie for her advice on exercises to prevent a recurrence. I will begin the stretching exercises as soon as this heals.
To our neice Eleanor...................HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Know that we love you and are thinking of you way out there in Colorado!
More Later.....................................Brenda
This has been one of those days for Lee to rest from a busy week at the Center for Living and for me to catch up on laundry. I had planned to try to catch up on some sleep but since I am not a nap person, just could not do that. I had too many other things to do.
It was good to have a visit from Todd & son, Chase. We enjoyed our meal together and as usual, Grandaddy Lee and I are always amazed at how fast our grandchildren are growing. Seems they were babes in arms just a short while ago.
Lee and I are excited about his number of completed sessions at the Center for Living. Once he completes 23, we will be able to come home for some more week-ends. (that is, as long as we do not have the Monday Clinic visits). At least that is what we are hoping for. I think I told you on my blog last week that I was having a problem with my ankle. I have not been to the doctor, but based on my own observation and my confering with the internet , I believe I have a slight tear in my achilles tendon. My ankle is now black and blue and I continue to have to walk with an ankle brace. I am still taking ibuprophen and it is getting better...................This aging thing is no fun! I would like to thank Angie for her advice on exercises to prevent a recurrence. I will begin the stretching exercises as soon as this heals.
To our neice Eleanor...................HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Know that we love you and are thinking of you way out there in Colorado!
More Later.....................................Brenda
Friday, September 10, 2010
Counting Sessions
Today Lee and I were trying to determine how many sessions he has completed at The Center for the Living. Looking through the calendar we estimated that he had completed 11 out of the 23 that must be finished before he can graduate. We learned this afternoon that he has completed 16 sessions. That only leaves 7 sessions before he can officially graduate and at that point (if the physicians have released you) you may return home.
In talking to Lee about the remaining 7 sessions, he said he knew that he would not be where he wants to be in only 7 sessions. He is counting on more rehab until he can walk freely without a walker and do at least 12-15 laps around the center. He has seen so many people rehabilitate that he knows what he needs to be doing to be strong enough to return home. I agree with him. As much as we want to return home, we both know that he needs to be much stronger.
There are only a few of his colleagues left at the Center for the Living. The rest have returned to their homes. Most of the people who are there now are either waiting for a lung transplant or are recovering from their lung transplant and are in the hospital. It is amazing how close one gets to those who started at approximately the same time Lee did. As I said, they have all left except for 2 or 3. These are planning to leave within the next two weeks.
One of the couples leaving will be the one that we have become very close to. They are here at Duke Condos and we have shared much of our time together and have become support teams for each other. They will be missed. Most of the people here at the condos are students returning to classes. I understand that the condo units are filled throughout November or December. This is probably when the semester ends. There is definitely a new look around Durham with the returning of the students. I have to be especially careful when driving as there are pedestrians and bikers everywhere. Sure makes me aware of my age since everyone here is approximately 20-25!
I have to say that I have not been disappointed in the Durham area. As I drive to and from different places, I enjoy looking at the refurbished old homes in the downtown area on the tree-lined, sidewalk, streets. It reminds me of downtown Lincolnton. I have also been pleasantly surprised with the drive wherever I go. That, too, reminds me of Lincolnton. Guess I am beginning to sound a little homesick!
Well, hopefully, it won't be as long as it has been.
More Later..........................................................Brenda
In talking to Lee about the remaining 7 sessions, he said he knew that he would not be where he wants to be in only 7 sessions. He is counting on more rehab until he can walk freely without a walker and do at least 12-15 laps around the center. He has seen so many people rehabilitate that he knows what he needs to be doing to be strong enough to return home. I agree with him. As much as we want to return home, we both know that he needs to be much stronger.
There are only a few of his colleagues left at the Center for the Living. The rest have returned to their homes. Most of the people who are there now are either waiting for a lung transplant or are recovering from their lung transplant and are in the hospital. It is amazing how close one gets to those who started at approximately the same time Lee did. As I said, they have all left except for 2 or 3. These are planning to leave within the next two weeks.
One of the couples leaving will be the one that we have become very close to. They are here at Duke Condos and we have shared much of our time together and have become support teams for each other. They will be missed. Most of the people here at the condos are students returning to classes. I understand that the condo units are filled throughout November or December. This is probably when the semester ends. There is definitely a new look around Durham with the returning of the students. I have to be especially careful when driving as there are pedestrians and bikers everywhere. Sure makes me aware of my age since everyone here is approximately 20-25!
I have to say that I have not been disappointed in the Durham area. As I drive to and from different places, I enjoy looking at the refurbished old homes in the downtown area on the tree-lined, sidewalk, streets. It reminds me of downtown Lincolnton. I have also been pleasantly surprised with the drive wherever I go. That, too, reminds me of Lincolnton. Guess I am beginning to sound a little homesick!
Well, hopefully, it won't be as long as it has been.
More Later..........................................................Brenda
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Strength Renewed
Lee is visibly getting stronger! I can see a little more strength each day. He continues to go into the Center for Living alone and when I pick him up he looks really good. I have to share this joy with all of you because you have been there through all the bumps in the road. Right now it feels so good to be on a straight path.
Next week will be a very busy week. Monday is Clinic day and that usually involves 4-5 hours. We did get it changed for all a.m. schedules and hopefully we will get home in time for the I.V. antibiotic before we go to rehab. Tuesday and Wednesday are open (unless they schedule him for the ph test for reflux). Thursday he is schedule to see the cardiac doctors who performed the ablation procedure on his heart. I'm hoping he will discontinue his anticoagulant that I have to give in his belly. His poor belly looks like a dartboard that has been overused. It is now polka-dotted with bruises and I feel guilty each time I try to find another spot that is clear.
On Friday he will have to go for a bronchoscopy and will need to rest over the week-end, especially on Saturday. The last bronchoscopy showed a small erosion on the bronchi and they need to see if it is healing.
The good thing is that these medical specialists are always on top of things. They are alert to any changes in his condition and try diligently to correct those that are negative as soon as possible. We are so grateful to be here. There is tremendous security in being close to the hospital after a lung transplant and any other serious operation.
Lee is watching the football game (Saints & Vikings) as I write and he said to say Hello to all our friends and family bloggers. He sends a message to Marvin and Betsy (Oak Island) to let you know that he talked to Juliette yesterday and she was at the Center for Living today. She is undergoing the evaluation process for a lung transplant. While we are talking to Oak Island friends............A special Hello and Thank-you to Dot, Ed and Johnny, who are our good neighbor watchers. We are looking forward to the time when we can return to the beach!
We anticipate that we will continue to be in Durham through September and October. There are still many goals for Lee to reach and barring any unforseen problems or complications, that seems to be realistic.
Lee is hoping to see his good friend M. Todd when he comes to Durham next week and we are both looking forward to a visit from Todd, Donna & boys on Sunday.
More Later.................................................................................Brenda
Next week will be a very busy week. Monday is Clinic day and that usually involves 4-5 hours. We did get it changed for all a.m. schedules and hopefully we will get home in time for the I.V. antibiotic before we go to rehab. Tuesday and Wednesday are open (unless they schedule him for the ph test for reflux). Thursday he is schedule to see the cardiac doctors who performed the ablation procedure on his heart. I'm hoping he will discontinue his anticoagulant that I have to give in his belly. His poor belly looks like a dartboard that has been overused. It is now polka-dotted with bruises and I feel guilty each time I try to find another spot that is clear.
On Friday he will have to go for a bronchoscopy and will need to rest over the week-end, especially on Saturday. The last bronchoscopy showed a small erosion on the bronchi and they need to see if it is healing.
The good thing is that these medical specialists are always on top of things. They are alert to any changes in his condition and try diligently to correct those that are negative as soon as possible. We are so grateful to be here. There is tremendous security in being close to the hospital after a lung transplant and any other serious operation.
Lee is watching the football game (Saints & Vikings) as I write and he said to say Hello to all our friends and family bloggers. He sends a message to Marvin and Betsy (Oak Island) to let you know that he talked to Juliette yesterday and she was at the Center for Living today. She is undergoing the evaluation process for a lung transplant. While we are talking to Oak Island friends............A special Hello and Thank-you to Dot, Ed and Johnny, who are our good neighbor watchers. We are looking forward to the time when we can return to the beach!
We anticipate that we will continue to be in Durham through September and October. There are still many goals for Lee to reach and barring any unforseen problems or complications, that seems to be realistic.
Lee is hoping to see his good friend M. Todd when he comes to Durham next week and we are both looking forward to a visit from Todd, Donna & boys on Sunday.
More Later.................................................................................Brenda
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Continuation from the post written a few minutes earlier....hit wrong button........
Any way......................Lee was able to continue on into the building independently! I have to tell you that it was reminiscant of the times many, many years ago when I had to leave my children @ kindergarten and they did not want me to walk inside the building with them. I drove away, and as of long ago, I DID look back.
When I went back to get him later in the evening he was in the back working the weights. He looked so good. I was amazed at the difference. He also said that he was able to walk three rounds and only had to stop and rest once. He has been moving about more often in the apartment and getting up out of his recliner more. I believe the extra movememt is making him more independent and also making him stronger.
Last night he ate a big meal for supper and tonight he will have pot roast, potatoes, carrots, gravy, carrots and Sister Shubert rolls. Our neighbors are joining us and they are bringing a salad and fresh asparagus. It is good to see Lee eating again and I am trying very hard on this new potassium restricted diet to help him. We now have to eliminate many good things to eat: tomatoes, peaches, bananas, orange juice, turnip greens, just about all the good fruits and veggies. Unfortunately that is what I have been pushing.................now we are told to restrict them for the time being.
Lee is still on the every six hour I.V. and I am still losing my sleep. This will continue for at least another two weeks.
More Later........................................Brenda
When I went back to get him later in the evening he was in the back working the weights. He looked so good. I was amazed at the difference. He also said that he was able to walk three rounds and only had to stop and rest once. He has been moving about more often in the apartment and getting up out of his recliner more. I believe the extra movememt is making him more independent and also making him stronger.
Last night he ate a big meal for supper and tonight he will have pot roast, potatoes, carrots, gravy, carrots and Sister Shubert rolls. Our neighbors are joining us and they are bringing a salad and fresh asparagus. It is good to see Lee eating again and I am trying very hard on this new potassium restricted diet to help him. We now have to eliminate many good things to eat: tomatoes, peaches, bananas, orange juice, turnip greens, just about all the good fruits and veggies. Unfortunately that is what I have been pushing.................now we are told to restrict them for the time being.
Lee is still on the every six hour I.V. and I am still losing my sleep. This will continue for at least another two weeks.
More Later........................................Brenda
On The Road Again!
I asked Lee to give a title to todays blog and he said to tell you that he feels like he is "on the road again!" He has had the BEST day ever at the Center for Living! He was able to complete all sessions without being absolutely exhausted. In fact, when we arrived at the Center, I was ready to get out of the car as usual and walk with him to the building. After I unloaded the rolater for him to walk, he told me to go on and that he would be fine to walk in alone. Folks, that is a FIRST!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Eat, Eat, and eat more!
Today was Clinic Day. That is always a very busy day for us. The entire morning was used for bloodwork, chest x-ray, and breathing tests. The afternoon was used for a 2:00 physician appointment. We finally finished @ 4:30. The doctor was concerned that Lee is not gaining any weight. He talked to us at great length about his nutrition. We have been advised that Lee should begin eating six meals a day and the amount should be smaller. His stomach has shrunk ( spelling?) and there just is no room for much food. He also advised that he needs more protein in his diet. We stopped by the grocery on the way home and Lee had steak, gravy, rice, vegetables and hot biscuits! Now we will both gain weight!
Seriously, he was concerned that Lee cannot seem to shake the infection. This is his second round of strong antibiotics I.V. He is concerned that he may be having some reflux that is not showing up on the tests that have been done. He will have to have another test done for that some time later this week or next week. He will have to wear the catheter in his nose for 24-hours. The doctor mentioned that even if the test is negative it may be to Lee's benefit to have the nissen fundoplication. That is when a procedure, under general anesthesia is done (in the O.R.) to wrap a small portion of the upper part of the stomach around the opening of the esophagus into the stomach to reinforce that opening and prevent any reflux. Reflux into the lung is a very serious situation and usually causes either infection or rejection. This procedure is done using scope instruments so a big incision is not made. It does cause some discomfort afterwards and takes a couple of weeks to recoup. So...................here we go again!
We did get the approval from this doctor along with the others to use some of our week-ends to return home occasionally. That will probably not be until October when we come for the concert. It is good to go home but at the same time we loose our security of being here in Durham. We have to carry so much paraphanalia that it is also a LOT of work!
I am dealing with either plantar fascitis or tendonitis of my left foot. I think this is due to going up and down the stairs while at home over the week-end. I had not been using stairs since May..........so now I am having to use: Rest, Ice, compression and elevation. Known as the RICE treatment. Also lots of Ibupropen. Hopefully it will work. If you have a better suggestion...........please call me!
Time for more medications to be given and preparations for bed................now into the late and early IV's again....................No sleep !!!!
More Later.......................................Brenda
Seriously, he was concerned that Lee cannot seem to shake the infection. This is his second round of strong antibiotics I.V. He is concerned that he may be having some reflux that is not showing up on the tests that have been done. He will have to have another test done for that some time later this week or next week. He will have to wear the catheter in his nose for 24-hours. The doctor mentioned that even if the test is negative it may be to Lee's benefit to have the nissen fundoplication. That is when a procedure, under general anesthesia is done (in the O.R.) to wrap a small portion of the upper part of the stomach around the opening of the esophagus into the stomach to reinforce that opening and prevent any reflux. Reflux into the lung is a very serious situation and usually causes either infection or rejection. This procedure is done using scope instruments so a big incision is not made. It does cause some discomfort afterwards and takes a couple of weeks to recoup. So...................here we go again!
We did get the approval from this doctor along with the others to use some of our week-ends to return home occasionally. That will probably not be until October when we come for the concert. It is good to go home but at the same time we loose our security of being here in Durham. We have to carry so much paraphanalia that it is also a LOT of work!
I am dealing with either plantar fascitis or tendonitis of my left foot. I think this is due to going up and down the stairs while at home over the week-end. I had not been using stairs since May..........so now I am having to use: Rest, Ice, compression and elevation. Known as the RICE treatment. Also lots of Ibupropen. Hopefully it will work. If you have a better suggestion...........please call me!
Time for more medications to be given and preparations for bed................now into the late and early IV's again....................No sleep !!!!
More Later.......................................Brenda
Oops.....I need to correct the phone number
For Ticket Information and reservations: 828 726-2407
( J-section or middle, is almost sold out. There are some side and mezzanine seatings)
( J-section or middle, is almost sold out. There are some side and mezzanine seatings)
Just thought you might want to know
I have had many of my friends to ask if they will ever have a chance to hear my son, Greg Knight play the piano. I am happy to share with you the information about a performance that will be taking place in the near future. For those of you who need an explanation: Greg is a very gifted musician (I know, I know, he IS my son ) and he is also a talented computer programmer with a family, his wife, Cathy and four children. He is so very busy that I honestly do not know how he finds time to practice, but he does. His love is classical and he will be playing with the Western Piedmont Syimphony Orchestra, under the direction of John Gordon Ross, music director and conductor.
Date: October 9, 2010
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Place: J.E. Broyhill Civic Center, Lenoir, N.C. ( Highway 321 N. as you enter Lenoir (on the right)
Presentation: Greg will be featured performing on the piano "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini", by Sergei Rachmaninoff
I am planning to come home for that week-end and hopefully Lee can too. He will not, however; be able to attend. ( No large crowds )
Tickets: Call 828 324-8603 Western Piedmont Symphony
243 Third Avenue NE, Suite 1
Hickory, NC 28601
Hope to see some of you there~
More Later.............................................................Brenda
Date: October 9, 2010
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Place: J.E. Broyhill Civic Center, Lenoir, N.C. ( Highway 321 N. as you enter Lenoir (on the right)
Presentation: Greg will be featured performing on the piano "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini", by Sergei Rachmaninoff
I am planning to come home for that week-end and hopefully Lee can too. He will not, however; be able to attend. ( No large crowds )
Tickets: Call 828 324-8603 Western Piedmont Symphony
243 Third Avenue NE, Suite 1
Hickory, NC 28601
Hope to see some of you there~
More Later.............................................................Brenda
Monday, September 6, 2010
Back in Durham
I wish I could say we were glad to be back in Durham, but we really do wish we could have stayed in Vale permanently. In many ways it was bittersweet. Good to go home, but difficult to see things I would like to do and not having enough time to do it. I did get to get in my kitchen and cook, which is one of the things I really enjoyed........................especially in a kitchen much bigger than the one here at the apartment.
As you remember, this past Wednesday, Lee was admitted to the hospital. On Friday morning, his doctor said he could go home to Vale for the week-end as long as 1. He took some portable oxygen in case he needed it. 2. He could get the I.V. antibiotic @ home 3. His chest x-ray was clear on Sat. a.m.
We were able to enjoy a few short visits from immediate family members and Lee and I enjoyed a family meal with our kids. Lee was able to go for a ride through the neighborhood with his buddy, Bill D. and was able to enjoy one of his favorite pastimes (looking at the farms and getting to see some of his friends.)
Being able to go home allowed us the opportunity to make comparisons in Lee's condition as compared to when we left May 31. He is now able to breathe freely without oxygen. He moves about freely throughout the house (with the help of a walker ), and now he is able to get in the car and go for rides without having to worry about his need for oxygen and the limited time for an outing. We realized how many things we now have to be thankful for and we were able to see that in spite of all the complications and recent hospitizations, he really is making progress and improving.
We hope to try this again next month!
More Later.......................................Brenda
As you remember, this past Wednesday, Lee was admitted to the hospital. On Friday morning, his doctor said he could go home to Vale for the week-end as long as 1. He took some portable oxygen in case he needed it. 2. He could get the I.V. antibiotic @ home 3. His chest x-ray was clear on Sat. a.m.
- Saturday a.m., I packed all the meds and equipment that we would need along with the oxygen and the portable I.V. stand. The car was full! I arrived at the hospital @ 10:30 and the nurses were preparing him for discharge. We were elated! We were planning to eat on the way en route to Vale.....Thinking of a yummy burger, but we waited & waited & waited. Lunch arrived and Lee and I shared a very dry, hard-crusted bread BBQ. Ugh! We were excited about leaving so did not complain. The nurses were finished with all their discharge essentials and we asked could we leave?! It seems we had to wait for the PA to officially write the discharge medication, etc. So, we waited, & waited & waited & waited...........Finally, after asking those poor nurses to do something to rush things along, I asked her to remind the PA that we had to make a 3-hour journey and that I had to start his I.V. @ 5:00 p.m. That worked! Within a few minutes we were given the thumbs up. The nurses came and read all the discharge meds to us and said that transport team had been notified.
- I hurridly ran to get the car brought to the entrance from the valet parking. They were very efficient and had the car there in less than 5 minutes! I waited in a NO PARKING area at the entrance until I was asked to move my car. I drove around and around the circle in front of the hospital about 10 times..................still no Lee and no transport person.
- What to do? If I went to get him I might miss him in the elevator; however, if I stayed I would be asked to move my car again!
- Finally, after a 45 minute wait he arrived. We were on our way @ 2:15 p.m. and we arrived in Vale shortly before 5:00 pm.
We were able to enjoy a few short visits from immediate family members and Lee and I enjoyed a family meal with our kids. Lee was able to go for a ride through the neighborhood with his buddy, Bill D. and was able to enjoy one of his favorite pastimes (looking at the farms and getting to see some of his friends.)
Being able to go home allowed us the opportunity to make comparisons in Lee's condition as compared to when we left May 31. He is now able to breathe freely without oxygen. He moves about freely throughout the house (with the help of a walker ), and now he is able to get in the car and go for rides without having to worry about his need for oxygen and the limited time for an outing. We realized how many things we now have to be thankful for and we were able to see that in spite of all the complications and recent hospitizations, he really is making progress and improving.
We hope to try this again next month!
More Later.......................................Brenda
Out of Signal Range
Good morning all. This is their daughter Julia writing a quick explanation of the blog entry "gap" this weekend. Lee's latest lung infection last week did not require a chest tube, so on Friday when they were preparing to release him from the hospital with an antibiotic IV, he asked the doctor permission to take that IV all the way to Vale for the weekend. Permission was granted!! So -- mom packed a few bags at the condo, picked him up at the hospital and then pointed the car straight towards their home in Vale. They have enjoyed a brief, but wonderful stay in their home and will be heading back today in order to be settled in the condo in time for the 5:00 IV (now affectionally known as "it's 5:00 somewhere" drip). Mom is anxious to write a full report about their weekend on the blog this evening. Until then, this Labor Day weekend has been a great step in that long journey back home!
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Post Script
An addendum to Friday's blog: Thank you Jennifer for that beautiful and thoughtful comment. We were flattered and encouraged that it reminded you of Grandaddy and me. We are so fortunate to have all our children available to us. To Elizabeth: Thank your for giving me your shoulders on Thursday. You called at just the right time. You allowed me to vent in a way that showed how much you loved me and how much you understand. How fortunate I am to have all these wonderful daughters who just come forward and do anything we ask them to do. They have prepared the house for our return and they also take care of the beach house for us. The boys have helped with heavy lifting and moving furniture and the girls have cleaned and given our home a special woman's touch. Thank you Julia and Cathy for all your hard work in cleaning and replacing furniture, etc......
As you can see, we are very fortunate to have such a wonderful family...................................
Much Love, and more later............................................................Nana (Brenda)
As you can see, we are very fortunate to have such a wonderful family...................................
Much Love, and more later............................................................Nana (Brenda)
Friday, September 3, 2010
Discharge Tomorrow?
Lee has had a very good day today and he really wants to be out of the hospital. He is so very tired of being in the hospital and eating the hospital food and having to depend on others. I was able to be there early enough this morning to talk to the doctors during grand rounds. Depending on how his chest x-ray looked today he will probably be discharged in the morning.
They did express some concern that his oxygen level at one time during his a.m. walk had fallen to 87. So when I arrived I was surprised to see that he had nasal oxygen going. It was only on 2L and was discontinued shortly thereafter. They did want to see how he did when he walked a second time. I walked with him and constantly checked his pulse and oxygen level during the walk. He did fine and did not have to have any oxygen during the walk. As of 6:30 p.m. he still did not have to have oxygen. I believe his bronchial passageways are a little irritated from the bronchoscopy and biopsy yesterday and that does cause him to have a lower oxygen level. He seemed to improve as the day moved forward.
He will have to come home on the I.V. antibiotics once again and we are back to the midnight and early a.m. medication. This will only be for two weeks (we hope). At least we know that he is getting the treatment for the infection. So far, his heart is doing very well. He is maintaining a regular heartbeat and a steady blood pressure. Thank God for that!
We plan to get out some over the week-end. The weather promises that it will be very comfortable. Lee has not descended into more weakness with this hospitilization and will return to the Center for Living on Tuesday Afternoon. The Lord willing, we will get on with this program!
During the next weeks I will be sharing with you some of the precautions all of us must take and some of the sacrifices we must make in allowing Lee to return home. Please remember that everything we will be asking will be so Lee will be able to live in a safe and also friendly environment. The safety will require that we remember small things like avoiding handshakes, hugs and kisses and always using the hand sanitizer that will be immediately available to all. There may be times when we ask you to mask and limit your visit. We trust that you will visit later or some other time if you are sick or recovering from an illness.
As you can see, I am already looking for the future. We still have a long way to go and many more sessions at the Center for the Living.
More Later.......................................Brenda
They did express some concern that his oxygen level at one time during his a.m. walk had fallen to 87. So when I arrived I was surprised to see that he had nasal oxygen going. It was only on 2L and was discontinued shortly thereafter. They did want to see how he did when he walked a second time. I walked with him and constantly checked his pulse and oxygen level during the walk. He did fine and did not have to have any oxygen during the walk. As of 6:30 p.m. he still did not have to have oxygen. I believe his bronchial passageways are a little irritated from the bronchoscopy and biopsy yesterday and that does cause him to have a lower oxygen level. He seemed to improve as the day moved forward.
He will have to come home on the I.V. antibiotics once again and we are back to the midnight and early a.m. medication. This will only be for two weeks (we hope). At least we know that he is getting the treatment for the infection. So far, his heart is doing very well. He is maintaining a regular heartbeat and a steady blood pressure. Thank God for that!
We plan to get out some over the week-end. The weather promises that it will be very comfortable. Lee has not descended into more weakness with this hospitilization and will return to the Center for Living on Tuesday Afternoon. The Lord willing, we will get on with this program!
During the next weeks I will be sharing with you some of the precautions all of us must take and some of the sacrifices we must make in allowing Lee to return home. Please remember that everything we will be asking will be so Lee will be able to live in a safe and also friendly environment. The safety will require that we remember small things like avoiding handshakes, hugs and kisses and always using the hand sanitizer that will be immediately available to all. There may be times when we ask you to mask and limit your visit. We trust that you will visit later or some other time if you are sick or recovering from an illness.
As you can see, I am already looking for the future. We still have a long way to go and many more sessions at the Center for the Living.
More Later.......................................Brenda
Thursday, September 2, 2010
The Results
Lee was admitted to the hospital yesterday @ 7:00 p.m. By midnight he had received his first I.V. antibiotic and had already had a CT scan of his lung. This morning he was seen by a group of doctors from the pulmonary team and a course of treatment was begun. He had an EKG and I was able to talk to one of the doctors and explain all the problems Lee has had recently with medication adjustments. I was able to give her a list of his current medications and also was able to discuss the disadvantages of one of the heart drugs he had been on earlier. ( the low BP problem ).
The dietician came around 11:00 to discuss his diet and after learning how much weight he has lost told him that they would not be as strict on his diabetic diet nor his heart diet. He needs nourishment and needs to gain weight. She explained that enough Insulin would be given to off-set the carbs and sugar. His food was with-held all morning and they finally took him for bronchcospy around 2:00 p.m. He returned @ 5:00 p.m.
Before they did the bronchoscopy, they drew the fluid from his pleural cavity and were able to withdraw 300cc ( one cup = 240 cc ), so they decided against putting in a chest tube. The lung was suctioned and fluids will be sent for pathology. When Lee returned he was already breathing better and did not cough as he had been doing these past four days. He felt really good about the procedure, and hopes to be released earlier than we anticipated. That, of course, depends on his chest x-ray in the a.m. and what the washings of the lung showed.
When I left Lee this evening, he was anticipating his meal and he looked really good. He seems to have regained his fighting spirit and I have resumed my role as his optimistic "cheerleader". We are both in better spirits tonight and are looking forward to some better days.
Thank you to all of you for your continued support. Thank you Bill for your call today and for sharing your experiences and helping me to just "hang on". Stanley, I hope your voice improves and it was so good to get your encouraging words. Donna, your sweet prayer reminded me of the love we have of our family. To Julia and to Lee Jr. thanks for your calls. To all of you who remembered us in our "down" time......Thank you again.
More later.................................................Brenda
The dietician came around 11:00 to discuss his diet and after learning how much weight he has lost told him that they would not be as strict on his diabetic diet nor his heart diet. He needs nourishment and needs to gain weight. She explained that enough Insulin would be given to off-set the carbs and sugar. His food was with-held all morning and they finally took him for bronchcospy around 2:00 p.m. He returned @ 5:00 p.m.
Before they did the bronchoscopy, they drew the fluid from his pleural cavity and were able to withdraw 300cc ( one cup = 240 cc ), so they decided against putting in a chest tube. The lung was suctioned and fluids will be sent for pathology. When Lee returned he was already breathing better and did not cough as he had been doing these past four days. He felt really good about the procedure, and hopes to be released earlier than we anticipated. That, of course, depends on his chest x-ray in the a.m. and what the washings of the lung showed.
When I left Lee this evening, he was anticipating his meal and he looked really good. He seems to have regained his fighting spirit and I have resumed my role as his optimistic "cheerleader". We are both in better spirits tonight and are looking forward to some better days.
Thank you to all of you for your continued support. Thank you Bill for your call today and for sharing your experiences and helping me to just "hang on". Stanley, I hope your voice improves and it was so good to get your encouraging words. Donna, your sweet prayer reminded me of the love we have of our family. To Julia and to Lee Jr. thanks for your calls. To all of you who remembered us in our "down" time......Thank you again.
More later.................................................Brenda
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Trials and Tribulations
We just returned from the clinic and unfortunately Lee must be admitted to the hospital again. He has fluid in his lung and also an infection. We are at the condo waiting for the hospital to call whenever a room is available. He is to be started on I.V. antibiotics as soon as he is admitted. Tomorrow he is scheduled for a bronchoscopy and insertion of another chest tube to drain the fluid from his chest cavity. We anticipate at least one week hospitalization....................we hope no longer.
Each time Lee is admitted to the hospital, he looses time at the Center for Living. These admissions usually leave him weaker and with more loss of weight. It is becoming increasingly difficult for him to maintain his level of determination to recover from this event. I have to admit that I, too, am finding it more and more difficult to keep up the fighting spirit. We are both so tired of getting to the point of seeing the end of the tunnel only to be knocked down again. This is an extremely difficult battle to fight.
I really wish I could write something good right now, but quite frankly, I am too discouraged at this point. I am so afraid that this admission will become another three week ordeal and that we will fail once again.
I wish I did not have to write such a depressing blog..............but write, I must. It is in the writing that I can remove some of my fears and look at our life in the reality that it is. Please forgive me for that. Lee calls me his "cheerleader"...............I will try to remember that as we approach these next days. Pray that we can all be cheerleaders again for Lee. We both need a cheering section right now.
I will continue to keep you posted on this blog.................................................................................
More Later.....................................................Brenda
Each time Lee is admitted to the hospital, he looses time at the Center for Living. These admissions usually leave him weaker and with more loss of weight. It is becoming increasingly difficult for him to maintain his level of determination to recover from this event. I have to admit that I, too, am finding it more and more difficult to keep up the fighting spirit. We are both so tired of getting to the point of seeing the end of the tunnel only to be knocked down again. This is an extremely difficult battle to fight.
I really wish I could write something good right now, but quite frankly, I am too discouraged at this point. I am so afraid that this admission will become another three week ordeal and that we will fail once again.
I wish I did not have to write such a depressing blog..............but write, I must. It is in the writing that I can remove some of my fears and look at our life in the reality that it is. Please forgive me for that. Lee calls me his "cheerleader"...............I will try to remember that as we approach these next days. Pray that we can all be cheerleaders again for Lee. We both need a cheering section right now.
I will continue to keep you posted on this blog.................................................................................
More Later.....................................................Brenda
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