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
Brenda, when Lee & yourself do go out in public remember to go early before the crowd. It's good to sit in an area away from others including children because of infections. Debbie & I are so proud of both you guys. Take care of the foot and God Bless.
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