Thursday , March 17 was clinic day @ Duke. We had traveled from our farm the day before and spent the night @ Staybridge where once again, we enjoyed meeting some "lung colleagues" from Duke lung transplant program. It was good to sit in the lounge and share success stories along with some of those who are still anticipating being accepted into the program. We talked with one couple from Alabama and another from Arkansas. One was recovering and the other was eagerly awaiting being on the list. How well we understood the anxieties and apprehensions they were experiencing. Lee is so good to offer an encouraging word to all he meets. When they hear his story and see how good he looks now, we can see a light begin to emerge from their almost senseless eyes. It is indeed rewarding. Lee had spent the earlier part of the afternoon visiting the workers at the Center For Living. He is very attached to those workers (especially, "his" girls!)
Since Lee was to be fasting after midnight on Thursday, I had encouraged him to hydrate with lots of water after dinner. At 9:00, he did eat some peanut butter and crackers and a large glass of water, then to bed. We were to be at the clinic @ 7:30 in the morning so early bedtime was essential.
We areived at the clinic at 7:30 and Lee was quickly ushered to the nurses station for vitals and then for a breathing test. From there he had lab work and then to x-ray. All of the usual routine work when we return to the clinic. He had a bronchoscopy scheduled for 10:00 that morning in the hospital so all the previous tests were rushed. We had decided to walk through the tunnel to the hospital (not realizing it was about a mile long!) and after a short distance an attendant told us he needed to ride in the w/chair. After seeing the long walk we were glad we did!
The bronchoscopy was completed by 11:30 and the doctor gave Lee a good thumbs up in that all looked very good! Lee drank three small cokes and it was back to the clinic via w/chair for the scheduled doctor's appointment at 2:00. On the way, Lee reminded me that he was hungry and we would need to eat before the appointment. However, as soon as we arrived at the clinic, his name was called and we were surprised to be called that early. We passed on the chicken sandwich and I hurridly retrieved a pack of peanut butter crackers and a bottle of water from my bag. We felt this would last until we could see the doctor.
I might add here that Lee was especially proud of how good he was doing and was excited about seeing his favorite pulmonary doctor (a female ) who had not seen him since October! Well, we waited and waited and waited and by this time, it was 2:00 p.m. Lee decided to walk around and then returned. When he sat down he said "HONEY, I FEEL LIGHTHEADED!" I quickly checked his blood sugar and it was normal. As I turned to look at him, he was chalky white, perspiring and OUT! The nurse walked in and then was followed by two others. I meanwhile had automatically assumed my nursing persona, and am telling Lee to put his head down to his knees! I heard someone ask to check his blood sugar and I announced that I already had and it was 120. Well, folks, here I am at the Mecca of medicine capital of whatever and I am acting like I not only WORK there, but have assumed CHARGE DUTIES!
Anyway, his favorite doctor did get to see him, alas, in the worst of conditions, and had to call 911! We were transported by ambulance to the emergency room. After two hours and failed (4) attempts to start and I.V., the emergency room physician decided to feed Lee a chicken sandwich (per his request) and lots of coke and/or water. After two chicken sandwiches, another coke and water, blood work and a normal EKG. the diagnosis was confirmed. Lee was hungry and dehydrated! He was discharged to go home. Unfortunately, we have not completed our clinic visit and are awaiting reports via phone next week. Meanwhile, we are enjoying some beautiful weather at the beach and all is well.
More Later...............................Brenda
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