RATG

You are probably asking, "What is that?"  So did I, especially since the pronounciation is RAT G.  I have had many medical persons explain this term to me, and after some confusion on my part, I did some research on my own ( these wonderful internets!).  By definition, RATG is an acronym for rabbit antithymocyte globulin. (yes, a rabbit is involved).  To explain further, it is a polyclonal antibody preparation to decrease rejection of the lung by reducing the lymphocyte counts and modulating t-cell formation. ( These are parts of our white blood cells that protect us from bad invading organisms).

Lee's protective cells in his body are recognizing his lung as an alien and is fighting to throw it out....Ratg....will reduce his fighting cells and reverse the rejection.  The down side is that he will have no protection and it will take 4-6 weeks for him to build back to a level that his body will can live peacefully with the transplanted lung.  So there you have it.....Rejection and Treatment 101 from me!

The I.V. was started @ noon following precautionary meds I.V., such as benadryl, steroids, tylenol.  We were advised that he would most likely get a headache, maybe a fever and generally feel like the flu.  He had all of the above but not the fever.  Fortunately after about two hours, he fell asleep for two hours.  The benadryl worked.

I stayed with him until the I.V. was DC and came back to the condo around 6:45 this evening.  He still has the headache and feels very tired, but all the other reactions have disappeared.  I will return tomorrow and the next I.V. will probably begin around noon.  If all goes well, this one may run 4 hours instead of 6.

I will keep you informed of his progress.

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