March 11 Health Report

Results of tests continue to give me the green light toward transplant.  The most surprisingly unpleasant of these was the Esophageal Manometry with 24 hour ph probe.  A lovely woman named Pam inserted a tube up my nose (yowch!) and down into my stomach where it remained 24 hours.  When she and another technician suited up in what looked like Hazmat cover-ups, I guessed I was in for more than I’d bargained.  Dangling the probe tube in front of me, Pam looked me in the eye and said rather solemnly, “I only ask two things: ‘Don’t hit me, and don’t vomit in my face’.”   I’m happy to report no blows or projectile vomiting, and I survived the 24 hours.  Results indicate acid reflux and probable need for stomach wrap surgery after transplant. 

            Last week, along with the usual labs, x-rays, and pulmonary function tests with arterial blood gas draw, I saw Laurie Snyder, MD, a post-transplant critical care specialist, who said that I am close to being listed. They’re pleased with my progress at the Duke Center for Living (DCL).  I’ve met all the fitness goals. If all goes well, I’ll complete my 23 sessions at the end of next week.   I’m expected to continue in the graduate program up to transplant—same exercises but self-monitored.  (Duke has the most fit transplant patients in the country.  Every day is training for the Olympics.)

When the transplant team deems me ready, they’ll take me off Plavix and list me a week later.  That could happen around the Equinox.  After I’m on the official list, I’ll know my LAS (lung allocation score) based on how bad my lungs are, how likely I am to survive transplant surgery, and my specific needs (small body and lungs, A- blood).  For more information about the lung transplant program, staff, stages, and process go to http://www.dukehealth.org/services/transplants/programs/lung/

            Don’t ask if I’ve been writing memoirs.  I can barely find time for morning journal, a bit of reading, and the luxury of writing this entry.  This week I must get my tax documents and calculations to my tax accountant—at least before I’m “listed” for transplant.  I won’t have time or energy to think about memoir writing until weeks after transplant.  I hope I sail through transplant without the complications we’re learning about.

If you must reach me during that time, I may be able to read email at rkeefe66@msn.com .  You can also email Doris at dorburk@hotmail.com.