My doctor visit

[Guest guest]

Hi friends,

The bottom line from my trip to San : I was

listed there Friday late afternoon. So now I'm officially

a double-lister.

I've been in bed ever since, worn out but getting stronger.

We didn't get back until nearly 8:00 Friday night, after a

very long day. One good thing is that my sats did fine

on the small plane, with no need to increase my 02. It

meant the world to me to have my son, sister-in-law,

and dad with me for the trip. They pampered me.

University Hospital at UT Health Science Center in San

does fewer transplants than UTSW in Dallas, but

the wait list only has 8 people on it. At both places, I'm

now at the top of the B pos list.

As with most everything, there's a trade-off. In S.A. they

use " expanded protocols " in their transplantations, meaning

that, for example, they'll use the lungs of someone older or

maybe less than 100% perfect lungs, and sometimes they tx

patients who are sicker than they'd choose in Dallas. That

means their survival rates aren't as high, but at least I know

why. Dallas is more conservative and VERY picky. Obviously,

I'd opt for tx to happen in Dallas, but everyone feels that

I'm sick enough at this point that the focus needs to be on

getting me a lung, however and wherever. They warned me

about the possibility of being called there for a " dry run " ,

which I was already aware of. yuk. But my bag's packed.

I liked the doctor - Dr. Angel - VERY much. I also met

one of the surgeons and liked him a lot too. I felt very

comfortable with them. I was very impressed with the efficiency

and caring nature of my nurse coordinator, and the social

worker. The transplant center was cheerful, with many great

photos on the walls of people who've undergone tx. The

team there was very eager to furnish information and answer

questions. I could only do 2 laps of the 6MW before dropping

to 84 (starting out at 6L), when she made me stop. They took

17 vials of blood. Dr. Angel, the director of the center, said

they'd bypass the normal channels of going through the

committee and list me right away, based on his decision. They

contacted my insurance company and UNOS, and it's a done

deal.

I didn't sleep well the night before all this, nor the night I got

home. It all seems more real, urgent, and scary now. But last

night I slept fine, and I know it's still the right decision for me.

Thanks for the wishes and prayers. I'm in God's hands.

Dawn and Ann,

Welcome to our air family. It would be so cool if Dawn and Diane

could meet! I'm very sorry about your diagnoses, but you're in

a good place, as Joyce says, to " learn and to lean " . Do your-

selves a favor and keep good records, get yourselves a pulse

oximeter, and if oxygen is prescribed, USE IT. You'll no doubt

have a million questions. Make your doctors answer them, and

you can always ask them here as well. We're here for you.

,

Wow, Flowerpot and its surroundings sound divine! You hooked

me with the first sentence. I'm awfully glad your daughter is all

right after her encounter with a snake... OMG, how scary. How

great that you've got Ahli to enjoy until school starts. What

terrific memories for all of you!!!!!

Hugs and blessings,

Gwynne 56 IPF 7/04 listed for transplant 3/07 Texas