Transplant enrollment

[Guest guest]

Dear All,

I had an intake interview with the transplant group at

Columbia-Presbyterian last Friday. The good news was that my

insurance gave no issues at all (Blue Choice HMO -- self pay, now

$800/month). I had mixed feelings that they seemed to indicate that

they would now bring me in for the 3 days of tests -- somehow, I had

hoped that they would tell me to come back when I worse!! that, never

having used O2 except for exercise, I wasn't severe enough to merit

further evaluation.

The tests sound a little less intimidating than I had thought from

some of the posts I've read (I dip in and out -- don't know how some

of the regulars keep up with the hundreds of daily posts!!).

The doctor whom I saw certainly seemed to make it quite clear to me

that life post transplant was no bed of roses -- whether this is a

routine to scare away those not serious or the beginning of a hard

education is unclear to me. But it seemed to be about as difficult a

lifestyle as that of someone on Aids maintenance therapy with

intermittent setbacks.

I would welcome any general or specific emails from those who have

already gone through transplant or are waiting for one.

Wayne Hening

NY/63/IPF 5/06