Re: Antiques Roadshow/eval/cardiac cath

[Guest guest]

Hey, Joyce...

The 3-day evaluation was really busy with meetings and tests. The meetings included talks about just how the transplant is done, financial stuff, insurance, etc. The tests included LOTS of blood tests, EKG, Echocardiogram, air/gas, 6 minute walk, everything you can possibly think of. There was some delay because they thought at one point I had blood clots in the lungs but a subsequent test (after prayers!) showed none. The cardiac cath was done in town since I didn't have a driver back from Philly and they won't let you drive for 2 days after, and the results have been sent on to the UPA lung center and I'll go back for the results on Sept.1. And yes, there's a $10 a day parking fee (discounted!) and Penn Tower at $150 a day doesn't even have internet access. So it was an expensive week! But it's done and over with.

My hope is that they'll say yes, I'm qualified to be listed, but that I'm also too healthy yet, so come back every 3 months and they'll check again. I've heard of that happening with others. I feel good, except for getting winded. I live alone and I'm out and about and still on the Harley and I don't want to give this up for surgery/recovery/chance of rejection/etc. Later, fine. But not yet.

Bill IPF 10/08

The boonies in NE PA