Another day, another blood draw

Today was a fairly simple day at UWMC. It started with a blood draw, (don't they all anymore?), and included appointments with two new nurses, the Cardiac Transplant Program Coordinator, and ended with a chest x-ray. The nurses gave us new information, new directives, asked us to have test results forwarded from other, outside, doctors and a list of future tests.


We need to have the dentist's office supply information about John's oral conditions. Does he have any infections, bleeding gums or any work that needs to be done, etc.


We need to have the results of the angiogram from last July forwarded to the UWMC. Hopefully, it has all of the pressure numbers that they need, or it will need to be repeated.


When the colonoscopy is completed on the 23rd, the doctor needs to supply the UWMC with the results, including any biopsy results.


One of the medicine (Cozaar) dosages was increased from 25 mg twice a day, to 25 mgs in the morning and 50mgs at night. The long term goal is to take 50mgs morning and night. Call if dizzy. (All of the new directions are making us dizzy!)


Additional information that if the amount of diuretic is increased due to weight gain, that an extra potassium pill should be taken.


John must do a 24 hour urine test next week. Everything in a 24 hour period is saved in a supplied bottle that needs to be chilled. Hmmmm, should we put it next to the orange juice? More likely, in a tub of ice in the garage. It is a very thorough test of kidney function.


We were advised to go ahead and ask for a disabled parking permit now, so that when it is needed it will be in hand. Can't see using it now. We'd be ticked if we saw someone who looks as healthy as John were to park in a disabled spot. It does make us more mellow when we see healthy looking folks park in those spots. You just never know what is going on with someone.


We learned about a blog written by a fellow in his 70's who has had his transplanted heart for 14 years and is their 'Ambassador'. He volunteers two days a week at the UW hospital and is quite enthusiastic.


We have been told that often more than one patient is called when a heart is available. If the #1 patient is not as much of a perfect match, #2 might get the heart. A 'dry run' of sorts, which might be a good thing. But today we were told of a woman who had five false alarms. Once, they actually put her under and when she woke up, she found that the heart hadn't been transplanted. Sorry, but that sort of 'dry run' isn't appealing to either of us. So there is no guarantee that when we get the call, we'll get the heart.


On Feb 11th, we will meet one of the three transplant surgeons for a consultation.

Thanks for all of your support. It really works well when readers post their comments and support on the blog, at the bottom of each entry. We are so busy right now, that those contacts are great as they don't require direct answers. It will be even more hectic when the surgery actually takes place. At that point, we won't be answering much of anything, just posting blog entries. Thanks for understanding.

Lastly, we were told to start attending the transplant support groups, one for both of us and one for the caregiver. It seems as if now that the train is on the tracks, it is not going to stop. We have known since 1994 that a transplant was in the future, but now it seems to be speeding out of control, getting closer and closer. A bit nerve-wracking.

Colleen and John