4/20/16 noon

We received the results of yesterdays biopsy today and there is no significant sign of rejection.  Yeah!  In our instruction yesterday we were told that there is a scale: 0=No significant rejection, 1A= Mild rejection, 1B=Mild to moderate rejection, 2= Moderate rejection, 3A= Severe rejection, 3B= Very severe rejection, 4=Widespread rejection.  We have been told by other transplant patients not to get too upset when we get our first 1A or 1B, that will happen.

Our friend Kelly who used to be our heart failure nurse stopped by for a visit.  Three years ago she transferred to Sports Medicine across the street at the stadium.  It was so nice to see her again.

Then Dr MacLellan came with his team to do rounds.  The output from Johns drainage tube was up from 230cc yesterday reading to 280cc today reading, so it is producing more fluid.  They decided to keep his diuretic the same rather than lowering it to get off more fluid in his chest.  If they are able to remove the drainage tube tomorrow we probably will be able to go home on Friday.  They don't discharge on the weekend.

Pat, a friend from transplant support stopped by to say hi.  He had lived here at the hospital for seven weeks before he received his heart on Easter.  He and his wife were here for a biopsy and wanted to say hi.

Physical Therapy came by and basically said that we had graduated.  Occupational Therapy said that we were done with them until 24 hours after the drainage tube is removed.  He will then be able to shower and they will help reteach him the sternum precautions as it pertains to showering.

I went to visit the family of the friend who is having a lung transplant now.  I know what it is like during surgery for the family.  They are out of the room they were in last night and can't go into the new room, so I offered to hold on to their backpacks if they wanted to walk around.  I also told them I knew of a family room that they could lie down if they wanted.  I also offered them a tour of the unit, since they haven't been here before.  Their room is just down the hall from us and like us has a lovely view of the Montlake Cut.

More later,

Colleen