I’m home from the Brigham after six days in the hospital for lung-transplant evaluation. I survived all the tests they could throw at me, ranging from neuropsych to colonoscopy to arterial catheterization… to trying to sleep in a hospital room with lights going on and off all the time, and beep! beep! beep! As far as I can tell, I passed all the tests, with the exception of getting a decent night’s sleep. That one I failed. The only test outstanding is an esophageal swallowing test, which they had trouble scheduling. I scheduled it myself after I got home. Also, I need to meet with a surgeon. When those are done, The Committee will meet to decide my fate—i.e., whether I get listed for a lung transplant, and what ranking.
There was a contingent of docs that wanted me to stay in the hospital through it all, right up through actually getting a lung (or two). Their reasoning was that I could suddenly go downhill at any time (an exacerbation, they call it), and become acute. While acknowledging that risk, I declined to stay, on the grounds that sitting in a hospital doing nothing is a terrible way to stay healthy, and that I would be safer, healthier, and in a better mental state at home where I can exercise, do my work, and live life. And not wear out my support team before anything has even happened.
I am hopeful about getting listed and about having the operation. It’s a daunting prospect, most daunting of all (in my mind) a lifetime of immunosuppression to avoid rejection. I like my healthy immune system. But those are the breaks. I like even better the thought of breathing freely, and no more oxygen machines. I credit folks on various support groups who have enthusiastically embraced their lung-transplant experiences for turning me around on this. Thanks, guys.
I’m ready. Bring it on.
What look? It’s the only one I’ve got.
Huggybear
GOOD LUCK
ted v davis
I commend you for choosing to NOT stay in the hospital. It has been my experience over 7 decades that hospitals are a good place to get sick in. You might have doctors with the best of intentions, but hospitals are all about money.
On the bright side, just think of all the material you can glean from this that you could use in your writing.
Steve
Yes…if there is a choice….home is the best medicine! In regards to your photo…just tell them you ARE smiling! : )
Huggybear
Again: Good Luck
A positive Attitude always wins!
Faye T Wlodyka
Jeffrey,
I was aware that you were having health problems, however, I had no idea it was so severe! So glad you have a
great support team. That is very important, and I can also understand why you would want to be home, especially so
you can get some sleep! Hospitals are not fun! I was there two years ago and I know what you mean about all the
activities and sounds during the night. I will keep you in my prayers. Thanks for keeping us all posted! GOD BLESS!
Jeffrey A. Carver
Thanks so much, Faye! I appreciate it.
Bill Mosberg
Good luck from the deep past.
Jeffrey A. Carver
Thanks, everyone!