Evaluation Day 5...

Woot woot!  Last day and I didn't even have to be at the clinic until 10:00 a.m.  Plus I got to eat breakfast--what a concept.  My first appointment was with the infectious disease doc, Dr. Cameron Wolfe.  Besides being a nice guy, he spoke in a very cool Australian accent.  We talked over my issues with numerous allergies to antibiotics and inability to use inhaled antibiotics with any success.  We talked about my pseudomonas strains and my MRSA.  Pretty exciting stuff I know.  He said although my allergies present challenges, they are not insurmountable for transplant.  Good news for me.

Next it was time to head to the pulmonary function test lab.  I was dreading this more than usual due to the fact that I still have to put pressure on my groin every time I cough.  And pft's cause me to cough like no other.  I sure didn't want to blow a gasket but I wanted to give it my best effort too.  My final effort was my best and I ended up with 29% lung function.  Not too bad.

Along with the pft, I also had to do a Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) test.  This is a blood draw taken from the wrist in order to obtain arterial blood to determine how much O2 and CO2 is in the bloodstream.  Not the most fun blood test to get but my gal got it on the first time with minimal digging when my vein stopped cooperating.  Good ABG techs are a true blessing.

At this point we were ahead of schedule, so we went over to the Center For Living to watch part of a pulmonary rehab session.  Almost every single doctor has not been happy with my lack of pulmonary rehab so I'm hoping my going to check it out on my free time makes a good impression.

After a quick bite of lunch, we headed over to talk with the Financial Coordinator, Julia.  She was very informative and really let us know how much we were looking at to get through this.  I am so grateful for Rheid thinking proactively and getting our fund-raising started.  Although we are far short of our goal, she seemed impressed with what we have managed to gather so far.  Thank you everyone who has contributed so far.  You have made a difference in how positively the financial part of my application can be presented.  Words are inadequate for how appreciative I am for your support.

Finally, what I've been waiting for:  my last tests!  They consisted of a CT scan of my sinuses and my lungs.  The schedule said the test would be with contrast which I wasn't thrilled about but it's okay.  It just makes you feel very flushed and like you need to pee (or feel like you already did.)  But after mentioning it to the tech twice that I was expecting contrast, he said they don't generally do them.  I sure hope he knows what he was talking about.  But short of shooting myself with the stuff, it wasn't happening.  So I got by without another IV  and more dye for my poor liver to strain.  Hurray for less free radicals!

I'm not sure if around 5:15 you heard a whooshing sound but if you did, it was just me letting out a huge sigh of relief.  I am done.  I am done!  I am DONE!  I feel like I deserve a "I Survived a Lung Transplant Evaluation" t-shirt.  Maybe a Duke one will have to do.  :)