Saturday, May 5

Betsy here….

I can’t begin to describe how it feels to be able to breath without effort and without the aid of oxygen.  To just be able to move from one place to another without struggle.  I will be forever grateful to the donor and donor family for the gift of life they have given me.  It is wonderful to have a future again and I look forward to each and every day.

I was released from the hospital on Monday afternoon.  Marci was here with us to celebrate the homecoming and it was a very exciting day.  The recliner works perfectly since it is easy for me to get in and out of without pain.  Since I am not allowed to use my arms to lift myself up, it is difficult to get up and down from a flat surface such as the bed.  No twisting or raising my arms above my head either so I am somewhat limited there.  My legs are slowly gaining strength and I need to walk as much as possible to get some muscle back. I’m hoping to return to Pulmonary Rehab as soon as I’ve healed a bit more.

I did have a minor set-back this week.  We had Tuesday here in the RV to rest, then Wednesday was spent at UW for tests and a doctor visit.  There has been a spot between my breasts where I have had some continuous bleeding.  On x-ray it indicated I had a hematoma (pocket of blood) underneath the sternum and they were concerned enough to decide to put a drainage tube in.  So on Thursday I was readmitted to UW for this procedure.  They kept me overnight and I was again released late yesterday afternoon with the tube in place and a bag attached.  It isn’t draining much now but they decided to leave it in place until Monday when I have an appointment and they will remove it then.  Bob has cleaning instructions and is doing a great nursing job!!!  I am no longer on Coumadin since they felt this was contributing to the bleeding issue.  Evidently the blood clot has cleared so the Coumadin isn’t as critical as they once thought.  They may put me back on it at some point.

The pain has lessened considerably although I continue to take some pain meds periodically.  Imagine when the staples come out, the pain will lessen even more.  They probably won’t be removed for another week at least.  They used staples instead of stitches. 

So I am now 3 weeks out and it feels wonderful.  Even with the few little bumps in the road, I feel I have had a good recovery and the doctors are really pleased with how well the ‘new’ lungs are functioning.  I certainly don’t have any complaints!!!!   

We spent the morning sorting through 3 weeks of mail and paperwork from the hospital.  It feels good to get organized.  Bob is cooking a roast on the Traeger since the dietitian is pushing protein.  I am down 10 lbs. from pre-transplant although my appetite is returning so I will probably gain some of that back.  I have to monitor vitals twice a day, weigh every day and use a micro-spirometer to check breathing.  Bob has taken on the role of pharmacist and believe me it is no small undertaking.  I take about 17 pills in the morning and additional pills at dinnertime and then at bedtime.  Some of the doses vary depending on the outcome of blood drawn (the anti rejection drugs mostly). 

Well, that’s about it for now.  Time for a nap!!!!  Thank you all so much for the well wishes, prayers, encouragement and love.  We couldn’t have made it though this without the support of our family and friends. 

LIFE IS GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I can Breath…….