| Apr. 30th, 2008 @ 06:25 pm (no subject) |
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Current Mood: accomplished
I got this on myspace today.
"
what tests ahead of time did you have to have. How long did you wait once listed? What were your PFT's at time of tx? What are they now?
Any suggestions to make this go smoother?"
Thank you Renee!
Here's my somewhat long winded answer.
I had to do a lot of tests. I had to get a heart cath test to make sure my heart was ok. A reflux test, to make sure you swallow right and such. A walking test, they see how much oxygen you get into your system and such. A full set of PFTs. Urine analysis.. The works pretty much, to make sure you're stable and such. They also have someone talk to you, to make sure you can handle the transplant emotionally. And to make sure you have the support and such. They do a bone density scan. They do cats scans, xrays, have a dentist look at your teeth, look at your sinuses, and they also will check your liver. They pretty much find out how your body ticks. lol..
Some people even get their colons checked, depending on age. I didn't have to. But I know I have to in the next year, due to the anti rejection meds raising my risk for cancer.
They will also want a pelvic exam!
There is so much. I will look through my binder they gave me.
They will give you a binder that has all sorts of info.
About how to cope, how to prepare, possible meds you'll be on. A better diet.. And so much.
But that binder doesn't even give you a complete look, it just helps you brace for transplant.
The first year after transplant is so hard. You will have ups and downs, until they can get your body adjusted, and your meds tweaked just right.
Obviously you'r a fighter. It will be so hard, but once you get through it, and are able to do all sorts of things, that was nearly impossible to impossible. You'll be happy you did.
By the time I got transplant, my PFTs were 17%..
I got listed September 4th 2006, I got transplant October 17th, 2006. A month and 11 days!
They give transplants by blood type, your size, etc. They also go by how bad you are. You'll get bumped up on the list, the worse you get.
Try not to think about the wait everyday. Do things to keep you occupied. Take up a new hobby! I indulged in movies and sweet food. Seeing as most CF patients end up with diabetes after transplant. SO ENJOY ALL THE SWEETS YOU CAN!
You won't be able to eat red steak either. It has to be thoroughly cooked.
They recommend you avoid piercings and tattoos after transplant, so if you have a tattoo you want, get it!
You won't be able to do gardening. And there will be a limit on pets and such. I know it will be so overwhelming at first. But it all becomes second nature after awhile. Believe me. It is hard at first, you'll get anxious. But you'll get through it.
There is so much! It will be so new, and tough. But it gets easier. |
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