Lots of air

The LAS (Lung Allocation Score) is an algorithm that know one has ever actually seen and only in theory understand. We were informed that Laura's LAS is now at 89. This is a huge number.  If you remember at the time of her last transplant she was at 60.

They raised her score due to her oxygen needs.  When she is resting she is on 15 liters when she moves around, takes 10 steps to the bathroom, she is on 25 liters.   As previously discuss, when a persons needs are above25 liters they have to be placed in ICU. ICU can facilitate delivery of up to 50 liters. That is like a blow dryer.

The feeding tube was finally placed correctly and Laura now is receiving half of her daily caloric needs via the tube.  This does relieve the stress of eating.  For those of you going through this for the first time it is scary.

There is a mental fight that happens that you want to eat your food, you think you are healthier if you consume food normally.  It take allot of energy to eat, especially when you are sick, that energy is a precious commodity at this point and the tube saves that energy for your general well being.  It is also a mental strain to know you have to eat.  Laura stresses about the need to eat 2000 calories.

The final plus to a feeding tube is that it does relieve some of the bloating or the feeling of being bloated. The tube actually goes through the stomach and into the intestines, thus the relief.

Thanks again to everyone for the turnout at the Commons.  Awesome to see you all in the photo.  The article was great as well. More to come on the foundation.

Cheers,
Kevin