Anniverary of the first transplant

3 years ago today was Laura’s 1st dbl lung transplant. At this point on that day we had no idea what we were in for. We did know that we were very fortunate to have a donor, the best surgical team in the world and an extremely supportive network of friends and family to support us.

We did send a note to the original donor family. We have not heard from them but cannot thank them enough for their selfless donation at was a difficult time.

We now have multiple lungaversaries to celebrate. As for this adventure we have had a few weeks of check-ups and appointments. In regards to lung function, Laura is at 100%, #CRUSHINGIT!. As always she has be very diligent in her workouts and in all the tasks required to strengthen the new lungs.

The infections are still an issue. We should have results of the bronch this week. Hopefully the mold that was growing out on a suture has died with the months of Ampho. If it is still active, she will continue on the Ampho for another month and we will retest in May.

There were a few more treats in this last visit. The staph infection has come back as has the pseudomonas. There are treatments for both, but both take a great deal out of Laura. The breathing treatments for all three take hours each morning and evening. The side effects are tough as well.

In general all is well. All of the anti-rejection meds are still at very high levels and thus we are not that active. Large groups and small spaces are still to be avoided. Hopefully as we gain control over these current infections and the flu season passes us by the doctors will decrease the levels and Laura can return to her regular routine.

Thank you for the support.

Cheers,

The Z’s

Lost of appointments

It has been a month since arriving at home and all is moving forward in a positive direction.  As we start to exit flu season and the dosages of the anti-rejection meds begin to taper Laura will be able to do more outside our home.  In the meantime the inhome cooking lessons are in full force.  On this occassion everyone making really good home made pizza.

Some work to do on the shaping of the dough.

The past few weeks have been filled with appointments ranging from a minor procedure, check up, consultations and a bronch.

In a prior post I discussed Laura having some liquid in the lung cavity.  Last week they drained that liquid without any difficulty or issue.  A simple outpatience procedure that took less than 30 minutes once they started.  The liquid that was drawn was clear and after testing showed no signs of any infections or other issues.  Great news.

We also completed the monthly check up which was positive.  Laura's FEV1 was at 104% of projected and all other number were trending upward and positive.  These numbers are a direct reflection on the effort that she is putting into her exercise regiment. 

The final procedure was the bronch. The last bronch showed signs of mold on the sutures, unfortunately after a month of treatment the mold was still there.  This means that Laura will continue to do the ampho treatments for 2+ hours a day.  Ugh. She was able to cycle off of other treatments so overall time hooked to a machine will diminish. Hopefully after another month of treatments this too will pass.

Thank you again for all the well wishes and thoughts.  

Cheers