6 month check up - October 22, 2007

Well I really don't know what to say other than these past 6 months have absolutely flown by. I had my 6 month check up just about a week ago and things were perfect. I had been looking forward to my appointment for a few weeks cause I have been feeling great and just knew the tests would go wonderfully.

I had my normal blood work and chest xray, along with a breathing test and bronchoscopy done on Tuesday. Then I followed up with the doc the next day. They said all of my labs were perfect and my breathing test went amazingly well. My FEV1 is up to about 88% and my FVC is about 81% My FEV1 was up 10% from 78% at my last visit, while my FVC was up 13% from 68% at my last visit. They did not do a biopsy because they said that everything looked great and there was no need for that to be done.

I have been given the all clear to track down a job and go back to school when I want too. I have already been looking for work, but think I am going to give myself a chance to get adjusted to working before I step into work AND school. I also got the okay to go to school for Massage Therapy if I choose to go that route. I was a bit worried that I would be told it wasn't a good idea when I brought it up due to patient contact, but the nurse seemed to think it was a good idea since you don't so much deal with sick people as injured people in the therapy world. Also another yay! I have been told it is okay for my to travel out of state. I had gone on a few weekend trips to Orlando and such but was hesitant to go out of state cause I didn't know if they would have a problem with that or not.

All in all the appointment last week was fantastic. I was started on a blood pressure medication because I have had an increase in my blood pressure due to the transplant meds. Otherwise things couldn't be better though. I also got to lower my Prednisone dose to 7.5mg, so we are seeing how that goes for now.

My next appointment is in January and I am sure that time will fly until then too. Just like with this last appointment.

Now my next goal is too maintain my weight around where it is now ... 125lbs ... and to get my PFTs above 95%. Hopefully I will be able to manage that in three months, but it will require some work lol.

Well I must go for now as we are heading to the Jags vs. Colts Monday Night Game!!! I am so excited for this. At the beginning of the year I didn't think I would be making it to the game this year cause I just didn't have the energy for it. Then I had my surgery and I didn't think I wouldbe given the all clear because of the large crowds, after asking (nicely) I was told okay just to wear my mask and clean my hands alot. I am so excited about this - this is a yearly thing for Kurt and I to go to this game so it will be GREAT!

Take Care,
Lindsey