Routine Doctor Visit

Had a regular appointment with Dr. Trapnell today. Nothing big to really report on.

I'm up 4 1/2 pounds since August and my lung function is about the same, which is good. My goal is to gain more weight and try to avoid as much of the crap that's going around as possible. I also will be starting full time oxygen, but that's to help me be able to function better. Last, they changed my BiPAP levels so hopefully I won't burp as much during the night.

That's all that happened. Have a Merry Christmas everyone!!

The List

So I think this was the most nerve wrecking day of my life. I got the call from KJ saying that they needed my emergency contact numbers so that she could place me today. As of 2:30pm on 12/12, I am active on the transplant list in Cleveland. I have taken my anti-anxiety med and I think it's working... but I still have my heart skip a beat every now-and-then. Now the really hard part begins.... the waiting!

Cleveland News and Then Some

Wow, I've been so busy lately that I didn't realize that I hadn't posted a blog in a few weeks!


I went to see the Wizard of Oz on stage. It was AMAZING... but I'm a sucker for the Wizard It's always been one of my favorite stories. They had a real ToTo and everything! Just my Mom, sister and I went to see it and had a great time. It's not often that I get Kelly away from her friends - haha!

That Friday I was officially sick. I couldn't get off of my O2 without my sats dropping into the low 80s. So I got to break in the new port with 3 IV antibiotics. By Monday I was feeling a little better and was able to step off of the O2 for a while.

Tuesday I left for Cleveland for my last appointment before they presented me. 4 hours driving up for a 20 minute ENT appointment to drive 4 hours back... all in one day. WHEW! But the ENT said everything looked good and didn't see any major risk of my sinuses infecting my new lungs. A definite relief

Thanksgiving was great. We only celebrated with my Aunt, uncle and one cousin, but it was relaxing and nice. I didn't do shopping the day after Thanksgiving like I normally do... just not enough spunk this year to get up at 5am to be in a crowd of germy people. I think the idea of transplant has made me into a slight germaphobe

I had a sleep study last night which was to titrate my BiPAP... I wasn't allowed to use my nasal pillows and had to use the nasal mask. The bridge of my nose is so sore right now... But I should be getting my BiPAP machine soon. I liked it when I was in the hospital (maybe I should say tolerated... not so much liked) and I feel like it will benefit me.

FINALLY... I was presented at the Lung Transplant Selection Committee and Cleveland has approved for me to get a double lung transplant. Ohio is a little goofy and requires cases be sent to a consortium but Cleveland said it's a formality for them. So basically, I will be on the list in 3-10 days, depending on how quick the state moves. I think I'm still in shock a little.

It feels like all of this is just happening so quickly, but I think I'm ready to take that next step in getting on with my life. Everything has been put on hold for too long now and it will be nice to just be able to do for myself!!