Moving Forward

Lindsay had a very productive day today. Her pain has subsided immensely and she still is very exhausted. She mentioned she went a on walk that was about 30 feet long. She had to wear her respirator which is pink, but I think she rather have a purple one instead. For lunch Lindsay had...solids! She savored her beef stroganoff and the look on her face when she ate that Oreo brownie was priceless for Jared & Nicole. We were talking about her feelings about the transplant and she is happy she did it. No regrets. Of course she knows it will not be smooth sailing ride because of all of the changes that will be coming her way, but she can't wait. Things she will have to get used to and learn are breathing properly, restrictions for the first few months and new medications. She has been breathing with the top of her lungs and in her shoulder area, but her Physical Therapist wants her to learn to breathe with the lower part of her lungs to get good deep breaths and get the full affect of her "Big Boy Lungs." I just learned that inside joke toady. It is said the donor is a male and while her and her friends were waiting for operation time, Lub said "Now you'll be getting your Big Big Lungs." We have no other information about the donor and we will not know until Lindsay is ready to contact the family. BUT it is up to them to respond.
Another thing she will have to get used to is all of the medication she will have to take. Prior to the lung transplant she had a pretty heavy regime to begin with. Mostly all of the meds she was on before will be non-existent. No more inhalers, breathing machines, oxygen concentrators and no more vest (percussion therapy). Anything related to the lungs will be replaced with meds, but she will have the same meds for the digestive part of the disease. She will be on anti-rejection, anti-infection and supplements. Oh yes I can't forget those enzymes. In essence, Dr's have been telling her she is trading one disease for another one. She still has Cystic Fibrosis because it is in her digestive system as well. I wonder if she can be cured if she got a pancreas transplant!?!? Huh, I should become a Dr. and experiment.
Tomorrow will be a new day as we both get pointers to get us ready for discharge. We are hoping Monday. Lindsay will need to memorize her medication schedule and brush up on her do's and dont's & I will get a tour of the hospital so we know where to bring her for clinic and appointments. I will let you all know how that goes.
Good Night!