Transplant progress
Ok, I've passed most of the hurdles so far, just a few more to go before I know my final status. I'm on the list, but my ranking on it hasn't been set yet. The biggest 'if' now is insurance and can we afford the copay. Should know more in a week or so about that. Then the next thing is to get more counseling on what happens next, what I need to pay attention to and be within 30 minutes of the hospital for when I get the call.
Also they'll want to look at putting in a PICC line so I can take IV meds to reduce pulmonary pressures so that my lung capillaries won't be constricted like they are now. The new heart, if I get one, wouldn't like working against that.
From what I've read so far after the transplant I'll no longer have the pacemaker, but my heart rate will probably be up around 100 because the Vegas nerve to the heart has to be cut. In some people it eventually reconnects. Then there's lots of other things to watch for, signs of rejection, infections, etc.
Thanks for all the good wishes. Either I or the wife will update if anything happens.
Also they'll want to look at putting in a PICC line so I can take IV meds to reduce pulmonary pressures so that my lung capillaries won't be constricted like they are now. The new heart, if I get one, wouldn't like working against that.
From what I've read so far after the transplant I'll no longer have the pacemaker, but my heart rate will probably be up around 100 because the Vegas nerve to the heart has to be cut. In some people it eventually reconnects. Then there's lots of other things to watch for, signs of rejection, infections, etc.
Thanks for all the good wishes. Either I or the wife will update if anything happens.