Visited the transplant clinic at TGH today for a routine checkup with my doc and blood work for Lifelink. News is that I have been "offered" three times so far. I've been on the list for about two weeks now - since June 14.
What does this mean? I've had a chance at (been matched up with) three hearts. Two of these were out-of-region and were claimed in those regions and the third was rejected by TGH upon examination (improper match, out-of-time, too damaged or for any of a host of other reasons.) It is good to know that TGH is very picky when it comes to my new heart!
I asked what the "norm" was on such news - this is about average for well qualified, active candidates I was told. This is good news because I am getting offers - so my profile is top tier in the UNOS system. My doctor is very confident that I will get a heart and that it may be sooner rather than later, but there is no way to know.
Other good news is that the interim treatment that I am on is highly effective. I was placed on continuous drug infusion about 7 weeks ago and that has provided good results - more stamina, better rest and a healthier appetite. The fluid management is always a challenge (see other blog - Well Compensated) and the increased appetite is messing with my weight-loss goals, too.
It's a difficult management task to deal with balancing these competing issues - the heart disease made me a new diabetic as well, so on top of the above, glucose must be monitored and managed through insulin, diet and exercise. My doc is one of those despicable folks that has to work hard NOT to LOSE weight (grrrr!). He says that he realizes that this makes him irritating to his patients who are working hard on their goals so he doesn't give diet advice (tips, etc.) other than to just give the facts of how weight and BMI relate to transplant odds and survival.
OH, exercise! Yes, since the new drug treatment, I am able to get in some quality time on the elliptical machine. This is something I haven't been able to do for a year. Still working out how much - 45 minutes and I'm pooped out for two days but 30 minutes, 3 or 4 times a week seems ok. I do need to get in as much as I can tolerate so as to keep the rest of me in as good a condition as possible.
A new heart is a new life. That new life is a gift. That gift was given through great loss. I need to do what ever I can to honor these things! Thanks for you continuing prayers - the time may be soon that I get "the call" and another "New Normal" begins.
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