Sooner, Not Later

Bi-weekly visit with Dr. Kumar, my transplant cardiologist at Tampa General, went well. Two rounds of blood work and an exam revealed that I was in high compliance with their requirements.  I got offered a heart from Orlando over the weekend but that organ wasn't up to TGH's standards and was declined. I don't hear about that at all - they will only call me if the organ passes their initial standards.  His belief is that my organ will come sooner, not later.

My transplant co-ordinator, RN Cindy, updates me on whats up during my regular visits and is real good with being available by phone or email if I have a question.  RNs Brad and Mark have fun and keep things lively. Brad compared himself to Kobe at the beginning and Mark to Jordan at the end of his career (Brad is the young, shaved-head nurse and Mark is that old guy who used to be good in his day.)

Having a regular day puts me in with other patients who are regulars as well, so we check up on each other, too.  It's a strange "club" to be a member of for all of us.  Some are in better shape than others but all are in good spirits. The wait room has both the lung and heart patients and some are dozing by the time they get called.  Most are in their 60's-70's but their are a few younger and older.

The regular visit is to review compliance, for Dr. K to listen to and re-evaluate me and update each other.  He is the manager in this process, both pre and post transplant but the surgeons actually will do the transplant.  I have not met any of them as yet.

US News 2014 hospital rankings are now out and TGH ranked very high - #2 in Florida (behind Orlando), tops in the area and #41 in the nation in cardiology and heart surgery.  They are good in many other categories as well but their food is still a horror parody. Order the turkey sandwich from the local "nutrition" stash! http://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/fl/tampa-general-hospital-6391060

TGH ranks high among heart transplant facilities (fourth nationally) due to successfully moving patients from wait list to successful transplant with lower than expected mortality.  More successful outcomes is a VERY good thing!

I have the great, good fortune to be in this place at this time with these people. Yes, it is heartening (really?) to have a picky doctor choosing my new heart and our management allows that.  It's a team there and I have a great support team in my community, too as well as the prayers of the saints for healing. Bless you all!