Tuesday, February 6, 2024

MAINTENANCE OF LUNGS - YEAR 3

The work to maintain the transplants really changed after two years. The doctors loosened their reins, the RN was still available for any questions or to address any issues and I really felt I had the skills to handle the responsibility of the daily maintenance.

In February 2023, I had my final scheduled bronchoscopy along with the CT scan, spirometry and visit with a transplant clinic doctor. Here was the schedule for the year:


May 2023 - Zoom appointment with clinic doctor.


August 2023 - CT scan, spirometry and in-person visit with a clinic doctor.


November 2023 - Zoom appointment with clinic doctor.


February 2024 - CT scan, spirometry and in-person visit with a clinic doctor.


Last year, my hematologist and liver doctors released me from their care. That was a good thing. 


Being on prednisone since 2005, my bones are very brittle. Every time I fell, I broke a bone. Finally, needing time to completely heal, not falling for 6-months and off of Fosamax for three months, I qualified for Evenity in January 2024. 


Evenity. It is a bone-building drug that will not interfere with the anti-rejection drugs. My first injections were at the infusion clinic and the second set of injections will continue next week.  It consists of two injections in the abdomen once per month for 12 months. There has been no side effects, so far, and my fingers are crossed that this drug will really improve my bones.


The other important work of maintaining my lungs is consistent exercise. Working out has always been important to me and it really improved my numbers post-transplant. 


I love cooking and I swear Michael is still married to me because I am a good cook! Healthful food and being aware of what we are eating is important to us. With Michael’s issues, saving that for future blog, the doctor recommended he eat a Mediterranean diet. I will give detailed information about that as it has opened up a new world for us. 


Lots happening. More to come.

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