HT Update-Day 19

HT Update-Day 19. Star Date, Sept. 24, 2010. Captains Log:  You'll notice it appears I've skipped a day.  In reality, I recounted from the actual day of surgery. I had been counting the day I woke up as day one. anyway... My doctors increased my dose of Prograf again today (anti-rejection drug).  This is normal, par for the course.  They also recommended a pair of Compression socks, so Diane got me some, and they are kind of tight.  I think they will take a while to get used to. I had visits from my 3 Home Care Nurses, RN, PT and OT.  The Occupational Therapist had a "Jobst Stocking Donner" with her and I bought it right away.  It's for assisting getting those compression socks on.  Bending over that far is still a little tough on me.  I walked 19 minutes today.  All is good.

HT Update-Day 17

HT Update-Day 17. 9/22/10  Moving right along...  The swelling keeps coming back in my legs, but it's not too bad.  The Doctors say don't worry, it's the new medications. I managed a 10 minute walk this AM.  I had a visit from my Physical Therapist and we did about 13 minutes walking.  We're going to Cedars-Sinai tomorrow for HT Clinic.  7:30 appointment, leave a 5:45.  Early to bed, early to rise. Good night all.

HT Update-Day 16

HT Update-Day 16. 9/21/10  Today was a better day.  The swelling was gone in the morning & then it comes back in the afternoon, so I have to put my feet back up.  The Doctors adjusted my diuretic up & anti rejection drug up based on blood tests done Monday.  I had visits from a Physical Therapist, my Home Care Nurse, and then an Occupational Therapist.  I did manage to get in two short walks before the swelling came back.  I learned about breathing techniques.  I learn more every day. It's a good thing!

HT Update-Day 15

HT Update-Day 15. 9/20/10  A long day @ Cedars-Sinai, my 2nd Biopsy. It was scheduled to go in through a vein in my neck, but the Doctor had trouble getting through. He tried twice, decided to go in through the groin (like an Angiogram). Up to the 6th floor for procedure. He said my heart function is good & pressures are correct. I had to lie flat for 3 hrs. afterward, so we watched a couple Andy Griffith's reruns and I ate a dry Tuna sandwich. We left Cedars-Sinai @ 4, got home @ 6. We left Thousand Oaks @ 7:15 A.M. More tomorrow...

HT Update-Day 14

HT Update-Day 14. 9/19/10  It's now been 2 weeks now since I got a new heart. I'm amazed every day that this happened. Today was uneventful, the swelling still in my feet & legs. Feet up 3 days in a row, the swelling goes down some, but not away. Tomorrow we go back to CS for my 2nd Biopsy, EKG, Echocardiogram, X-Ray and clinic visit. I meet my Transplant team Doctors for an exam & probably Medication adjustment. Good night all.

HT Update-Day 13

HT Update-Day 13. (9/18/10) Quiet day, legs up, a few short walks. I've also got to keep from exerting any pressure across my sternum bone (center of chest). It was one big bone, now it's been sawed in half and rewired back together. No lifting over 8 pounds, or push-up like actions or stresses across the bone. If I'm not careful, it could extend the healing process. Normally, it should only take 3 months, a piece of cake. 

Heart Transplant Update-Day Twelve

Heart Transplant Update-Day Twelve (Fri. 9/17/2010). I had a visit from my home care nurse, Kristin. My vitals were good. I am having some swelling in my legs and feet. The Dr's adjusted 2 medications and told me to keep my feet up periodically throughout the day. Not to worry. Here is a tribute to my awesome Surgeon, Dr. Alfredo Trento, Head Heart Transplant Surgeon @ Cedars-Sinai.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EN8L3rb_e8Y