Transplant in the time of Covid-19

candle available from www.fleurtygirl.net

This candle sums it up perfectly, doesn’t it? And it even smells good!

These times are so crazy! I feel like we’re watching a tidal wave coming towards us and as it nears, its getting larger and larger, but it hasn’t crested yet. When this wave breaks and crashes over us, we’re all going to have to just hold on, hole up and survive to pick up the pieces. I hold on to the belief that good things can come from this. Perhaps as a nation we will be less divided and realize the importance of a functioning federal government and the need for sane leadership.

Susie and I feel very fortunate to be in Durham. This is such a well educated community, and such a high percentage of the population work in health care, people have been taking the “shelter in place” seriously for weeks. As opposed to South Carolina that still has not implemented a statewide stay at home order! ????? We toyed with the idea of going home for the weekend but bonded the idea because it didn’t feel safe. Would be ridiculous to have gotten this far and blow my chances of getting a transplant by getting Covid!

As of today, there is only 158 cases of C-19 here in Durham. On Monday there were only 2 hospitalized cases at Duke. That may be higher today. Surely that number will grow, but as of today, the transplant program continues. Duke did 15 lung transplants in March and is on pace to do close to that number in April.

Everyday the leadership of the hospital meets to determine if the program will continue and what, if any, precautionary changes need to be made. Everyone was required to wear masks at all times on Tuesday. At this time, no caregivers, no family and no visitors are allowed int he hospital at any time. So all transplant patients are flying solo which is putting more pressure on them and nursing staff alike. Not to mention the caregivers and family which are being excluded. A tough situation all around.

Duke has been fantastic about leveraging technology. When doctors are making rounds, caregivers and family are tied in via Zoom or FaceTime to participate, so at least the information is being shared real time. Nothing replaces the human touch, but it will be some comfort.

My workouts continue everyday in preparation for the “main event.” At this point I have walked 265 laps around the track at the rehab center. Every day I hoof it 20 minutes on the track and am now up to 23 laps in that time. Its become a daily meditation. The rest of my workout is doing many reps of light weights and pedaling stationary bikes. Since this is my “big outing of the day” I’m pouring as much energy into my workouts as I can.

I have daily home exercises to do. Who ever knew there was such a thing as swallowing exercises? Not I, but it is so important I’m attending a video class today about just that in a few hours. Apparently, post transplant, learning to re-start your swallowing reflex is key to recovery. Also, having to do sets of inhalation and exhalation exercises. Keeping busy!

We celebrated two birthdays here this week, Mo’s and Susie’s. Our friend Sioux Watson baked some nice birthday carrot cake muffins and sewed us some customized face masks.

Thanks to Sioux for these awesome masks!

So that’s it for today. Keep your letters, emails, cards, and calls coming. Without question the silver lining in this situation is the re-connection I’m having with so many of you. Despite all that I’m facing, I’m smiling and laughing everyday because of your love and support. Forever grateful!