Up The Farway Tree

Day 15 - Friday

Today has been a better day, both emotionally and physically. The pain has been much better and although I was sore this morning it has been better this afternoon, which made moving around so much easier. Less pain makes for a happier Jac. I also had a much better nights sleep which I hope will continue tonight. Fingers crossed!

I spoke with the doctor again today about the C. Difficile infection. As I remain symptom free, they are assuming that this infection was pre-transplant and has been treated by the antibiotic regime I was given post transplant (positive test results can remain for a while after treatment). After a 48 hr period of no symptoms you are given the all clear, so this means that I was still able to attend the gym today and hopefully will be able to continue this next week. I did much the same regime today - bike, leg weights, bicep curls and treadmill. I did alter the speed on the treadmill when the physio wasn't looking, just 'to see' what happened. It made me quite breathless, but in a totally different way than before. I have become so unfit over the past couple of years, that there is still a long way to go, but I am sure that I will be able to enjoy these lungs so much more as I regain some of that fitness. Once I am home Seb will become my main exercise, which is great because I am motivated to take him out for walks. I did this for as long as I could pre-transplant and even at times when I really wasn't fit to. His wee face and excited tail wag when you say 'walkies' is motivation enough for anyone.

Seb's face when told his mummy was away getting her transplant...

Seb a few hours later...clearly worried sick

Continuing on my good trend mum and I went for a short walk this afternoon in the hospital grounds. We didn't go far, but were able to sit out and enjoy the sunshine for a while, which does wonders for the cabin fever you get being stuck in a hospital room. Andrew had the day off to catch up with some work he has been doing over the past few days, so hopefully he will have made some more progress with that. I think he has also been allocated a room mate for his hospital flat, so not sure how he is feeling about that. Not so much privacy and no doubt will be a little awkward, but they really are limited for space in the flats, as they have done quite a few transplants recently, which is good to hear.

With regards getting home, the doctor wants to see how I am over the weekend with pain control, and all going well I might then move to the hospital flats for a few days next week before heading back home. Having now moved from the comfort of HDU and being back to the reality of a large busy ward situation, I think I will definitely be ready to move on in the next few days. The weekend will be quieter, with no gym sessions running, but I did ask the physio to get me an exercise bike so I can continue with that. She has left me an exercise sheet to follow, so I have no excuses for slacking now!

I also had a visit from the catholic deacon today. He has been in a couple of times to see me, the last time being a week ago, so he was stunned by the difference. I suppose I find it hard to see because I am seeing small changes day to day, but he saw a huge improvement since his last visit which was really encouraging to hear. He also said that I talk a lot, but you all know that is simply not true.

Would also like to say another thank you for the cards I have received - it's like my birthday every day! I reckon I can put them all up at home for at least the 12 week recuperation period. I don't think that would be too long...