Up The Farway Tree

Day 18 - Monday

I was late for my gym session this morning due to both the doctor and pharmacist arriving at the same time just as I was about to leave. It was a bit annoying because I missed the first half, so only got about 15 minutes with the physio. I did get to do some time on the bike and some leg exercises, but tried to make up for it later by walking up the stairs to the ward, which is something I would never even have contemplated before! It's strange having to change your mindset from 'I can't do that' to "I can do that!" and it will take a bit of getting used to.

The pain has been better today and I have only needed extra pain relief once, and that was due to the sheer stupidity of me twisting round to plump my pillow, resulting in me straining the wound. It's eased off now though, so no harm done. I will get Andrew to plump my pillows in future.

I also had another x-ray today, which was fine, and my lung function tests were repeated. It had risen to 1.88 litres today. The technician wouldn't give me a % as she said to be accurate it would have to be based on my donors age and height, and not based on mine. I understand what she means, but I still want to know the percentage of what's expected for someone of my age (plus the fact the other technician gave me this last week). Never mind, I worked it out myself and calculate it to be around 65% of predicted for my age and height. That's a pretty big jump from 50% last week and was probably helped by reduced pain today. Here's hoping I can still get it a wee bit higher...never happy am I?!

The doctors were pleased with my results and have decided that I can move to the hospital flats tomorrow. This is a major step towards home and I feel ready to make the move. I am unsure exactly when I will get home, as the consultant last week alluded to it being by this weekend, but a different consultant today said that most people stay around for the first month. I am still hoping for discharge soon, but am prepared to stay longer if need be. Although I am in the hospital flats I will still attend the gym sessions in the mornings and will catch up with the transplant team at the outpatient clinic, my first appointment being on Wednesday. I also had my final teaching session today, so I am all prepared to face the outside world again. Just wanted to note that they don't recommend me having flowers in the house for the first 12 weeks, due to bugs that can grow in the water. Not that I am suggesting people are going to send me flowers...but just in case! I have had some lovely balloons to cheer up my hospital room though, but they are all deflated now. Mum wouldn't let me inhale the helium to make my voice go funny. She didn't think that was very sensible after a lung transplant. Funny that didn't even occur to me...