Up The Farway Tree

Back from Newcastle

I will get straight to the point - lung function is up....to 99.5%!! Wow! I was trying so hard to get that other 0.5% that I pulled the mouthpiece out of the machine and we had to start again ;-) My oxygen levels were 100% and blood pressure fine. I had unfortunately lost over 1/2 stone due to difficulty eating but we can tackle that. The consultant was delighted and in view of how well I am doing I don't need to go back down until my year bronchoscopy in 3 months time! I must admit I was more relieved than anything else, because having that dip in lung function post op really set me back a bit, but now I seem to be back on track. I wont get my kidney functions back until tomorrow but I have to reduce my anti rejection dose for this week, based on last results, to give my kidney's a wee rest, so hoping that keeps them happy and they start working hard again :-)

I also saw the surgeon this morning and he was also pleased. He felt that the difficulty I am having with some foods at the moment will gradually settle and in some people can take several months. He was rather excited to hear that the annoying little cough I used to get lying down has now gone completely, so was clearly due to acid refluxing into the lungs (which is exactly what we are trying to avoid). This means that the procedure probably will be successful at protecting these new puffers. It is so annoying not being able to enjoy my food properly but as long as I know this is normal and will hopefully get better then I can cope. I will definitely have to start taking more supplements because I can't afford to lose any more weight. I don't look that thin actually because I still have my wee steroidy hamster cheeks but I know my jeans are hanging off me and I am feeling cold all the time which is always a sign I have dropped below an acceptable weight! The surgeon also said I could go back to the gym now as long as I don't over do it. Shame, was hoping he would say I had another few months off ;-)

I am getting a bit nervous going back to work next Tuesday but am also rather excited. As the post is only for 6 months I have been looking into other options but I won't say too much in case I jinx any opportunities. I am feeling more positive about it overall though, largely because I am now physically feeling better. Amazing how feeling physically unwell can really make everything else seem ten times worse. Gaining perspective is rather important.