Adam and I will be driving to southern California later today, taking Elliott with us. All the weather reports I've heard talk about how big and powerful the storm system and that is supposed to hit today will be. Please pray for safe and smooth travel for us! We have to be at Cedars-Sinai at 7 Friday morning, and then plan to drive back home late that day.
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So Adam didn't end up getting off work early as he had hoped and we didn't get on the road until quite late. The good news is that we stayed ahead of the storm, though the wind whistled loudly at our van windows as we went over the Grapevine. We didn't arrive at my parents' house until after midnight.
My auntie Christine drove my dad, Adam and me to Cedars-Sinai. As my designated caregivers for after the surgery, at least one of them had to attend the appointment and it was a wonderful blessing to have them all there for support and company. We left my parents' house at 5:15 and arrived at the Advanced Health Sciences parking garage a little after 6:30. Traffic wasn't bad considering the pouring rain.
The elevator up to the 6th floor from the plaza/lobby level didn't begin running until 7:00. I used the time to pump.
At 7:00, after we checked in, we were shown to an examination room with three extra chairs. That is where we spent the rest of the morning, and all the members of the transplant team came to examine me and speak with us one at a time.
First a nurse took my vital signs. Next, the transplant surgeon came to review my case. He checked me for signs of fluid retention and listened to my heart sounds, then said he agreed a transplant is needed and timing is right to get me listed now. Then, the social worker came in to discuss my support and care plans before and after transplant, and my ability to comply with the demanding schedule of follow-up visits, dietary restrictions and multiple medication regimen. The psychiatrist came in next to perform a quick assessment of my cognitive abilities and attitude. A dietitian went over the food choices that will give me best results both now and after transplant.
One of the cardiologists on the team, Dr. Kittleson visited the room next. She was very intense, energetic and direct. She said almost word for word what Dr. Weisshaar said when we first discussed transplant. Am I sick enough to need a transplant? Yes, based on the VO2max, Cardiac Index and general clinical picture of my symptoms and limitations. Am I well enough, supported enough, responsible enough and emotionally resilient enough to thrive after a heart transplant? Yes, based on my youth and otherwise healthy body, great family and community support, good attitude and faith.
Dr. Kittleson said that my case will be presented to the whole transplant team next Friday for discussion and I will be listed at that time as a Status 2 candidate.
The final visit was from the financial coordinator. I'm so grateful that my coverage with Kaiser is excellent, and the transplant surgery and follow-up care will only cost us our hospital visit, office visit and pharmacy co-pays.
The next part of the appointment was a "Lunch and Learn" with other candidates for heart transplant and their families. Two nurses went over the process of getting on the list, how the waiting list works, what to expect in terms of follow-up care and recovery, and "bridge-to-transplant" options such as IV drugs and mechanical cardiac support.
Lunch was from Corner Bakery and they had a gluten-free sandwich for me! Yum yum!
Because I had already completed all the testing and evaluations at Kaiser Santa Clara, I was done for the day, but the other candidates had more testing to complete after lunch.
We drove back to my parents' house to rest before the drive back up to Visalia.
I'm very tired and doing my best to take it easy today.
This appointment solidified in my mind that I do in fact need the transplant, it is the right time to be listed, and gave me an even better picture and hope for life after transplant. Everything is falling into place.
And now we wait....
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