Happy Birthday 2 Me!

I received the results from my annual exams. Everything was good. Unfortunately, I was led to believe that my medicines would be reduced and I wouldn't have to come back for a year. WRONG! The only med they cut was Prednisone, the steroid, from 10 mg to 7.5mg daily. I also have to go back every three months for checkups. I am not complaining, I am a very lucky person. I believe after this next year it is every 6 months for checkups. The two people that were having annual exams at the same time that I was were sharing stories with me about their experiences. One had his transplant and then they had to go back in because of a blockage. Then they had to go back in again to drain liquid that had accumulated because of a virus. I can't imagine having my chest cut open three times in the matter of two months. He seemed to be doing well, just not very happy with life in general.
  The second person had part of her lung removed many years ago, and they used the old scar as an entry point for the transplant. She was happy about that, and said that they had made the scar even smaller and less noticeable than before. She said the transplant went well, but while she was in the hospital she had stomach problems. Seems that scar tissue from a previous operation caused something to flare up in her stomach. They couldn't figure it out for quite some time. They had to operate again on her stomach to correct the problem. So, post transplant, she stayed in the hospital for 2 months.
  Even though I had a stroke, I feel very blessed that I didn't have any complications, rejection or infection. No matter how bad you have it, remember that there is always someone who has it worse. So turn it around and realize how LUCKY you are.Live everyday to the fullest. Like the song says, "Live like your dieing".
Take Care.
Jon, Out.
 

Day 2 of Annual Exam

Day 2 of annual was shorer but grueling. Glad to have it all done. Won't get results until Thursday, but seems everything was good. Lin drove me and then picked me up, as they won't let me drive for biopsy. What a wonderful wife! Hopefully I won't see Tampa General for another year! How Lovely! And no Chris my last status doesn't mean that I now have to go to OB/GYN.
 I'll tell you later some of the war stories I heard while waiting along with some others that were doing their  annual exam.

Just shy of 1 year

Finished day 1 of annual checkup for Transplant! What a day. EKG, Echo Cardio, Bone Density Test, Chest xray 8 vials of blood taken, Boniva shot and finally meeting with Doc. Guess everything was good, cause they let me go home after 7 hours. Either that or they got tired of my jokes. Day 2 tomorrow. Hopefully my last Lung biopsy. Oh, and I found out I have female lungs. That explains alot.....

11 Months

      Today is 11 months!I feel good and I am able to do most anything I want. Weather here has been suckey, so that limits my ability to do things. However, I am blessed in so many ways. To have a second chance like this is truly amazing. I hope I can live up to my and your expectations and make a difference in this world. It is easy to get down, especially with the state of the economy. Not just the US or World economy, but for each of our personal economys. The media and the access to news doesn't help. Remember that we live in a world of sensationalism. The more spectacular the story, the more it is reported.
       My biggest and best blessing is my Loving and Devoted wife Linda. What a treasure! She has been my rock and my caregiver and my sounding board. But most of all she is my Best Friend. We have been through some wonderful times and some very trying times, but she has hung in there. I wish that each and everyone of you, if you haven't already, find your true soul mate that make your lives complete and satisfying. I have! Thank you, Linda, my true "Better Half".
      Next month I go in for my annual check-up. It will be 2 days of extreme testing, biopsies and blood work. I am sure it will all be good. Then, hopefully, I will be on an "annual only" exam schedule. I hope to then be able to do more and not be tied so much to proximity to Doctors. and Hospitals.
       I know that I previously talked of a profound blog that I was going to do. I just haven't gotten the spark needed to write it. Hopefully soon.
  Take care and Love to all.