Wheel in the sky keeps on turnin’, don’t know where I’ll be tomorrow, wheel in the sky keeps on turnin’…..(Love you, Journey!)
The wheel in the sky, the wheel of fortune, the never ending roller coaster, has been pretty relentless the last few weeks. 2015 has been relentless, now that I think about it. And yes, both Randy and I have learned from it, and I don’t want to tempt fate, but thankfully we may be headed into sunnier times.
I know spring came, but I missed it. 2015 has been one thing after another. Randy (who had a double lung transplant 9/13) was in the hospital for 2-3 weeks in January and February with a terrible virus called CMV. We had plans to go to Cozumel, (he couldn’t go, I flew home when he was hospitalized) and we also had plans to go to Shamrockin’ for a Cure for Cystic Fibrosis in Atlanta in early March. Then we were headed to Savannah (because we like it there) and Charleston’s Isle of Palms to vacay with family. We had an Engagement Dinner for our daughter and her fiance (it was fabulous!).
We had a great time in Altanta, and at the party. However, we learned an important lesson: when the transplant doctors say do not be around people who are symptomatic, they mean DO NOT BE AROUND PEOPLE WHO ARE SYMPTOMATIC. Now, this one sounds a lot easier than it is. Our friends were symptomatic, coughing, etc. They had been to their doctors and been told they weren’t contagious…so we stayed. Remember this lesson: do not be around people who are symptomatic. Regardless. Period. End of story. No matter how much you love them, and no matter what their doctor says.
Randy’s immune system was trashed by CMV, it was so low they thought the reading on the blood test might be off. Knowing that Randy was especially susceptible to infection, we should have stayed in Dallas until his readings were better. Let me say that again, because we have another important lesson: we should have waited to travel until Randy’s immune system was stronger.
I came down with it first. Sick in Savannah, I stayed in a separate bed next to an open door, hoping to not spread it. I immediately went on antibiotics. They did not work. We go to Charleston, and I cannot stop coughing. I go to a Medical Clinic, they diagnose Acute Bronchitis, give me a breathing treatment, and different antibiotics. I start feeling somewhat better (but not really). Of course, a couple of days before we are supposed to drive home from Charleston, Randy gets sick. This time, I don’t mess around, I put him on a plane to Dallas because I want him near his transplant team. I drove home (it took 3 days) and we had a couple of nice days together until the clinic called: Randy now has RSV virus, and must be hospitalized for 5 days to undergo intense breathing treatments. Here we go again.
I started to get even worse. My doctor’s PA says, hey, its viral, stay in bed, you are dehydrated so drink a lot of fluids, run a vaporizer, and sleep as much as you can. I moved upstairs so when Randy came home he wouldn’t be around me. Now it is Sunday, and I finally, finally feel human. It has been 3 weeks. At least I am feeling better now. I hadn’t been this sick in a very long time.
Our son is getting married on May 3 in Austin, Texas, so we have a great celebration coming up. But here’s the issue: the weekend before his wedding, one of our closest friends is getting married in Florida. Should we go? Or not go? Randy has to be well for his son’s wedding, no question about that. I guess we will leave it up to the doctor, and check Randy’s immunity before we think about it. My brain is too fuzzy to even contemplate traveling again soon. I may change some airline reservations.
So this is where we are. “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” Yes, John. Exactly.
As much as you want to live a full life,I think recent events have shown that you simply must limit some of what you want to do in the interests of health. It’s been a horrible 2015…why risk it? The question to ask: is it worth risking being unable to attend your son’s wedding… or worse? Sometimes, we just can’t do it all. I wish you and Randy all the best, he is always in my prayers and so are you.
Randy is at the transplant clinic for a check up and blood tests. We still have some time to see how his immune system is…but at this point I’m thinking he should stay home.
Oh, I am sorry about both of you being ill, particularly your husband because he has diminished ability to fight it off. I’m glad you both are on the upswing. I’d err on the side of caution and skip the friend’s wedding. I am sure the couple will understand. Hugs all around.
The changes in our lives have sometimes been challenging….particularly when it comes to travel and celebrations. sigh.
So glad things are on the up swing for you and your husband!
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Thanks.
We are still trying to get back on our feet after travelling and back to back viruses and we haven’t had transplants. I think your friends will be dissapointed but they will understand your husbands health is fragile and so is yours as a caregiver. Can you send one of your children to represent your family?
My daughter and her fiance will be there, and I will go as well. We will just have to see how Randy’s doing and make the call closer to the day. It’s just not as fun without Randy!
Hi Tam! It is hard to pick and choose but it sounds like your son’s wedding is the most important here. Sometimes nature has a way of telling us that we can’t do it all anyway, so pausing to take a breath (and heal!) is a good idea. Wishing you both all the best! ~Kathy
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Thank you. We did get good news today that his blood count is much better, so he can start taking the meds that help him fight off illness again. So…he is still hoping to go to both.
I know what you mean, and yes, our Bear’s wedding is most important. Randy wants to go so badly, though, and today they told him his blood counts look much better, and he will be taking his antiviral and antibiotic again. We’re going to play it day by day….isn’t that how we always do it?
I agree with the others – at times it’s so hard to have to make the smart decision but I see his blood work is better now which is great!
I think you know the answer to your question. I’m so sorry that you had to go through all this, but your first priority is your family. Friends–good ones—will understand.
Our new normal is that we have to wait until the last minute and see how he feels and what his numbers are. And yes, if he cannot go, they will be sad, but they will understand.
My thought are with you! My goodness it is only April and you have lived through quite a bit! I know your friends will understand! You need not to strain Randy – he should rest and be ready for your son’s wedding. Even is Randy is running around your living room begging to go to Florida – I still say no. I will be thinking of you all!
Thanks, Suzanne. And Randy is determined to go to Florida. Oy.