Randy’s release date (sounds like he is in prison!) is supposed to be Wednesday, October 30. BUT. I haven’t heard anything from the Lung Transplant Team about whether he needs equipment at home, nursing care, home health, etc etc. I mean, kind of important stuff! Since he is not walking unassisted, I confess to being nervous. ***Oh, after several phone calls I have an update: he is coming home Wednesday and they will tell us what we need to do tomorrow. AND Randy talked with the head of the Lung Transplant Team, and apparently he told Randy he can eat anywhere he wants, but to remember it is easy to gain weight because of meds, and he should be on the American Heart Association Diet, and low sodium. He needs to stay on the American Heart diet and he can eat anywhere he wants? Well, I don’t know about that, I mean, honestly, do you go to McDonalds for oatmeal? No. You go for a disgusting burger (which is probably 7% beef) and fries. Do not get me wrong, I’m enough of a 70s kid that I love junk food, but we are going to strictly avoid it. It will be nothing but healthy and balanced at home!
I have turned this house inside out. I am exhausted, my housekeeper is exhausted, my entire family is exhausted, but I am so paranoid that a piece of dust has escaped my attention. I have been tossing things out as I go, and that is a good thing. We have been in this house for 20 years. 20 years! Unreal how much “stuff” you collect in 20 years. Dust accumulates everywhere! Of course, tons of my children’s things are EVERYWHERE. They are 23 and 26, why is so much of their stuff at my house? I’m working on changing that!
I admit that I have probably gone overboard on the cleaning, making changes to the house, but I would rather be overboard than not careful enough. They make you attend Transplant Class, where you are told in no uncertain terms that you must be with the patient 24/7; if you are 3 seconds late for a medicine you are LATE; no junk food, all produce washed with a little Dawn, everything cooked well, take temperature at same time every day, blood pressure reading, sugar readings, insulin shots. No cats. I mean, they stress that 15% or so do not make it 1 year post transplant, and 50% do not make it to 5 years, and a portion of that is because people do not follow the guidelines as strictly as they should. But then, Randy is told that he can eat wherever he wants. I confess, I am confused. I think it best to err on the safe side. Don’t you?
Luke and Lucy, our crazy whacko Goldens, both had a trim and a bath today, but it is supposed to rain heavily Wednesday and Thursday so I am going to board them, along with Ally’s dog who lives here (Remy). Why does her dog live here? That is another story. Anyway, I cannot be dealing with wet, muddy dogs when Randy first gets home. If Ran can eat wherever he wants I’m probably being too paranoid about the dogs….I’ve had them trimmed down like Labs, and bought some allergy stuff that supposedly disinfects 99% of the bacteria they gather while outside. I did not have Remy trimmed because he really looks stupid groomed! He is a Shepherd/Husky mix, and quite fluffy, so when I had him trimmed down a month ago, he looked hideous! Luke and Lucy (and now Remy) have slept in our bed ever since we brought them home, so this is going to be interesting. I really cannot imagine what they will make of having to sleep outside the bedroom. How will they let me know they have to go to the bathroom?
Ah, the trash guys are here to pick up all of the trash that cleaning out the house (only the downstairs so far!) has generated. Now everything needs to be painted. I’ll worry about that in the spring.
Joe
WOW!! What a ride…Thank you for the all the ups and down of this crazy ride. I so look forward to the Journey ahead and the wonderful discussions with Randy and his family.
Stay strong.Prayers and well wishes moving forward…
Tam Warner
Thanks! My life has always been crazy, but has reached an all time nuttiness!
Becky Hampon
Tam,
So happy Randy will home soon. I have read every word you have posted since Randy first went to the hospital. I cannot begin to imagine how you have done what you have done; I am not sure if I could have. My thoughts are with you and your family. You are such a strong force, my money is on you and Randy!!
Take care of him AND you!
Becky
Tam Warner
That is very generous of you, Becky. I’m sure you would’ve been just as strong, when you have no choice, you just have to! I’m betting he will be better than ever!
Susie Schweikert
As difficult as the journey has been so far, I imagine this next leg is going to be difficult in a different way- more tedious, daily grind items that seem so insignificant, but are actually very important. It sounds like you have your arms around it, but continue to ask for help and take time away from it all for you. Taking good care of you takes care of Randy. Thinking of you everyday.
Love, Susie
Tam Warner
Thank you, I know you are absolutely right!! Thank you for caring.
Janice Sutton
This is such an exciting and scary time for you all I’m sure. I’ve commented on your blog once before, I am coming up on my year since my double lung transplant in Dec. I know when I was released from the hospital I improved much more quickly. I was walking but not too steadily( also had bowel perforation surgery after transplant) Praying for you and Randy and know that he will probably get more frustrated when home when he can’t do things he wants to do, but with A LOT of patience and the lord by your side, he will get through it!! I still remind myself of how far I’ve come and how blessed I am to be here and it helps to keep things in perspective!! Oh, and as far as eating out, I definitely avoid buffets but other than that I watch what I order. It was nice but overwhelming to eat out at first after being in hospital for so long. Take care of yourself too!!!
Tam Warner
Excited and scared are the right words. I know there is tremendous challenge ahead. I hope I can do it with grace and patience. Thank you for commenting, it is so good to hear from one who has been there!