I never thought that Randy’s lung transplant would be easy, or that there wouldn’t be health issues afterward. One tries to stay prepared, but there really is not a way to do that. Randy and I were looking forward to a healthy, happy year, but as I have often said, the unexpected is the norm in Transplant World.
Walking into the new UT Southwestern Clement’s University Hospital I felt a sense of deja vu. It’s a new building…state of the art, beautiful, and contemporary compared to the old St. Paul’s building where Randy had his transplant, and where we spent so many days, weeks and months, but somehow it seems very familiar.
Randy has contracted a virus, known as CMV (Cetomegalovirus). It is not uncommon in solid organ transplant patients, and most take an antiviral medication to prevent CMV. Cytomegalovirus is related to the viruses that cause chickenpox, herpes simplex and mononucleosis. Once infected with CMV, the virus remains in the body, but it’s not always active. CMV may go through periods during which it lies dormant and then reactivates. If you’re healthy, it mainly stays dormant. Most adults have antibodies for CMV, up to 85% have had CMV as a kid. There is no worry of contracting the virus except through exposure to body fluids, not by casual contact.
Randy’s medication was reduced 3 weeks ago, and a week later he was experiencing fever and chills. If you follow this blog you know that after 4 or 5 days of this, Randy went to the clinic and had tests done. He showed no virus at that time, and his lungs were, and still are, clear. It was a week later that the doctors decided to put him in the hospital for more tests. They’ve checked him for everything, and so far, the only problem is CMV. But CMV can be a big problem.
He was started on a treatment the other night, and once again, last night. We have been told that it can take a few treatments before results begin to show, but after the first treatment, Randy’s viral count more than doubled. The doctor is “nervous”, and if she is nervous, I am very concerned. They have sent off a viral sample to Mayo in order to see if Randy is resistant to the medication. If he is, they will need to change treatment. The important thing is to get this virus under control so it doesn’t damage his organs. In the meantime, he continues to run fevers.
We will have the results of the test from Mayo tomorrow. Fingers crossed he is not resistant. In the meantime, it is best that no one but family visit him. His immune system is so cratered that he is extremely vulnerable right now.
For my part, I am going to have to take better care of myself. Stay hydrated, get exercise. I want to go to yoga…but I cannot go to a studio, who knows what bacterias I could pick up? I will need to stay away from public places and environments prone to bacteria of any kind. I need to eat healthy and not give in to the impulse to just grab whatever junk is available.
Tomorrow will find me with Randy at the hospital. I will keep the blog up to date. Prayers and positive energy are welcome!
I am so sorry all of this is happening. Thinking of you daily and sending many positive thoughts to you and Randy.
Susie
You are so sweet, Susie. I appreciate you and your words more than you know!
I came online tonight specifically to find out how you are both doing. You are in my prayers every day and hoping Randy will soon be home.
Carol Cassara recently posted…Caution: Your intuition at work
that is so nice of you! thanks for your good wishes.
I am sending healing prayers to Randy. Can you feel them?
And here’s my two cents from someone who’s live with a compromised immune system for 28 years: forget the visitors (except you.) Don’t take any chances. There’s so much going around now that any tiny germ can find its way into the hospital, and you want to avoid that. Better to be overly careful! I know when I am sick I keep everyone away. The bottom line is to keep Randy as healthy as possible. Like I said, it’s my two cents.
Please keep us posted and I’ll keep praying for a positive outcome.
Cathy Chester recently posted…It’s Time To Thank Cezanne, Plato, Mr. Sherburne and YOU
I agree. No chances. thank you for your good wishes, Cathy.
You can do this…you can do yoga in your bathroom if you need to. Please remember when challenges hit like this you have the opportunity to prove to yourself how amazing you are. Point out to every doctor how amazing they are, that they are in your prayers, that you know God can guide them, and give them the solutions you need. Have confidence in your intuition and remember who you are. My love and prayers to you. It does not matter that we do not know each other, I know your journey….you can do this
Thank you, bleachervision. I love your perspective.
Continue to care for yourself. So important for both of you. Keeping you and Randy in my prayers.
I’m trying to make myself stay hydrated.
Sending prayers and good, healing thoughts to your husband. Dormant viruses or infections are scary….not knowing when they’ll rear their heads. Stay positive. I’ve been thinking of you and hoping he was improving. You are brave and strong and scared. Hugs
Thank you!
Sending out lots of hugs and good, positive, healing thoughts. I hope Randy gets good news, and please be sure to take care of yourself, too.
Lois Alter Mark recently posted…how to help global volunteers without leaving home!
Thanks Lois!
In regards to Yoga, there are videos on youtube that you could do right in Randy’s room from your smart phone and apps as well. Hope those tips help. He could breath along with you, it may bring you all some peace. Prayers for your and Randy.
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