Blog #7: The Results

March 25, 2011

Today was a good day!  Elaine and I met with Dr. Raghu and Dr. Kim, one of his staff physicians, to review the tests that I described in Blog #6.   There is reason to rejoice!

Acid Reflux/GERD Status:

Let’s start with the testing for the acid reflux.   The 24 hour pH test showed normal levels of stomach acid.  The manometry was also within normal range.   This test indicated that the esophageal sphincter, the valve between the stomach and the esophagus, closed a little more tightly than most.   Dr. Kim said that in my case this wasn’t an issue.   One hurdle cleared!

Cardiac Results:

We knew after the echo-cardiogram that there were no major issues.  Dr. Kim said that the cardiac catheterization only showed that the heart chamber that provides the pulmonary blood flow was slightly enlarged.  This would be expected since my lungs’ capacity to process oxygen is reduced by 70% and therefore pumps more blood through to compensate.  Dr. Raghu reassured us that this was not a concern.

Now an interesting sidebar; Dr. Raghu said that a recent study has shown that an unlikely pulmonary treatment has provided improvement for cardiac enlargement like mine.  His concern is that it’s still considered experimental and therefore there could be insurance issues paying for the drugs.   The drug in question; Viagra administered three times daily!  Hoooo Raaa!!  ;-)  Elaine failed to see the humor!  Let the joke writing begin!

Finally, there was only a small surprise.  Dr. Kim said that Dr. Raghu will want to have my diaphragm function tested as a precaution.   You might remember from Blog #1 & #2 that my phrenic nerves, those that control the diaphragm, were pinched by a chiropractic manipulation in 2004.  This resulted in bilateral diaphragm paralysis.  This ultimately healed and has been functional for nearly three years.  

 The bugger is that it would have been a simple add-on test to the angiogram ... oh darn they forgot to mention that to the cardiologist!  So, they’ll be scheduling another fluoroscopic procedure to confirm normal diaphragm function.   One more test bill!

Finally, Dr. Raghu was glad to see I had made progress in losing weight.   He also pointed out that I need to get into the weight band ASAP (190 - 200 pounds).   I’m less than 10 pounds away from the middle of the acceptable band.  I’m 1000% committed to make that happen.  Of course their scale and mine don’t match.   Mine will be adjusted accordingly.

 

What does this mean?

Both Drs. Kim and Raghu were very upbeat.   We asked the obvious question.  Will they represent me to the transplant board?   We heard the answer we had hoped for.  YES!! 

They will begin to prepare my case study, which is presented to the transplant board for review.  This is the basis from which they make the decision to approve or reject candidates.   I think we both were overwhelmed and didn’t ask the second obvious question of when would this happen? 

In the meantime, Kitty the nice nurse who schedules such things, will arrange the diaphragm test, and schedule an appointment with Dr. Mulligan, the surgeon who performs the procedure.  Finally, we have to meet with the social worker aligned with the transplant team. 

These are all parallel operations.   So unless I’m crazy, my diaphragm quits working again and Dr. Raghu’s minions are lazy, we may be close to a positive outcome; to be added to the wait list for new lungs!  

    

Thanks

I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you who continue to support Elaine and I emotionally and spiritually.  Your prayers are working and I ask that you continue to drop my name now and then when you speak to your deity of choice.   It warms my heart to know I have so many friends and family rooting for me.   It makes my day go better and inspires me to continue to stay positive and focused on a great outcome coming hopefully sooner than later.   I love all you guys!