For the past month, I have been going to UVA every week to see how my body is responding to transplant (a little over 6 weeks out from surgery!). The providers order labs to make sure my anti-rejection meds are at a good level, check on my liver, kidneys, and heart functions, and look for signs of infection and/or complications. I also do routine pulmonary function tests (PFTs) that measure my lung capacity, volume, rates of flow, and gas exchange. (Pre-transplant I was at 36% overall capacity and now I’m at 83%! I have a year to build up my capacity until it levels out) Gradually, other procedures are introduced, like a bronchoscopy, which I had yesterday.
The “bronch” “provides diagnostic information and therapeutic applications on multiple processes that affect the lung leading to cough, shortness of breath, infection, chest X-ray abnormalities.” During yesterday’s procedure, a small pneumothorax, which is trapped air between the lung and chest wall, was seen. One of the ways to treat is by inserting a chest tube to suction out the air. For those who may not be familiar, having a chest tube put in is painful! I found out this morning that the placement of the tube is not quite right, so they have to shift it a bit. I’ll also have to stay another night in the hospital.
I am grateful that the doctor found the air pocket and am relieved that I’m in the hospital being treated for it. There are always ways to find the silver lining in it all. And when it comes down to it, I sure am grateful I can breathe.
