Since I got my tx assessment package in the mail, I thought I would share it with everyone. So that when the 19th comes, everyone out there is sending me positive vibes and prayers so that I can get through it without losing too much health, or losing my mind!!
Day 1: May 19th
8am: Blood tests, Chest Xray, ECG, Urine (total about 1.5 hours)
10am: 6 minutes walk test
- This is a self-paced test where you walk as far as you can walk in 6 minutes on a flat surface. You are tested using your own specified level of oxygen. Other exercise testing will also take place to measure endurance. Total time about 60 minutes.
12:30pm: CT Sinus
- People with CF have this test done to look for infection in the sinuses. This CT scan is going to be of my face. It will take about 15 minutes.
3pm: PFT/ABG's
- PFT's (which I always do in clinic) let them know how my lungs work; results are compared to someone my age and height with a normal lung function. An Arterial Blood Gas will be taken from my wrist (this hurts!!!!) to test the level of oxygen in my blood. These will take 45-60 minutes.
Day 2: May 20th
8am: Echocardiogram
- This is an ultrasound of the heart. To tell how well my heart pumps blood, as well as the valves in the heart that separate the chambers to see how they open and close. This will take about 45 minutes.
9:30am: RNA (MUGA) scan
-This scan tests how well the heart pumps the blood and the percentage of blood being pumped out of the body. It can measure how well the chambers move at rest and exercise. It will take about 1 hour at rest, and 1.5 hours for exercise. Two injections are requires.
1pm: Anesthesiologist
Anytime: PRA Level
- It takes about 15 minute to do this blood work. This blood work will screen for antibodies (immunity) to other people, and will be stored in the freezer for future tests. If I have immunity, further testing may be required to determine the strength of this immunity so that they can be prepared to care of me post transplant.
Day 3: May 21st
9am: Transplant Coordinator
- meeting to talk about the transplant process. Lots of questions about support people, life style etc. It will take about 1 hour.
10am: Dietitian
- 1 hour appointment to talk about nutrition, pre and post transplant.
12:30pm: Social Worker
- Talk about family support, living situation, financial issues if there are any, how to deal with insurance etc. 1.5 hours for this meeting.
Day 4: May 22nd
11:45am: V/Q Scan (Quantitive pulfusion scan only)
- This test will take 60 minutes. I will be injected with a nuclear dye into my vein. This will flow to my lungs and show up on the scanner.
I will be one happy woman on the 22nd, let me tell you. Once it's all done. Just writing all this down makes me ill. I've already done some tests at SMH and cannot believe how much more there is...!!!
A month from my past test is when the decision to put me on the list will be made. Right around June 21st, and my 30th birthday.
Posts
My New Treatment: O to the 2
9 years ago
9 comments:
It is a lot of tests... but on the other hand it sort of gets you prepped for life immediately after the tx... We always made sure to balance a day full of testing with a movie, dinner, shopping that evening :)
I'm so glad you commented on my blog.. I can't tell you how excited I am for you and this new journey.. well, actually BOTH journeys!
I have read many of your entries and felt so similar... You and Martin seem like a wonderful couple, thank you for allowing all of us to follow you on your journeyS!!!
Yeah, what a schedule!!! I know you can't for the 22nd to be here. :)
I was evaluated at Barnes Jewish, and then later at Duke. I had to repeat quite a few tests at Duke.. Ughh! Thankfully not the cardiac cath though. Have you had that already?
Christy,
Aside from those that I listed, I had a regular CAT scan and abdominal ultrasound. And that's it for tests. I don't know what the one that you asked about is?
Wow, what a great birthday present. I'll be thinking about you and sending good thoughts and prayers your way.
You know what, considering the circumstances, it's the best birthday gift I could ask for.
Thanks for being so transparent through this process...I find it all very interesting. Keep it coming!
Ronnie
Oh Ronnie, I plan t omake it all very transparant....pics and all. I am getting some people involved later on in the process to document the process when i can't. It won't be for the faint of heard.
You will do great! I know it is SO much in a short amount of time. Just take it one thing at a time. I will be praying that it all goes smoothly and won't be too hard for you! Also, remember...you can ask me anything (and all of us post-tx'ers too)! Hang in there!
It is totally a marathon, not a sprint, take you time!
Love ya!
You know you are ALWAYS in our thoughts - and now ESPECIALLY on may 19-22!!!!
But we are not worried...you are way to strong and most of all strong HEADED NOT to come out of tests and stuff with flying colors and the most amazing positiv attitude!!!
xo
Mark
Post a Comment