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Any
of these early warning
signs may signal his presence. This guide may help you to identify
a possible oncoming infection and afford you the opportunity to
seek out the appropriate treatment.
Design by GatorGrafix
Lung
Survey Part 10 |
Note:
Readers
should always consult their physicians before taking any action
(or inaction) which may affect their health or involve decision
making.
Things
to Do Beforehand for a Smoother Process!
“One
of the reasons I was so successful is that when I found out a
transplant would be necessary I got my affairs in order, made
the best arrangements I could [for my family] and got to the point
where I was willing to accept it if I didn’t make it.”
“Get your important life affairs in order as soon as you
are listed.”
“Make a list of things to take!!! THEN, get them all together.”
“As SOON as you’re listed, start packing for your
hospital and pre-/post-transplant stay . . . you may get called
any time. . . . DON’T just pack an overnite bag! Pack to
live there (if that is the case) for 2–3 months . . . think
of your comfort and a ‘normal’ life.”
“I think people need to know about ALL the bumps in the
road; even the ones that mean the end of the road, so they can
treasure the good days and let tomorrow worry for itself.”
“The post-transplant drugs are WICKED . . . be prepared
for the worst so that you WON’T be alarmed. Read up on the
possible side effects and interactions of the meds so you’ll
understand what MIGHT happen.”
Things
to Do Afterwards for Surer Success!
“I
also believe the best thing you can do for yourself is to exercise
religiously right up till you get your call.”
“Pay attention to your body signals . . . what SEEMS like
indigestion could be something else entirely . . . keep track
of ‘events’ so that if something later ‘happens,’
you’ll have a history of it.”
“Check and double check your drug types and dosages each
time you take a scheduled medication. One mistake can repeat itself
if you don’t have a good checks and balance system in place.”
“Keep an up to date copy of your meds with you at all times.
Keep a list of persons to call also.”
“Start light exercises right away and keep up with them,
increasing weekly.”
“Use your vibro percusser and inspired volume exerciser
RELIGIOUSLY!”
“Wait ’til your meds and skeds are stabilized before
ordering your Medic Alert bracelet. Carry a brightly colored card
on your person and give one to those close to you that LISTS your
meds and Center/Physician contacts and phone numbers (this will
be good ’til you get a bracelet).”
General
Tips and Tricks and Opinions
-
If you get ANY info from the txp center during eval or after
listing READ it all...there will probably be little tidbits
that will become important later.
-
Always follow up and confirm any and everything done or promised
on your behalf. Do NOT assume that it will get done reGARDless
of who says what.
-
Read & learn all you can about the operation and ICU procedures
as soon as you make the decision so you’ll KNOW what’s
gonna happen to you.
-
Use a tape recorder and another person if possible (BOTH!) to
record conversations of ANY import...your memory WILL be unreliable.
-
If you don’t already HAVE it, develop at least SOME tolerance
for ambiguity. Txp is not even NEAR an exact science.
-
For your first few months post-txp, have clothing that will
NOT require a lot of gyrations to get in and out of...zippers,
snaps, frontal entry...NOT over the head if possible. Baggy
is good, too!
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