Prograf [C44H69NO12•H2O] was just increased to 2 mg twice a day (originally, it was 2.5 mg a day) as a result of a blood test Jim had at yesterday’s clinic when his Prograf level was measured. Prograf is one of Jim’s important anti-rejection medicines. No other meds changes were made.
A wonderful artilce in the LA Times today (sent to us by Ramin) about a double lung transplant woman who will be participating in a triathlon. Who knew? While swimming, biking and running, each twice a week, Mendoza is also pumping her body full of medication to decrease the chance of rejection and infection. She’s also [...]
Today Jim went to the clinic and it was all good, even great, news. Dr. Ross reported that there were no signs of any rejection from the biopsy last week. He also said that Jim’s x-ray was the best one yet and much better than the one last week. Dr. Ross increased the dose of [...]
A interesting and disturbing article in the LA Times indicates that health insurance companies are cancellilng group polices – the 8000 people insured (plus their dependents) through the California Realtors Assocation are next. A major source of health insurance for people who work for themselves is disappearing, casting thousands of contractors, freelancers and solo practitioners into [...]
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Jim walked 2/3 of a mile today combined from his morning and afternoon walk. This is the farthest Jim has walked in a single day post transplant; actually, probably in the last three years. In describing the walks, Jim said, “I only stopped because my legs were tired, not because of my lungs.” He is [...]
I woke up to this morning to the annoying headline above and the opening text below: Walgreen Co. said Monday that its second-quarter earnings climbed 24.5 percent as sales increased on the strength of a robust retail prescription business. In other words, they are marking up their prescription meds too much. It is revolting to [...]
Dr. Ross said that the bronch went welll and everything he could see look good. The test results will take a few days. It was an exhausting day for me — glad it is over with.
Jim can’t have any food or liquids since midnight last night in order to get ready for the bronch. He will take a few of his pills this morning with tiny amounts of water and the rest of the pills after the procedure. Jim is taking minimum Zofran (usually just one dose in the morning) [...]
UCLA called this afternoon and scheduled Jim’s next bronchoscopy to obtain the lung biopsy tomorrow at 10:30 am. Also, Jim is part of a study where they take fluid during the bronch to see if there might be a better way to determine rejection in the future. Jim just finished a grilled brie sandwich. He [...]
Jim went to UCLA transplant clinic today. Today is the first time that Jim walked on clinic day and didn’t use a wheelchair at all. He has been building up slowly week by week. Also, Jim gained four pounds from last week which made Dr. Ross very pleased. Love the Marinol. Had to wait in [...]
As another example of how main stream transplants are becoming, there is a new television series, Heartland, debuting soon on TNT about the world of transplants, including the prespective of the donor families. I will be buying lots of extra tissue.
Jim did the clean shaving dirty deed today. It had gotten a bit long (should have taken a before picture as well) but now it is all gone. His weight has been going well and today he is at his recent high of 134.5 pounds. We figure he can only gain 1/4 pound per day [...]
Jim’s weight was up 1.5 pounds this morning after yesterday’s introduction of Marinol. Hurrah! Today is Maggie’s birthday (yes, they celebrate St. Patrick’s Day also) — everybody wish her a happy birthday.
Ok, let’s just talk. Jim was giggling earlier and he doesn’t normally giggle, not even a little. His appetite is also amazing and he seems really happy. He had tacos earlier and now he is eating Lasagna. Really strange — Jim seems to really be enjoying the food. It must be the Marinol at work. [...]
Just got back with the good stuff from the pharmacy and Jim took his first hit (sorry, dose) of Marinol. Now he wants to watch Xanadu, Cheech and Chong’s Still Smokin, Up In Smoke, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, American Beauty, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, and Dazed & Confused — that should [...]
