I had an MRI on December 22nd and didn’t hear anything until after the holidays.  The results are that I have a minimal C6-C7 impingement (pinched nerve) in my neck.  There was nothing of significance in my upper back to give reason for my lung/chest pain on the MRI.  The lung/chest pain is most likely from pulled muscles from coughing so much and so forcefully.  I am awaiting a referral to a neurosurgeon for the pinched nerve in my neck.  I have had the pain in my neck along with headaches for about 6 months.  I’m happy to have an answer about my neck but bummed that we really don’t have any concrete answer about my lung/chest pain.  The lung/chest pain is slightly better, especially the fractured rib site, than it was when it began.  Now it seems that the rest of my muscles in my chest are sore from compensating for the pain which is no fun.  I see a neurosurgeon on a February 2nd about the pinched nerve. More on that later.

Now for transplant clinic check up.  My schedule was a busy day of course; starting with 8am lung functions which includes a blood gas (that’s the needle in the wrist!), 9am chest x-ray & blood work, 9:45am Barium Swallow test, 1pm Pulmonologist and finally 3pm Pulmonary Rehab for the 6 minute walk.

My lung functions haven’t really changed at 41%/1.11L which is good, steady is good. My blood gas was a little low but nothing to be alarmed about. Next up was chest X-ray which showed some mucus plugging but nothing that needs addressing at the moment. All of my labs (minus the vitamin levels that are still pending) were all good except one level that was low, my IGA. It has to do with the antigens. It basically means that if I had to have blood products from another person I could have an allergic reaction to it if they don’t give me the right stuff.  IVIG is used to treat rejection and that is when it may comes into play later.  Thanks body for yet another complication.

Next up, the oh so lovely barium swallow test. This is the test where you drink thick white chalky stuff and they take multiple pictures (X-rays) of the barium going in and the process of it going into the stomach.  They put you in different positions while taking the pictures to see it from different angles.  They also give you what I like to call the fizzey pop rocks that are purposely given to you to drink to see the air/gas pass through as well.  Needless to say this is one of my least favorite tests.  The rsults showed that I do still reflux but not beyond where my Nissen Fundoplication surgery is. That means the surgery is working and doing what it is supposed to BUT that could cause problems later during transplant because a the esophagus is messed with a little during transplant surgery. One more thing to look forward to.

Next up, Dr. Y.  He is a funny guy. When he asks me questions about how I’m feeling and such, I’m somewhat “afraid” I’m going to give the wrong answer because of his sarcastic sense of humor. Haha. He said everything looks good and I’m holding steady which is good.

The last stop was pulmonary rehab for the 6 minute walk.  I did it on no oxygen and didn’t drop under 90% on the pulse ox which is good. Mind you I walked slow and steady. No fast walking for me.

All in all today’s appointments were good. I don’t have to come back for a year unless I have a decline and need to be seen before then.  I’m happy that means not 8 hour drive to Barnes for another year hopefully.

Yes it’s all great news but that doesn’t mean I’m cured or even that I’m “better.” It means I had a good report for the day. Since I had to be up at 6:45 in order to out the door by 7:45am, and that was with no shower and just the morning pills, treatments and getting ready. This is why mornings suck for me. It is hard for me to get up and be productive early in the morning. I just need morning to start around noon. Hahaha. Thank you for all of your prayers and positive thoughts, they are greatly appreciated.

Until next time…