Dog? What Dog?

Now you won't believe this but on Monday 27th November we bought a new dog. Since the passing of our beloved Selby two days after my lung transplant, we had been weighing up the pros and cons of having another pet. Simply couldn't make up our minds.

Anyway, we kept going to pet shops and looking but just could not make a decision. All the practical reasons why we SHOULDN'T overruled the emotional reasons why we SHOULD.

Last Sunday I happened to look at advertisements on the Trading Post website and saw this adorable little puppy for sale and said to Janyne, "Why don't we take a look?" So on Monday we took the half hour's drive to the pet shop and as soon as we saw her, we both fell in love and decided there and then that this was the one.

Did you say "her?". Yes, I would never have believed I'd have anything but a male dog but here we are, a female Bishon Frise X Tibetan Spaniel. A quiet, delightful ball of fluff we have named "Cindy". "What?" the family screamed when we told them, "Cindy? What kind of name is that?"

There was even a suggestion that I must have received female lungs as this surely is proof that my female side is coming out, something most of them have suspected since I left hospital post transplant. But no, we are both very happy with our decision. She's not a Selby and will never replace him but she has a personality of her own and I am sure she'll bring us both a lot of happiness as I know we will her.

Anyway her is a photo of her. She's just 11 weeks old.

She was introduced to Patch, our neighbour's dog, and the two get on really well although sometimes I'm not sure if they're playing or fighting. Toilet training is a challenge but I think we're getting there. So there it is.

As far as my health is concerned, I had a test to check for reflux last Wednesday and Thursday, another test to discover the cause of my recent chest pains, and it appears that I have a problem. I'll find out this week but it is likely I'll need surgery to rectify it. Not sure what it is called but it involves keyhole stomach surgery which prevents acid coming back up the oesophagus (gullet) and into the lungs where it could do some damage. Apparently, it also disables the ability to vomit which could be of concern if one feels off at times (like after a drink or two too many or an adverse reaction to food or medication). Not sure I'm happy with that as I imagine such a situation could be very uncomfortable. However, if it protects my new lungs and therefore keeps me living longer, I have to do it. Just another trial in the journey of a lung transplantee.

On Wednesday this week, I am having a precautionary bronchoscopy and lung biopsy. This is because my lung function tests have not been as good as they were, FEV1 readings being around 3.00 to 3.20 compared to 3.50 and 3.60 and more some weeks ago. Not alarming but enough to check that everything is functioning OK. I have also noticed some shortness of breath lately so best to find out what's going on. It could be an adverse reaction to the drug EVEROLOMUS which I have been trialling. We'll see.

Whilst at Prince Charles Hospital, I am seeing the orthopedic surgeon to have my hip replacement surgery reviewed. It's improved a lot since my last post but I still have some pain and walk with a slight limp. This may be normal but I'll find out.

Anyway, that's about it for now. Talk again soon.

Take care,

Ben