Despite all the good intentions, it has taken me more than a week to update this blog. Have to admit I was pretty busy. Managed to do a bit of work for Great Southern, finally got that $3,000 Government Grant for the Lung Transplant Support Group Inc. from the Dept. of Health, (Thank you Minister Stephen Robertson), drafted a letter and membership application to all lung transplantees, which have been printed and will go out tomorrow, and I can't think what else. We're also seeking nominations for the Committee. So life continues to be good.
Great Southern shares have been falling back lately due to lack of any further announcements regarding possible takeover bids so the punters are thinking it's all over; yet rumours persist that there is still some due diligence activity going on in Perth. Well who knows? Hopefully we'll get a clearer picture in ensuing weeks.
Health wise I am feeling better than I have for a long time. Shingles persist but either I am getting used to the pain, the drugs I'm taking are working, or a bit of both. My clinic visit to the Prince Charles Hospital went well. The only concern Dr. Peter Hopkins continues to have is that my kidney function is not what it should be due to the immunosuppressants that I'm taking. He is concerned that, over time (I think he said five years) this could become a serious problem. So apart from balancing drugs such as Mycophenolate, Tacrolimus etc., I am to take in more liquids (plenty of Chardonnay, Semillion, Cabernet Merlot and Johnnie Walker) well, I think he really meant water, tea etc. although he didn't specify. But seriously, let's hope we can improve the kidney function before trouble raises its ugly head.
Winter is always a difficult time for transplantees because of the higher risks associated with contact with people who have colds and flus. It is equally difficult to tell family and friends of the higher risks of infection we face if they come to visit whilst ill with a cold or whatever. It seems almost rude to say, "please don't come" but it is very necessary. A simple cold could lead to pneumonia in a transplantee due to the very low resistance caused by immunosuppressanets even if one has had a double dose of flu injections like I have had. So I feel the best advice is to explain the situation honestly and hope they understand. If they are offended, too bad. The risk of serious illness and even death outweighs the niceties we would normally adopt.
Well with those words of wisdom, I'll go away until next time. Stay well and remember, "Nothing is ever as bad as it seems".
Bye, bye,
Ben
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2 comments:
Hello Ben: I hope your lack of update is due to your having so much fun in life that you haven't thought of it. The Cochran family and network of friends are worried about you. I just read your incresed fluid intake to Willie. It brought a chuckle. I have increased my intake as well - so many lovely Austrailian and New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs and so little time, non? I am weaning off of prednisone and experiencing a bit of adrenal insufficiency. It's really kicking my arse - fatigue like I never thought possible, lethargy, nausea (though I am now unable to throw up), and an 18-pound weight loss. I will now split my dosage to take half in the morning and half in the evening. Hopefully, this will alleviate my symptoms somewhat.
We're thinking about you and hoping life is good for you. Hugs & good thoughts coming your way
Rebecca, Willie & Deidre (ooops, and Trixie the wonder dog!)
Good to see your good morale, Ben, and the support from your family; the blog's a great way to keep up with your progress;
Theresa
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