MUFFYROGERS.COM

A little bump in the road to recovery!

Max — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 12:26:16 GMT

*MARCH 15th*
The doctors have been watching pockets of liquid around the new lung.
After some consultation it was decided to place drain tubes in the
area. This began as a small drain and the results were less that
satisfactory. The next move was to surgically drain the remaining liquid.
This required placing larger tubes in different locations. About a week in
the hospital was required until the drain tubes could be removed.
This procedure set her back somewhat but she is now home, up and around
once again!!! Her check up was Friday the 13th....if you can imagine
that!!!! It was good and the doctor is talking about getting her back to
Wyoming before too long. They also are also sending her back to pulmonary
rehabilitation next week. I hope that she can receive her diploma and
graduate from there before too long!!
As Angela,one of the transplant coordinators, says...."Just another
little bump." Later, Glenn

Update for the end of Feb.

Max — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 00:54:37 GMT

Muffy continues to improve every day. She has been attending the pulmonary
rehabilitation classes at the hospital on MWF. It seems that tests of some
kind come on Wednesdays so those days are sometimes missed!! She has not
been using oxygen even at night for the past few days. The doctors decided
to drain the liquid from her lung cavity so she has a drain tube in place
for a few days. That is another thing to have checked regularly.

The past two weeks have been rather busy. We have had friends come by for a
few days. Barb Burns of St. Ignatius, MT stopped by for a few days on her
way home from a vacation in Mexico. The day she left Craig and Donna Smith
from Buffalo came in for a few days. We put all of them to work on various
tasks. It was great to see a few familiar faces and catch up on the latest
happenings in Buffalo from Craig and Donna. Muff was able to catch up on
all of the cutting horse chatter with Barb and find out what was happening
in Montana!!! Muff and Donna did get a chance to put in a day of serious
shopping in Bellevue. I imagine the credit cards will show the extent of
their tour!! The weather had to show off for Donna and Craig on Thursday
with a few inches of snow when we awakened!! It was great to see some
familiar faces and catch up on the latest news from home. Smiths headed
home this morning.

We are looking forward to the time that we can return to Wyoming. We are
not planning on doing anything until possibly June. Later, Glenn

Feb. 10th Update

Max — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 20:12:12 GMT

I have been rather lax in updating Muff's website!! She has been going to
the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Class three times a week. Every day is better
than the day before. Muffy is finally getting over the cold that went
around. This is the first time in a long while that she hasn't ended up in
the hospital while fighting a cold.

Last week Bettina took Muff shopping. They went to the Costco, out to
lunch and then to the Bell Square Shopping center!! After a full day of
shopping they were still speaking! Muffy had a great time. Thanks Bettina
for helping us out once again.

This week consists of several tests and followups. The medical service here
is extremely thorough and nothing is overlooked. The care and concerns of
all of the doctors and the staff are above and beyond the call of duty.

The weather has been mostly overcast and cool. Yesterday was a bright day
but on the cool side. We woke up this morning with snow on the ground!!
We are both looking forward to getting back to Buffalo, It will be a while
before Muffy is released and by then the weather will be warmer!!! Glenn

First Week of Pulminary Rehabilitation Completed

Max — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 00:07:50 GMT

Today was a busy day at the the "Chat Room" after the sever work out!! The new picture is of Muffy on the left, and her friends PJ and Jo Ann. They have a great time and stopped for some lenghty conversation afterwards. Jo Ann's daughter, Shawna, slowed them down long enough to get a picture. I think they have more fun visiting! Monday is a day of rest for the crew. Glenn --

Jan. 14, 2009 Update

Max — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 03:33:55 GMT

Yesterday was checkup day at the hospital. Muffy passed all of it in good shape. She was able to complete her six minute walk without oxygen...the first time in five or six years. After the check up it was time to attend the lung transplant support group meeting which takes place every month. This the first time for her to attend with her recycled parts!!! It is amazing to see the number of people in attendance with transplants and hear their different stories. Every person there is so thankful that some one provided a way for them to continue their lives. It sure makes you see the value of being an organ donor.

Today it was time for her to get back to the pulmonary rehabilitation which consists of a controlled exercise program. It is designed for people with different types of pulmonary disabilities and for the new transplants. It also becomes a "Chat Room" both before and after the exercise. This program requires attendance three times a week and is an excellent deal both from the physical and psychological stand point.

Gary and Caroline Hight are coming for a visit tomorrow. They have kept us company and also decorated our apartment for Christmas. I think this will be un-decorating time also!!! That is about it for now.

Jan. 5, 2009 Update

Max — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:21:08 GMT

Muffy continues to improve. We just came back from a check up as it has been on month ago today since her transplant. We met briefly with surgeon and he immediately ordered a MRI and said he would see us on Wednesday, the day we are next scheduled for an office visit. She has a little water retention but they were not alarmed about it. Overall the doctors were very encouraging.

We want to thank all of you for all of your prayers, calls, cards and words of encouragement. I will try to be a little more attentive to the updates on the website from now on. I thought that Muff would be up to speed by now but she isn't. She has been answering a few emails and trying to catch them up. Glenn

Monday Update - Continued Improvement

Max — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 02:22:00 GMT

Sorry - getting a little behind on updates. Mom is doing great. She is home and recovering under the watchful care of Dad, Tina, and Suzanne. She is eating normal food and is feeling better every day. Her oxygen is on 2 L/min. She was on 5-6 L/min before the surgery. Her vast variety of pills are causing some nausea, but that is to be expected.

Tomorrow is a bit of a scary day though. Dad has to navigate Seattle rush hour traffic to get Mom to an 8:10 appointment. The cold weather and slick roads should make that pretty interesting. Much to mom's dismay, Suzanne Nellen is heading home tomorrow.

Everything is still going very well. Thank you everyone for your support!!

Satrurday Update - Heading Home

Max — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 23:31:00 GMT

Another good day. Mom is heading home. They kept her an extra day because they wanted to make sure the anomaly on her lung was not pneumonia. It was not, they are letting her go this evening. She had a touch of nausea this morning, but that has passed.

So now starts the next phase of recovery. This is going to tough, but mom, as always, has a fantastic attitude and I am certain the rest of the recovery will be as successful as the first.

Thanks for all the support. Mom loves the comments and will now be able to read them herself!

Friday Morning

Max — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 17:07:00 GMT

I flew back to Denver yesterday and left mom in Dad and company's capable hands.

Overall, things are still very good, although they may keep her another day. On her chest x-ray this morning, they found an anomaly on her new lung that they want to investigate a bit further. They don't think it's anything to worry about, but it will probably mean she stay an extra day. When I talked to mom on the phone this morning, she wasn't concerned and thought one more day might be for the best, anyway.

Thursday Evening - Almost go-home time

Max — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 02:17:00 GMT

It's Thursday evening and the countdown has begun. Mom is doing fantastic. The other drain tube has been removed and she is up and about. Her pain is apparently under control and they are still shooting for her heading home Friday sometime. If that's the case, tonight will be the last night in the hospital. Mom's pal Suzanne Nellan arrived today and they spent the day chatting and laughing.

I am still amazed. I would have never thought that you could get a lung transplant on Friday and be going home a week later. There is still a lot of recovery to do. Jim and Tina Wood and Gary and Caroline Hight have been amazing during this process. These folks are continuing to step up and offer help to Dad and Mom as she recovers. I cannot express how personally grateful I am that these folks have been there for my parents.

With any luck, Mom will be able to provide her own updates in a couple days!

Thursday morning - best day so far

Max — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 18:35:29 GMT

Mom is doing better today than she has so far. I stopped by to see her on my way to the airport and she was very alert. We chatted for about 45 minutes. She got a good night's sleep last night and it shows.The doctor came by shortly before I got there and let her know everything is going very well. In fact, they are going to pull the right drain tube today and likely send her home tomorrow. This has her a bit panicked, but she will be in good hands when she gets there. Thanks again for all the support (even the smart aleck comments from the peanut gallery).

Wednesday Evening - Cleaning Time

Max — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 02:33:00 GMT

Sorry - only two updates today, but things are slowing down a bit. Mom had the left chest drain removed today and is still on oral pain medication. They cut back the dosage and she is getting her wits back. She didn't get much sleep last night and she was fading fast this evening. She was comfortable being well taken care of, so dad and I left her at about 4:30 and ventured into the Seattle rush hour traffic and the "Kirkland Krawl". I don't think dad is too comfortable with my pilot skills, but I keep telling him "Don't worry, I haven't killed anyone yet". Plus, we get home a lot quicker so we could get the cleaning chores done.

Dad got versed on the pill regimen today. In the short term, mom will have to take more pills than Carter has.... pills. It took a solid hour for the pharmacist to go over it and show him how to stay organized. Dad and I ran into a couple of Moms friends that are also in the transplant program. All are excited for mom.

All signs are good and mom is doing great. I can't say as much for her poor pet fish, He was on a diet for a couple of days as dad and I remembered to feed ourselves, but forgot about the fish. He is doing good now, but he is a bit lighter than when mom went to the hospital.

I am heading home tomorrow, but between dad and me, we will keep everyone updated.

Thanks again for all the support!

Wednesday Morning

Max — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 20:34:09 GMT

Dad and I got to the hospital at about 11 and mom was snoozing. She had a rough night last night. Her epidural came loose and her pain medication was not effective. They pulled it out and she is on oral pain medication. She is feeling much better but drowsy and a bit loopy. She went for a walk and got her exercise for the day before we arrived.

Mom and Dad are having "pill training" this afternoon so they can get the daily regimen down. Appearently, there is quite a routine to follow. Dad and I are going to start deep cleaning the apartment this evening. Caroline Hight has offered to help clean this weekend and Dad is happy to have her assistance. The apartment needs to be as free of bacteria and germs as possible when mom gets there.

Though last night was rough, she is still improving as well or better than expected.

Tuesday Evening

Max — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 02:41:00 GMT

Mom is hanging in there. She has been up and walking a bit, but she still has the drain tubes in. They have her sitting in a chain so the new lung will expand and fill the chest cavity. She would rather be in bed and is still in quite a bit of pain, but the "good meds" are keeping that at bay. After sitting on our duffs all day, Dad and I were asking if we could get one of those handy buttons we could push for our pain. We didn't get too far wit that request.

Her nurse today, Jesse, was fantastic and spent a lot of time with mom, listening and answering her questions. Every day brings progress and there are no complications thus far. The next critical step is to get the drain tubes out. Once those are out, they can pull the epidural that is being used to administer the pain medication and get her up and walking. We are still hoping to get her to the apartment sometime this weekend.

Again - a million thanks to everyone for their support. Mom has gained a lot of encouragement from your messages.

More tomorrow..............

Tuesday afternoon - only a few wires left!

Max — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 22:13:45 GMT

Mom continues to do great. She sat up most of the morning, but decided to take a nap for a bit this afternoon. There are only a couple wires and tubes left to go. Her new nurse is getting along very well with her and she is happy. The nurse says once the drain tubes are out she would be able to head home within a couple of days.

While mom naps, Dad and I are keeping busy and hanging out chewing on some killer Jerky, courtesy of Bill Bremmeyer.

Tuesday Morning - still progressing

Max — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 18:00:00 GMT

Mom continues to improve. We dropped by this morning en route to drop Scott off at the airport. She doesn't like her new nurse as well, but she is still getting good care. The doctor came by to visit and said everything is going well. She still has the drain tubes in her chest, but he said those would come out in a day or so. She is supposed to be out of bed and sitting for 6-8 hours today so the new lung can settle into place. As soon as the drain tubes are removed, they want her walking.

All-in-all, she could be home this weekend if all continues to go well. I will probably head back to Denver Thursday, so dad will take over the updates.

Thanks again for everyone's support.

Sunday Evening - OUT OF THE ICU!!

Max — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 04:30:00 GMT

I am truly amazed. 72 hours after the surgery, Mom is out of the ICU. She had a busy day today. Gary and Caroline Hight drove over from Cle Elum and Tina Nimick came down to visit. She had a busy day and was off oxygen for quite awhile. Once she was out of the ICU, she ordered Sirloin tips and rice for dinner. Dad suggested that she might want something a bit lighter and she quickly reminded, "Glenn, I have not eaten for three days. I'm HUNGRY!" When we left her this evening, she was sitting in a chair, eating dinner and grumpy because she couldn't put on her own pajamas.

Overall, she is doing great. She was off of the Oxygen several times today for 20-45 minutes. She is awake but tired and anxious to let everyone know she is doing well.

Dad is doing well. He, Scott, and I just got through with our third steak dinner in as many nights. Dad says they cook better than him downtown and the beer is colder, so we'll probably be eating out a few more times before it's over. Scott is headed home in the morning, but I am going to stick around for a few more days (I have a more lenient boss than he does).

Thanks again for all the comments. Mom enjoys what everyone has to say. We'll keep everyone posted.

Early Afternoon Update - more good news

Max — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 21:48:00 GMT

We just got some more good news. Mom is being moved out of ICU later this afternoon. She is still on "the good meds" and is very sleepy, but doing well. She is breathing well and her oxygen levels are very strong. She got a new nurse named Mike. He is taking good care of her.

Not much esle beyond that, but we were happy to hear that she is still improving.

Monday Morning - more improvement

Max — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 19:04:00 GMT

We got to the hospital at about 10:30 today. We would have been bit earlier, but the parking attendant whom mom has befriended over the last year, was pretty talkative. She is a nice lady and is just one more that is pulling for mom.

Mom is a lot more alert today. Her voice is coming back and she is wanting to use it. After we said our hellos, she made sure to remind us that there were some pork chops in the refrigerator that we either need to eat or put in the freezer. She is more worried about our eating and sleeping arrangements than she is about herself.

Overall she is very good. She is still pretty congested and in quite a bit of pain, but that is normal. She continues to get excellent care. They still have her on oxygen, but it is a very low dose. We are going to spend the day here again keeping her company. Hopefully our guy talk about poker, cars, and war stories don't bore her too much. Those seem to be our chosen topics for discussion.

Thanks again for the feedback everyone is sending. We are sharing them all with mom.

Sunday Evening - So far, so good!

Max — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 03:55:00 GMT

Day 2 is in the books. Dad, Scott and I spent the majority of the day with Mom and she is doing well. They still have her on the "good drugs" and she is pretty sleepy, but hanging in there. Krista, her nurse, was working with her to keep her awake and they were switching pain meds to something that doesn't make her so sleepy. She is alert and wants to talk between naps, but her voice is still not up to speed.

All in all, everything is still very good. She was out of bed and sitting up for a couple of hours this evening. We left about 5:30 pm and tracked down a beer and some cow. Another good day and we are looking forward to the progress tomorrow...

Keep the comments coming!