Since you are
reading this from my point of view, I will say that the decision was most
difficult. We went for Gary’s
semi-annual appointment at Tampa General Hospital in February expecting the
usual pulmonary function tests, blood work, walking for 6 minutes and then
meeting with the doctor. But this
meeting felt different when we began the visit with the pulmonologist and a
lung transplant coordinator. We were
shocked to have the doctor start the conversation by saying that Gary had to
make a decision. His health had gradually
worsened over the years and apparently the clinic thought he was ready for the
transplant evaluation. They felt that he
should do this before he gets sick enough that he would be unable to have a
transplant. I think we were both shocked
beyond belief because although there were a million questions, we found
ourselves speechless. That was all about
the meeting that I can remember…the drive home was a bit quiet.
Over the next month
I would occasionally ask Gary about his thoughts and if he decided to get the
evaluation or not. Gary weighed everything
out and in April decided to have the evaluation. We waited for insurance approval and the
hospital to make arrangements for the 73 tests that Gary would undergo to make
certain that his body and mind where healthy enough to undergo such a traumatic
and life changing surgery.
Long story short
Gary passed all the necessary tests and found his body to be in great shape –
except those lungs. I passed the tests
from the psychologist and social worker to make certain I could be his care
giver.
Gary wanted to wait
until after we visited Michigan and he told the family about what he was doing
before getting listed. On Friday, July
13, 2012 at 6:40 p.m. Gary was listed on the United Network for Organ Sharing database. We now await the call for transplant. The expected wait time is 6 to 9 months, but
the bags are packed and Gary says he is looking forward to taking me dancing when
he gets new lungs…I can’t wait!
