Arizona and another loss

Tulsa heart transplants lost another member this month.  Seems we're losing more and more, which is a scary thought for those of us left.  I had a discussion with some of my faculty members the other day about the fact that there are so many things that can go wrong even after 5+ years of doing well.  At this point, it usually isn't rejection issues that get you but failure of other organs, cancer, or strokes that come into play because of all the medications we take.  Thank goodness that I have decent insurance that helps with the cost of meds and procedures.  I'll be having my annual heart cath in February to make sure all is still functioning well.  I think that will be my 9th during all of pre and post transplant care.

Arizona caught my attention this week.  The state has decided to not finance (via Medicaid) transplant operations of any kind.  Currently, there are over 600 people who are waiting on some type of organ transplant.  In the midst of all of this decision making, three people have died waiting on transplants.

Heart transplants aren't cheap because of all the aftercare.  The surgery itself isn't much more than open heart surgery...it usually takes less time than an open heart surgery believe it or not.  But the follow up medications are very expensive.  I am assuming that is the main reason why Arizona chose to not finance transplants.  But I feel for those waiting on the list.  When you have been told that your only chance to live is to have a transplant, then have some government official tell you that you aren't one of the "chosen ones" who will be "allowed" to have a transplant, what hope do you have?

I'll be interested in seeing if any of this was part of today's shooting of an Arizona Congresswoman today.  The comments of the law enforcement officers were pretty accurate...we have got to get away from the rheortic of hatred and return to the caring of each other.  This shooting may have absolutely nothing to do with transplants, but the return of caring of each other does.  No matter what your political affiliation, no matter how you feel about government health care, if that was your family member who needed a transplant and was told they couldn't have it....you would have strong feelings too.

Once again, I thank God for the support of family and friends, a great school system and insurance, and a family who followed the wishes of a 20 year old young woman who wanted to help her fellow man (or woman in my case).  Let's start looking out for each other and stop running everyone down.

Times for Thanksgiving

From early November until the beginning of the year, each year, I'm reminded about how grateful and blessed I am to have been given this second chance at life.  My donor, Tiffany Mashore, had her 20th birthday during the first week in November of 2004 then was married before Thanksgiving.  The following February, she was giving me her heart. 

I often think of her family during these 6 weeks or so...how lonely it must be for her young husband, how difficult it must be for her family to share holidays without her being around.  I've never been able to visit with her family...I thought I would be able to but I've just never had the courage.  Tiffany's grandmother calls my mother every now and then, and she seems to understand why I can't make that connection.  There are days I still feel guilty over my inability to make that call, but I've been told by transplant coordinators that it will happen at my own pace.

I've also been thinking about those transplant survivors in this area who have passed away this year...we lost another one last week.  We survivors know that we've been given a second chance, and we try to live our life in a way to honor the gift we've been given.  Our situation can change with one germ, one cancer cell, one organ failure.  Each day that we are here we should be grateful...I know I am.

Ok till February

After seven more vials of blood, I'm happy to state that all my readings were in great shape and all docs seem to be very happy.  My latest challenge, the blood sugar issue, seemed to be fine.  It has dropped a full point since March and all bloodwork seemed to indicate that I'm taking just enough meds and kidney and pancreas functions are fine.

Been given clear sailing until February when I have all my annual tests.  Happy for that because it was total confusion as to getting the blood work completed.  I usually go to Cami and have the draw, but she was out on this particular day.  Her substitute was running behind with all the surgery draws and sent me up to the main lab...who then could not find the orders for the blood draw from the transplant clinic.  What usually takes 30-45 minutes max (I get there @ 6:15 am to avoid all these issues) wound up taking almost two hours.  Wasn't a happy camper.

But, in the long run, I'm alive and still kicking.  Our transplant group lost another member this week.  She'd been struggling with issues for a while now.  Our numbers are dwindling, especially since SFH no longer does transplants. 

On a positive note, I'm seeing more and more promotions for transplants...whether it is because I'm more cognizant or if others are taking up the cause.  I've seen NASCAR promotions, PGA segments, and ESPN will do a segment over the Thanksgiving holiday about a college player who in death helped others.  Glad to see that happening.

Locally, the tragic death of a couple of teenage girls resulted in a "rebirth" for numerous others.  I only know this because of a distant connection with one of the families.  But, I'm hoping that the same thing will happen to the friends of this young lady as did when I was waiting for my transplant...people will start to think about how easy it is to sign up for organ donation and follow up by doing so.  Lots of lives can continue to be saved if that simple act is done and the family is aware of the request.  If you haven't signed up to be a donor, please consider doing so!