The Cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The average cost for a double-lung transplant, in which both of the patient's original lungs are replaced with the donor lungs, is about $650,000. In addition to the initial costs of lung transplant, patients also incur annual costs for follow-up care. In addition to the initial costs of lung transplant surgery, patients also incur annual costs for follow-up care and prescription medications. The immunosuppressive drugs, which are required on an on-going basis to prevent the transplant recipient's body from rejecting the donor lung or lungs, can cost up to $30,000 per year. Lung transplant recipients also incur the cost of follow-up doctor's visits and tests to make sure the transplant is working correctly, and to continue to treat any related or underlying
Medical costs include:

insurance deductibles
insurance co-pays
pre-transplant evaluation and testing
surgery
fees for the recovery of the organ from the donor
follow-up care and testing
additional hospital stays for complications
fees for surgeons, physicians, radiologist, anesthesiologist and recurrent lab testing
anti-rejection and other drugs, which can easily exceed $2,500 per month
rehabilitation
Non-Medical

I'm finished the drip and I'm feeling good.

I will be on a Steroid IV Drip at home for the next three days starting 06/21/2011, this should help with the rejection. I will keep you all posted as to how I’m doing and if not me my sister Virginia. As of today 06/23/2011 I’m finished the drip and I’m feeling really good. Dr. Lee was happy to see the numbers were up in my Spirometer test scores were in good range. He put me back on Cellcept or the name Mycophenolate 500mg twice a day this pill helps to prevent rejection. Also my doctors’ visits are now every three weeks now. Also we will be starting back with IVIG Drip next month, LIVIg is a plasma product formed by taking antibodies from about 20,000 donors and mixing them together. IVIg has proven effective in several immune system disorders, including nearly all autoimmune conditions even CIDP and GBS. The sooner you can treat the patient with IVIg the better the results. There is a window of opportunity usually within the first 18 months during which IVIg administration is ideal. The longer you wait to treat with IVIg the longer it will take for IVIg to work. After being exposed to toxins and poisonous chemicals including carbon monoxide the body's immune system may mount an attack on the body. This autoimmune attack can be reduced by IVIG. Last month I broke out into a an allergy reaction Dr. Lee then put a stop to all the next treatments , so I spoke to Dr.Lee and told him I did take my Benadryl or an aspirin before the treatment until twenty minutes in the drip which I took reasonability for that mistake. So now will continue next month as schedule for the next seven months.Thank you Dr.Lee.

New lungs breatheing easier on my Birthday!!!

New lungs breatheing easier on my Birthday!!!

It’s been three weeks since I successfully underwent a Double lung transplant, Prior to the transplant, I’ was using 80 to 90 percent oxygen regularly. Today I’m able to function with absolutely no oxygen equipment at all. In addition, I’m able to walk and get around much better than before. The improvement is evident each day as I slowly regains my strength. Our family is especially appreciative of the many prayers, words of encouragement and support we’ve received from friends and customers these past year and five months. We would also like to thank the family of the unknown lung donor. While we do not have any details regarding the donor, we do know that two lives were saved as a result of this gift. Both Myself and another patient received the gift of life from this one unselfish donor., please consider signing up to be an organ donor. Not everyone is as lucky as Myself in receiving a vital transplant. About 18 people die each day in this country because there are not enough organs available for transplant. For more information on organ donation, visit www.organdonor.gov. While this success of my transplant is great news for all of us, my journey continues with the possibility of my body rejecting my new lungs . I’m being closely monitored and receiving anti-rejection medication on a daily basis. Again, thanks to everyone for your prayers! We love you all and we never could have made it on this journey without all of your support! I  wish thank all my brothers  and sisters  and many many friends .I love you all.

The Hydock ”s and Berry’s… Roy, Virginia ,Barbara, Lisa and Douglas.

Starting over!!!

I'm starting my life over, how many people can say that about taking up Country accommodations. I don't live too far away from home (about a four hour drive  from here or so that sounds funny  saying that from the state of Virginia, when I was born in Philadelphia I lived there until I was Eighteen years old,  lived in Delaware for the past 33 years and all most 20 years in the same house..)  Our parents did their best to control us, but it didn’t work! We always had the upper hand (Just Joking Dad Oh did I mention Una dads girlfriend for past ten years one of the nicest lady in Virginia.  I have three wonderful sisters Virginia (Ginny), Lisa & Barbara and two great brothers Roy & my brother Douglas and not to Mention 6 nieces and 5 nephews 9 great nephews 4 great nephews but now,  where I’m moving to  is where my father (Roy) was born is a totally diffident life compared to being up north in Pennsylvania Delaware and Maryland. More convenient in getting thing done at a nice pace here in VA as well as enjoying a new friendship with someone you just met. I thought that it was important for me to do this  while  my nerve  is up to move that far. I feel like a teenager like leaving the nest all over again. Moving seems so much fun like selling everything I own and starting over fresh, and I’m scared that everyone will think I’m a weirdo and laugh at me that’s ok at least they would have a good laugh on me- I’ll make  new friends in Luray and Page County & the Shenandoah valley and my shared accommodation (32 of us sharing an apartment one store building in Stanly Virginia). The fact that I’m different also makes it harder because I’m not fully understood  on my sexual orientation , and I’m a nervous wreck that my apartments dweller  will be homophobic; I’m not sure how to tell them, should I tell them and give them all heart attacks immediately? Or wait until I get to know them better, I’m sure in time they will figural it out. Any advice on moving away from home in Delaware would be greatly appreciated. Will miss you all in Delaware, I hope if ever in Virginia you stop by the town of Stanly and look me up, I will never forgot  the staff at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital who gave me excellent care and a normal life back Thank you Dr.Lee and your staff. I'll be back every few months to see Dr Lee . and you thought you where rid of me  LOL. Someone asked me if I had to do this again would I ?  Yes I said you bet you your sweet bottom I would, the staff at Penn you are all the best and thank you for letting me start my life over in Virginia and letting me live life again.

A small set back.

Just a small set back!! I will be on a Prednisone at home for the next nine days starting 08/01/2011, this should help with the (A1) rejection. I will keep you all posted as to how I’m doing and if not me my sister Virginia. As of today. My bronchoscopy showed a mild rejection (A1). This needs to be treated. It will be treated it with a prednisone taper. 60mg x 3 days, 50mg x 3 days, 40mg x 3 days, 30mg x 3 days, 20mg x 3 days, back to your baseline of 10mg daily. Also my numbers are down for my Kidneys, I was taken off all of Lasix until future notice and the last thing. I also have small infection in my lungs that will also be treated this with 2 weeks supply of Levaquin. Dose will be 750mg every other day. I must say that University of Pennsylvania is on top of thing as always, Belinda said if my numbers did not go back into normal range I would have to be admitted back to Penn, Where the food is really great cannot wait.(Not).It just as bad as my sister food. LOL. Just joking and I never said which sister did I. So don’t assume I meant Virginia.

Lung Biopsy

What is bronchoscopy/ lung biopsy?Bronchoscopy is a diagnostic procedure used to obtain a small amount of lung tissue and fluid samples, which are then examined under a microscope to help in diagnosing a change in your lung function. During this procedure, your lung doctor examines your lungs (bronchial tubes) and looks for abnormal conditions, such as infection, tumors, bleeding and abnormal sites.

Bronchoscopy provides important information about the condition of your transplanted lung(s) and for your treatment. You will be asked to sign a consent form prior to the test. Your consent tells that you understand the reason for the bronchoscopy, how it is done, possible alternatives, and possible risks.


What are the risks of a bronchoscopy?

The primary risk with bronchoscopy is bleeding from the site of the biopsy, but this occurs in less than 1% of patients. Other rare complications include lung collapse, hoarseness, sore nose or throat. You will be monitored closely for several hours after the procedure to make sure no complications arise.

Please note: If you have a heart murmur, heart valve problems or artificial joints, remind your doctor. You may need to take an antibiotic before the bronchoscopy as a precaution.


Instructions for patients having a bronchoscopy.

The office staff will set up the appointment for your bronchoscopy and call you with the date and time. Please be sure to follow these instructions:

1. You must abstain from aspirin and ibuprofen-containing medications. This includes but is not limited to Advil. Motrin, Nuprin, and Aleve these medications can cause increased bleeding. Tylenol is OK. Notify your physician if you are taking blood thinning medication.
2. You will be notified of arrival time and place of the bronchoscopy.
3. Your doctor may order tests such as blood tests, an EKG, or a chest x-ray, to be performed before the procedure. These tests may be done in the physican's office, the hospital, or in an outside laboratory.
4. On the night before the procedure, do not eat or drink anything after midnight, unless your doctor gives you different instructions.
5. If you usally take medications in the morning, ask your doctor wheather you should take them as usual or if they should be taken after the test.
6. When you come for the procedure, bring a list of any medications you are taking, along with the dose of each medication.
7. On the day of the test, please arrive 30 minutes befor the appointment time.
8. Please dress comfortably and leave valuables at home.
9. Be sure to arrange for someone who will; be responsible for taking you home after testing. This person may arrive with you, or up to four hours after your arrival.

How is bronchoscopy performed?

• In the procedure room, your temperature, pulse, and blood pressure will be taken.
• A plastic clip will be placed on your finger to measure the oxygen in your blood during the procedure. This is known as a pulse oximeter.
• Your heart rate will be monitored throughout the test, and you will receive oxygen.
• An IV (an intravenous line, a thin plastic catheter which goes into your vein) will be started. This is used to give you medication as needed.
• Medication may be used to make you drowsy and relaxed.
• Your throat will be sprayed with a local anesthetic to make it numb. This will make you more comfortable when the scope is passed through the throat.
• The bronchoscope is a long soft tube with a magnifying lass and light on the end. The tube is about as wide as a pencil. The scope is gently passed through your nose or mouth, and into your lungs.
• You will be able to breathe easily throughout the procedure. The doctor will be able to see into the airways, and can take samples of tissue for biopsy through the scope. You will be observed closely by the nurse during the test and afterwards, until you are fully awake and able to leave the area for discharge.

How will I feel during bronchoscopy?

• You might feel some discomfort as the scope is passed through your nose and throat. This will be minimal and it will last only about 10-15 seconds.
• Usually there is a small amount of bleeding after the test if a biopsy is taken. You may notice that you cough up some blood tinged mucous. This will decrease after a few hours. If the bleeding increases or if it lasts longer than 24 hours, call your doctor.

When can I eat after bronchoscopy?

• Two hours after the test, you will be able to take a few sips of water.
• If you can swallow without a problem, you can eat and drink normally at that time. If not, wait another hour and then try sips of water again.

What should I do when I get home?

You may want to take it easy for the rest of the day after the test. If you received sedation you may feel tired or sleepy. Do not drive or operate machinery or sign any legal documents for the next 24 hours after the sedation.

• Do not take aspirin or medications such as ibuprofen in the first 24 hours after the procedure.
• Check the label of brand name medications to see if they contain ibuprofen or aspirin. These medications can increase bleeding.
• Check with your doctor about any possible changes in your usual medications and ask when you can begin to take them again.
• You may have a slight fever after the bronchoscopy and your doctor may suggest taking acetaminophen (for example Tylenol®) for fever or discomfort.

What symptoms should I report to the doctor after bronchoscopy?

• Bleeding that lasts longer that 24 hours or if it increases (report amounts greater that blood-streaked mucus).
• Fever (temperature over 100F) that lasts more than 24 hours.




• Shortness of breath or chest pain.

Quake hits east coast

I think this is his way in telling us to fixes the world now before we destroy it, Fires ,Floods. Poverty & Hunger. Though Virginia hadn't had a quake like Tuesday's in 67 years, it was mild by West Coast standards. California has seen 35 quakes of that size since 1944, when the last East Coast quake of this magnitude occurred. So the first thing everyone had to do was figure out what was happening. I was in the local pharmacy when the bottles starting to fall off the shelves, People were screaming and running out to the parking lot. For a moment I thought I was in a movie, I told some of the people that it would only last a minute which I should had said 10 Seconds. My cell phone did work and the only person I could get was Virginia and likewise with her, I think we were more worried about my dad and Una. My father did say that boomer the dog starting barking very loudly and nonstop before it hit them in Stanly Virginia and Luray county.

Last IVIG drip

I'm wishing and hoping that I‘ve a very smooth last treatment since this is the last one of IVIG this coming Sunday Morning at 7:00am . And I pray that this is just the ticket for me!! Many patients have done this very successfully and done it extremely well, as I’m doing by taking this treatment. I’m praying that this will work. I know I’m going win.

One year later

Hey everyone February 11^th marks my 1year anniversary of my Lung transplant and Birthday all on  the same day. Although I still have my ups & downs about what I have been through & have to go through in my life, this year I was able to realize how I have so much more to live for. Life after transplant is not easy for everyone & it hasn’t been for me. Despite having a loving family who no longer take my ‘I just had surgery excuses’ (bastards LOL), I’m grateful for the 1 year (and hopefully many more) I will be able to share with all of you. I just want to give a special thanks to Dr. James Lee and staff at Penn University in Philadelphia for the 2nd chance at life he has given me & I really wish him (and everyone else as well) the best in life.  Last I just want to say, try not to let your situation slow you down. Sometimes things happen in life for a reason. So  take one day at a time and enjoy it while you can. Again Thank you all so much for all your support in the last year and longer.

 Thank you guys, love all of you

Ric.

Thank you UVA

I'd like to show my appreciation for the  doctors and there whole support staff (assistants, nurses, etc.) took care of me at UVA Hospital over the weekend and getting my kidneys back to where they should be.. Instead of just writing thank you's to all of you, I would really like to write something about everyone on staff but can’t remember all of their names, Like the two RN’s Cindy’s one day shift and the other on Night shift and Phyllis on Saturday morning shift all the cna's and  Lee, the kitchen and housekeeping, and the doctors whom get me back on track to the head of the hospital to let them know what a great job they all did. Everyone really went out of their way to make me feel better, and not let’s not forget the transplant team and Shawn.