these are all very good questions. Garran just had his going home educational discussion today, and we had to go through all of the things that will have to happen once he goes home, and for the rest of his life.
Surprisingly, even though much of it seems foreign to us, and it consists of alot of new meds, and warning signs, these new things are a significant amount less than what he was doing just to breathe pre transplant.
when you count in the nebs, vest, O2, pills, inhailers, therapies, numerous hospitalizations that accumulated at a rate of about 6 months a year, and although yes he is trading one lung disease for a new set of issues, including the possible rejection, and immuno suppressed body. He feels 100 % better than he has ever felt in his life.
Because the new lungs do not have CF, when he had his bronch today, instead of worrying about having to go on O2 following the procedure, he was actually satting at 97% directly after completion. Where before he would stay at 88% on O2 for hours sometimes days.
and when they saw the slight mucus in the large airways, it wasnt as stressful as if he still had CF lungs, because these lungs can clear said mucus more easily. and although he still has his old upper respiratory section and sinuses etc...much of the allergy components will not be as prevalent because of the suppressed immunity, the histamines will not react as much as they would with his old lungs and normal immunity.
So much to learn today, and so much to swallow. but when I asked him, he said "It was worth it, He loves his new lungs"
