Planning for a Tx?

CowTown

New member
Hello,

The topic has NOT come up with doctors yet regarding a transplant, but I find myself, for the first time ever, trying to decide whether to stay in Los Angeles or not based on <b>when</b> I might get a tx. My gut says don't go b/c I don't know what the next year looks like. My doctors are here and when I do get a tx, I'm planning on being here at USC Univ. I think it's only b/c this past year was the first that I've seen a serious decline in my health and it now makes wonder when, when, when will it be? I kind of feel that if only I knew when, then I could plan. I know that's not realistic so some might say "don't live waiting, just live", and I have always had that attitude until this year.

My husband and I moved from No. California to So. California about 5 months ago. The question has recently come up (for reasons I'd rather not discuss) whether we might move back up north again. So many things about it sound great, except for all the medical reasons. We're now 30 minutes from the doctors and this is where I would want to be when the tx time comes, but of course who knows when that will be - hopefully a long way off. I just don't trust my body at the moment even though I'm doing fairly well right now and maintaining things. Last year was a wake up call.

So I ask this question of anyone who has a fev1 of say...45% and less, would you stay living close to the doctors/hospital just b/c you're wondering when you'll get a tx? I hate the thought of making a life decision based on when I <b>might</b> get a tx. I think it's ridiculous, unless of course you've already discussed it with your doctors, and it's time, etc.

Fyi, I went from 78% in 2005 to 36% last year and now I'm up to 46%. My planning sense has pretty much gone out the window and I just want to know if it's a stupid or okay thing to move to the boondocks again or not. These boondocks are at 8,500 feet, do not have CF doctors or a hospital or home nurse care, all of it I would have to drive back to LA to get. We've done it before and love the location, but that was when I was 78%.

Thanks for any thoughts.
 

CowTown

New member
Hello,

The topic has NOT come up with doctors yet regarding a transplant, but I find myself, for the first time ever, trying to decide whether to stay in Los Angeles or not based on <b>when</b> I might get a tx. My gut says don't go b/c I don't know what the next year looks like. My doctors are here and when I do get a tx, I'm planning on being here at USC Univ. I think it's only b/c this past year was the first that I've seen a serious decline in my health and it now makes wonder when, when, when will it be? I kind of feel that if only I knew when, then I could plan. I know that's not realistic so some might say "don't live waiting, just live", and I have always had that attitude until this year.

My husband and I moved from No. California to So. California about 5 months ago. The question has recently come up (for reasons I'd rather not discuss) whether we might move back up north again. So many things about it sound great, except for all the medical reasons. We're now 30 minutes from the doctors and this is where I would want to be when the tx time comes, but of course who knows when that will be - hopefully a long way off. I just don't trust my body at the moment even though I'm doing fairly well right now and maintaining things. Last year was a wake up call.

So I ask this question of anyone who has a fev1 of say...45% and less, would you stay living close to the doctors/hospital just b/c you're wondering when you'll get a tx? I hate the thought of making a life decision based on when I <b>might</b> get a tx. I think it's ridiculous, unless of course you've already discussed it with your doctors, and it's time, etc.

Fyi, I went from 78% in 2005 to 36% last year and now I'm up to 46%. My planning sense has pretty much gone out the window and I just want to know if it's a stupid or okay thing to move to the boondocks again or not. These boondocks are at 8,500 feet, do not have CF doctors or a hospital or home nurse care, all of it I would have to drive back to LA to get. We've done it before and love the location, but that was when I was 78%.

Thanks for any thoughts.
 

CowTown

New member
Hello,

The topic has NOT come up with doctors yet regarding a transplant, but I find myself, for the first time ever, trying to decide whether to stay in Los Angeles or not based on <b>when</b> I might get a tx. My gut says don't go b/c I don't know what the next year looks like. My doctors are here and when I do get a tx, I'm planning on being here at USC Univ. I think it's only b/c this past year was the first that I've seen a serious decline in my health and it now makes wonder when, when, when will it be? I kind of feel that if only I knew when, then I could plan. I know that's not realistic so some might say "don't live waiting, just live", and I have always had that attitude until this year.

My husband and I moved from No. California to So. California about 5 months ago. The question has recently come up (for reasons I'd rather not discuss) whether we might move back up north again. So many things about it sound great, except for all the medical reasons. We're now 30 minutes from the doctors and this is where I would want to be when the tx time comes, but of course who knows when that will be - hopefully a long way off. I just don't trust my body at the moment even though I'm doing fairly well right now and maintaining things. Last year was a wake up call.

So I ask this question of anyone who has a fev1 of say...45% and less, would you stay living close to the doctors/hospital just b/c you're wondering when you'll get a tx? I hate the thought of making a life decision based on when I <b>might</b> get a tx. I think it's ridiculous, unless of course you've already discussed it with your doctors, and it's time, etc.

Fyi, I went from 78% in 2005 to 36% last year and now I'm up to 46%. My planning sense has pretty much gone out the window and I just want to know if it's a stupid or okay thing to move to the boondocks again or not. These boondocks are at 8,500 feet, do not have CF doctors or a hospital or home nurse care, all of it I would have to drive back to LA to get. We've done it before and love the location, but that was when I was 78%.

Thanks for any thoughts.
 

Diane

New member
Kelly, that is a tough tough decision to make. I do'nt have much to add, except that i wouldnt want to be too far from my cf Doctor in a time of need. But on the other hand you also dont want to let cf decide everything for you. I guess it all depends on how stable things are going for you. Some cf'rs have a decline and plateau at some point and stay that way for years. I am of no help at all....lol I just wanted you to know i feel for your situation and wish you the best in whichever you choose <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 

Diane

New member
Kelly, that is a tough tough decision to make. I do'nt have much to add, except that i wouldnt want to be too far from my cf Doctor in a time of need. But on the other hand you also dont want to let cf decide everything for you. I guess it all depends on how stable things are going for you. Some cf'rs have a decline and plateau at some point and stay that way for years. I am of no help at all....lol I just wanted you to know i feel for your situation and wish you the best in whichever you choose <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 

Diane

New member
Kelly, that is a tough tough decision to make. I do'nt have much to add, except that i wouldnt want to be too far from my cf Doctor in a time of need. But on the other hand you also dont want to let cf decide everything for you. I guess it all depends on how stable things are going for you. Some cf'rs have a decline and plateau at some point and stay that way for years. I am of no help at all....lol I just wanted you to know i feel for your situation and wish you the best in whichever you choose <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 

EnergyGal

New member
46 percent is excellent. You are way too healthy for a transplant. I was at twenty percent fev1 for several years believe it or not. I kept very active and I still do not know how I kept on living with such a low fev1. STay active and just focus on your day to day living and plan for your future when you can.

There might be a breakthrough drug coming out soon that will turn your corner and bring you up to a highter fev1. Keep the faith and I say you have plenty of time to decide. Thank goodness you have many options.
 

EnergyGal

New member
46 percent is excellent. You are way too healthy for a transplant. I was at twenty percent fev1 for several years believe it or not. I kept very active and I still do not know how I kept on living with such a low fev1. STay active and just focus on your day to day living and plan for your future when you can.

There might be a breakthrough drug coming out soon that will turn your corner and bring you up to a highter fev1. Keep the faith and I say you have plenty of time to decide. Thank goodness you have many options.
 

EnergyGal

New member
46 percent is excellent. You are way too healthy for a transplant. I was at twenty percent fev1 for several years believe it or not. I kept very active and I still do not know how I kept on living with such a low fev1. STay active and just focus on your day to day living and plan for your future when you can.

There might be a breakthrough drug coming out soon that will turn your corner and bring you up to a highter fev1. Keep the faith and I say you have plenty of time to decide. Thank goodness you have many options.
 

Pumuckl

New member
That is certainly a difficult decision you need to make but I am sure you will make the right one for yourself.

My personal thoughts would be to do what would make you happy. While medical care is very important I would feel it to be in my best interest to live in a location that makes me happier. As they say laughter is the best medicine... I firmly believe that if you are happier you are also healthier...

At the same time only you know how you feel health wise and if such a move is a wise decision. If I knew that my health was steadily declining and that I would need increased medical attention such a move would not make me happy as I would be unable to live a certain way due to these needs.

I wish you the best of luck in making a decision that will be the best for you and your husband.
 

Pumuckl

New member
That is certainly a difficult decision you need to make but I am sure you will make the right one for yourself.

My personal thoughts would be to do what would make you happy. While medical care is very important I would feel it to be in my best interest to live in a location that makes me happier. As they say laughter is the best medicine... I firmly believe that if you are happier you are also healthier...

At the same time only you know how you feel health wise and if such a move is a wise decision. If I knew that my health was steadily declining and that I would need increased medical attention such a move would not make me happy as I would be unable to live a certain way due to these needs.

I wish you the best of luck in making a decision that will be the best for you and your husband.
 

Pumuckl

New member
That is certainly a difficult decision you need to make but I am sure you will make the right one for yourself.

My personal thoughts would be to do what would make you happy. While medical care is very important I would feel it to be in my best interest to live in a location that makes me happier. As they say laughter is the best medicine... I firmly believe that if you are happier you are also healthier...

At the same time only you know how you feel health wise and if such a move is a wise decision. If I knew that my health was steadily declining and that I would need increased medical attention such a move would not make me happy as I would be unable to live a certain way due to these needs.

I wish you the best of luck in making a decision that will be the best for you and your husband.
 

HairGirl

New member
Kelly I feel the same way, these last five months my health has gone way down and I don't know about the future, but like Risa said, you can live with a low fev1, mine is in the 20's still, I think like Pumukl said, live where you are happiest, if it comes time for transplant, you've got evaluation etc... at that time you could see about making a move. I know it's hard to try and leave your cf out of your future planning, I've tried it, just make it second important to your happiness.
 

HairGirl

New member
Kelly I feel the same way, these last five months my health has gone way down and I don't know about the future, but like Risa said, you can live with a low fev1, mine is in the 20's still, I think like Pumukl said, live where you are happiest, if it comes time for transplant, you've got evaluation etc... at that time you could see about making a move. I know it's hard to try and leave your cf out of your future planning, I've tried it, just make it second important to your happiness.
 

HairGirl

New member
Kelly I feel the same way, these last five months my health has gone way down and I don't know about the future, but like Risa said, you can live with a low fev1, mine is in the 20's still, I think like Pumukl said, live where you are happiest, if it comes time for transplant, you've got evaluation etc... at that time you could see about making a move. I know it's hard to try and leave your cf out of your future planning, I've tried it, just make it second important to your happiness.
 

CaliSally

New member
Kelly,
I know the dr's have a "chart" that they go by in determining when someone is the best candidate for tx...perhaps you can ask them their thoughts first, before worrying too much.

I know the feeling though, of wanting to be near the CF center. I now live 90 miles from mine and feel like it's a world away, yet, I probably wouldn't want to live in the heart of L.A. either. I know one girl that goes to USC that has a 4 hour drive - can you imagine. I have stopped complaining so much about my commute since meeting her. I think she is admitted about every 3-4 months (not certain)

We do need to be happy in life, but, we can't escape the fact that we have CF. Therefore, being happy may mean living where we don't necessarily want to be. Hell, how many people truly live where they really WANT to live??? Being happy may simply mean accepting what wouldn't be our first choice. I would much rather live somewhere else but here in the Mojave desert, but, if it means I'd have to make a "trip" to see my doctors, well, then I'm "ok" with living here. On the flip side, I have to be ok with living here, because we can't afford to live closer to the real world. It's a matter of acceptance.

I guess the first thing you should find out, is where the doctors place your health level, also consider how ofter you need to go in. Do the ends justify the means?

I hope I helped spark some thoughts that will help you decide what to do.

Your USC floor mate (lol) 6 South nurses rule!
~Sally
 

CaliSally

New member
Kelly,
I know the dr's have a "chart" that they go by in determining when someone is the best candidate for tx...perhaps you can ask them their thoughts first, before worrying too much.

I know the feeling though, of wanting to be near the CF center. I now live 90 miles from mine and feel like it's a world away, yet, I probably wouldn't want to live in the heart of L.A. either. I know one girl that goes to USC that has a 4 hour drive - can you imagine. I have stopped complaining so much about my commute since meeting her. I think she is admitted about every 3-4 months (not certain)

We do need to be happy in life, but, we can't escape the fact that we have CF. Therefore, being happy may mean living where we don't necessarily want to be. Hell, how many people truly live where they really WANT to live??? Being happy may simply mean accepting what wouldn't be our first choice. I would much rather live somewhere else but here in the Mojave desert, but, if it means I'd have to make a "trip" to see my doctors, well, then I'm "ok" with living here. On the flip side, I have to be ok with living here, because we can't afford to live closer to the real world. It's a matter of acceptance.

I guess the first thing you should find out, is where the doctors place your health level, also consider how ofter you need to go in. Do the ends justify the means?

I hope I helped spark some thoughts that will help you decide what to do.

Your USC floor mate (lol) 6 South nurses rule!
~Sally
 

CaliSally

New member
Kelly,
I know the dr's have a "chart" that they go by in determining when someone is the best candidate for tx...perhaps you can ask them their thoughts first, before worrying too much.

I know the feeling though, of wanting to be near the CF center. I now live 90 miles from mine and feel like it's a world away, yet, I probably wouldn't want to live in the heart of L.A. either. I know one girl that goes to USC that has a 4 hour drive - can you imagine. I have stopped complaining so much about my commute since meeting her. I think she is admitted about every 3-4 months (not certain)

We do need to be happy in life, but, we can't escape the fact that we have CF. Therefore, being happy may mean living where we don't necessarily want to be. Hell, how many people truly live where they really WANT to live??? Being happy may simply mean accepting what wouldn't be our first choice. I would much rather live somewhere else but here in the Mojave desert, but, if it means I'd have to make a "trip" to see my doctors, well, then I'm "ok" with living here. On the flip side, I have to be ok with living here, because we can't afford to live closer to the real world. It's a matter of acceptance.

I guess the first thing you should find out, is where the doctors place your health level, also consider how ofter you need to go in. Do the ends justify the means?

I hope I helped spark some thoughts that will help you decide what to do.

Your USC floor mate (lol) 6 South nurses rule!
~Sally
 

nicolaj

New member
My fev1 is about 30%. I am in talks with my doctor about whether its time for me to have a transplant or not. Life is full of ifs or buts, will i, wont i? just be HAPPY

nicola/21/england
 

nicolaj

New member
My fev1 is about 30%. I am in talks with my doctor about whether its time for me to have a transplant or not. Life is full of ifs or buts, will i, wont i? just be HAPPY

nicola/21/england
 
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