Doing the Happy Dance

Today was my first checkup at Henry Ford Hospital the since I was listed for my lung transplant. I'll admit, I was nervous. I wasn't really sure what to expect other than I'd have some breathing tests. Well, I surprised even myself! I had to do what is called an "O2 Dosing." This is a super enjoyable walk (ha!) up and down a 90 meter hallway with a pulmonologist keeping track of my oxygen needs.

Back and forth, back and forth, back and forth.

Oooooh, the fun. The last time I was there, about two months ago, I needed 7 liters per minute (LPM) of oxygen to do this. That's the most I've EVER needed. But this time? I was able to do it at 6 LPM. That's an improvement!

Ya, me!

Then it was off to "the Tube." The dreaded pulmonary function test where they make me sit in this awful plexiglas tube (which, btw, is NOT a good place for someone with claustrophobia) and breathe in and blow out through a tube while they have a giant clothespin on my nose. Yeah, it's a hoot.

But, today this torture chamber, I mean, testing device, showed that my lung function.....

<< Drum roll, please>> ....improved!

I went from 16% two months ago up to 17%. Hey, when you're dealing with such tiny amounts, any little bit is a major victory!

So, that was my day. Two tiny improvements but still on the transplant list. You know what? I'll take it.

And I have going back in three months to do it all over again to look forward.

Woot! Just in time for the holidays. Hope Santa will be good to me then!