When I was 40 years old, I was in the best health of my life; or so I thought. During a routine annual exam, my doctor discovered a crackling sound in my chest and sent me for x-rays. It was apparent that something was wrong with my lungs and I was referred to Dr. Barry Stoler, an amazing Pulmonologist. After many tests and tons of blood work, it took almost two years to diagnose Pulmonary Fibrosis. There is no explanation as to where or when the disease originated or how long I had it, but it was clear that for some reason it had decided to become active.
Over the next three years, my condition deteriorated until I required round the clock oxygen. Even then, I had to use a wheelchair to go anywhere that required more than a minimal amount of walking. I was tested for eligibility for a lung transplant in February of 2011. I was placed on the list and settled in to wait my turn for lungs. My condition continued to worsen, very quickly. On Wednesday, March 23, my oxygen level dropped to just 69% walking 10 feet from my bed to the bathroom. I spoke with my transplant coordinator the next morning and told her I didn't see me making it more than two weeks before my lungs gave out. At 2:00 am, Friday, March 25, I received the call that they had lungs for me...less than a month after being placed on the list and not a day too soon. I had the surgery that saved my life at Jewish Hospital; my surgeon was Dr. Van Berkel to whom I will be forever indebted.
This is the start of my blog...I hope I get better at it and can keep everyone informed and entertained. I will introduce you to my amazing husband, Jimmy, and the rest of our phenomenal family. I will also fill you in on our trips to the hospital and share with you what really went on during my lengthy stays.
So, please, bear with me and let me know what you think of my blog.
Godspeed,
Becky
