fett on 14/5/2012 at 00:19
I'm telling you before I tell my parents or in-laws, or any other friends.
I got the call today. I am officially listed for a heart transplant at Tufts New England Medical Center in Boston, MA. Found out I needed one in Feb of '10, moved to New England in Feb of '11, started the evaluation process in Feb of '12. Long, long road, with still a longer road ahead. But this is a huge hurdle and I can't even begin to describe all the crazy that's taken place to get to this point. Lots of tears, sacrifice, horrific goodbyes, life-changes, moving around, job insanity, etc. Maybe I'll write a book.
Either way, this means:
1) I now have to stay within a 4 hour radius of Boston most of the time in case my number comes up.
2) I'm a "status 2" which means I am not urgent at the moment. Because of this and my common blood type, it will be several years before I actually get a new heart, depending on how quickly my condition deteriorates.
3) I will continue to take an insane amount of medications and feel pretty much like shit 99% of the time until I get a new heart. But I can walk, cook, school my kids, take short trips, etc - I'm thankful for my motility and the fact that I can still function on a diminished level. This quality of life is preferable often times to the problems that come with transplant - deficient immune system, risk of infection, strictly limited diet, possible related heart problems, arrhythmias, rejection, shortened life-expectancy, etc.
So most of you guys were around when I posted about needing a transplant back in '10 and your outpouring of support and love was so helpful during that dark time. I feel like I've crossed a bridge now, and I intend to be here telling you about a successful transplant operation in a few years and demanding illicit sexual favors from my favorite Duck. :cool:
jtr7 on 14/5/2012 at 00:27
\o/
That's wonderful news!
Ducky will have to remember to be gentle. Keep a tranquilizer nearby.
june gloom on 14/5/2012 at 00:28
we love you too fett <3
Chimpy Chompy on 14/5/2012 at 00:30
Awesome, great news. Now hold out until that new heart arrives.
Mr.Duck on 14/5/2012 at 00:32
Bebeh, I'll always be gentle with you....now, loverboy, spread'em. :cool:
Awesome news, fett. One step forward, God bless and the best of luck to you and your family. :)
*Hugs*
Al_B on 14/5/2012 at 00:33
Quote Posted by fett
I now have to stay within a 4 hour radius of Boston most of the time in case my number comes up.
You do realise that there are probably convicted felons with sentences that aren't as harsh as that? Seriously though, it's great that things are a step closer and please keep us updated because we do care.
fett on 14/5/2012 at 00:37
Quote Posted by Al_B
You do realise that there are probably convicted felons with sentences that aren't as harsh as that? Seriously though, it's great that things are a step closer and please keep us updated because we do care.
Yeah, but if you gotta be trapped somewhere, why not in New England between Boston and NYC, on the coast of Long Island Sound, able to vacation in New Hampshire and Vermont, and the Pennsylvania countryside? My wife's job is awesome...
BrokenArts on 14/5/2012 at 00:55
Ok, that's it, with a description like that, I'm coming for a visit. k? Congrats buddy! Keep that positive vibe going, and grooving. You told us before your family? ;) It happens.
theBlackman on 14/5/2012 at 01:45
Nothing but the best wishes for you and your family. Illnesses of this type wear on everybody. My wife died of Cancer in 2010, so I know the strain that you must be under and I'm glad you made the list. Good luck, and live long after the transplant.
PigLick on 14/5/2012 at 02:08
aw I thought you'd won lotto and were gonna hold a huge TTLG party.
best wishes with your (eventual) surgery though
