Transplant coordinator called me

[Simon Dog]

Oh! Colonoscopy!  That one isn't much fun. At least the prep for it isn't. Be sure to tell them you are a dialysis patient so they have you do the kidney friendly prep.

I always email my neph when I get an Rx from another MD to give him a chance to object (he's very good about replying).

There are two common protocols for sedation - fentanyl+versed or milk of amnesia (propofol).   The former is cheaper and (at least in the hospital I use) does not require an anesthesiologist.  The later is more expensive (a few hundred extra for the anesthesiologist), and some insurance companies balk at the extra cost.  But, it's a lights out procedure with no after probe grogginess.  Just be sure to leave your phone on "record" mode unless you are in a state like MA where doing so is a felony.

[dublin]

Hi kitkatz go for it why not and the best of luck to you wishing you well

[kitkatz]

6/26/2015   Cardiologist wants two types of angiogram. One is the arterial line the other is the veinous line to check heart and lungs.  Seems to think i may have a hereditary lung problem or else the sticky valve is sticking more than it should.  They will do both at the same time so only one procedure, I am hoping.
We need to sort this out and he seemed to think that is the best way to do it. Otherwise he cannot give me clearance.

[MooseMom]

Let us know when the two angiograms are scheduled!  I hope they can do both in one go.

[kitkatz]

I am logging the appointments for transplant evaluation here so I have instant access to it in case I need it.
So.... an update....

6/30/2015- Endoscopy and colonoscopy- the endoscopy showed stomach was good.  Colonoscopy was incomplete due to scar tissue.  Doctor said if follow up is wanted, then do the barium enema next. Sigh.  All that prep.....

7/1/2015-  Abdominal scan and doppler scan plus mammogram completed.  I feel like I have gone a round with a boxer.  I am sore all over.  The tech had to press hard on the abdomen to see the veins and arteries, and then my organs.  Then the boobs got squished.

I spoke to transplant coordinator 7/1/2015, and told her that gynecology and internal med doctor will not let me do a pap smear for transplant evaluation because the test I have is good until 2016. She says " They can't dp that."  I said: " That is what they told me."   Trapped like a rat again in the middle.  She is emailing my internal medical doctor to straighten it out.

[MooseMom]

My tx coordinator accepted my pap smear results from the previous year, so why won't yours?  Most insurance won't pay for such tests repeated within one year unless there is good cause.  Well, let them sort it out amongst themselves.  Good luck!

[kitkatz]

2011 was the last pap smear but nothing was abnormal so every five years they say.

[willowtreewren]

Huh! I've been getting pap smears every year for as long as I can remember.

Whoops. TMI! 

I hope they can sort this out among themselves. You have ENOUGH to do! 

Aleta

[PrimeTimer]

I am logging the appointments for transplant evaluation here so I have instant access to it in case I need it.
So.... an update....

6/30/2015- Endoscopy and colonoscopy- the endoscopy showed stomach was good.  Colonoscopy was incomplete due to scar tissue.  Doctor said if follow up is wanted, then do the barium enema next. Sigh.  All that prep.....

7/1/2015-  Abdominal scan and doppler scan plus mammogram completed.  I feel like I have gone a round with a boxer.  I am sore all over.  The tech had to press hard on the abdomen to see the veins and arteries, and then my organs.  Then the boobs got squished.

I spoke to transplant coordinator 7/1/2015, and told her that gynecology and internal med doctor will not let me do a pap smear for transplant evaluation because the test I have is good until 2016. She says " They can't dp that."  I said: " That is what they told me."   Trapped like a rat again in the middle.  She is emailing my internal medical doctor to straighten it out.

Sounds like you were hit by a mack truck. Hope you get the weekend off to do whatever the heck YOU want to do and if you have to, just tell everybody else to go jump in a lake.

[kitkatz]

July 6-7th, 2015. Sleep Study or as I called it "torture by wire in bed".
I went to Kaiser's sleep lab last night and did the sleep study.
The tech was very nice and wired me up.
Results will be back I guess when they get back to the doctors.
The last hour or two were sheer torture. I have no idea how long I was asleep but when I came awake, I was ALL the way awake.
It was sheer torture and I had to use all of my adult coping techniques to lie there and try to pretend to sleep.
It is over now, and one less thing to do on the pre transplant evaluation list.

Pic#1- Wired for sound

Pic #2- Close up of wired face

[MooseMom]

Wow!  Those photos look like something out of a post-apocalypse movie!

I'm glad that's over!

[willowtreewren]

Kit, you probably should have just gotten up when you came awake. With the leads and sensors they can tell pretty much if you are asleep or awake. 

I've been through that. It makes a mess of your hair, too! 

Now on to your NEXT adventure!

 

Sending love.

 

Aleta

[Vt Big Rig]

I would be interested in your "results'. I do not know anyone who has had a "sleep study", including me, who was not told they need a CPAP! Another doctor to visit.

[PrimeTimer]

You poor thing!!  I'd have nitemares after something like that. I suppose they hear a lot of colorful language from patients.

[cattlekid]

I've had three sleep studies over the years and as a person with obstructive sleep apnea, I can tell you that we can pretty much sleep through anything.  A few wires and probes stuck here and there are no problem.

This also comes from someone who dozed off during a breast biopsy and an MRI.   

You poor thing!!  I'd have nitemares after something like that. I suppose they hear a lot of colorful language from patients.

[kitkatz]

Pulmonary Lung Function Test today 7/10/2015. Did much better than last time I did one
I received a call from transplant coordinator telling me the TB blood test shows positive for TB in it.  So I will probably be hearing from infectious disease doctors next.
I have been treated in 2007 as a precaution for positive TB skin test during my last pre-evaluation for transplant.

I also got a call from the doctor and finally the pap smear is scheduled for next Thursday. What an argument that was to get! Going to keep that appointment come hell or high water.

Craziness still going on.

[Deanne]

I tested positive for and was treated for TB, too. The infectious diseases doctor told me I'd probably always test positive now. I hope they don't make you go through treatment again.

[okarol]

July 6-7th, 2015. Sleep Study or as I called it "torture by wire in bed".
I went to Kaiser's sleep lab last night and did the sleep study.
The tech was very nice and wired me up.
Results will be back I guess when they get back to the doctors.
The last hour or two were sheer torture. I have no idea how long I was asleep but when I came awake, I was ALL the way awake.
It was sheer torture and I had to use all of my adult coping techniques to lie there and try to pretend to sleep.
It is over now, and one less thing to do on the pre transplant evaluation list.

Pic#1- Wired for sound

Pic #2- Close up of wired face

Good grief! How do they expect anyone to sleep with all that crap on?
If you pretended to be asleep, how will they know if there's a problem.
I personally think all this sleep apnea stuff is going to go away when the next new money maker comes along.
Good luck with the rest of your tests Kit.
When are you coming to see me?? 

[kristina]

Best wishes to you kitkatz
and I am sure you pull through all these medical examinations
and I continue to keep my fingers crossed for you.
Good-luck-wishes from Kristina.

[kitkatz]

7/14/2015  I had the angiogram 
I loved the Dr's name -He was Devine. LOL
It went well and he was willing to use the pain meds liberally.  If I said Ouchies He would put more on board.
I have had some tests where that was it, what I got first was what I got and had to suffer through the pain.
This time was fine.  I ache today down my right side.  I was at Kaiser 7a.m. to 5p.m.  Then had dinner, then
went off to spend the time at dialysis.   
I am worn out today. Not doing anything perse.

Doctor said heart valve looked good just being sticky like it has for years.  All looked good.

I am in recovery mode today.

[MooseMom]

This is good progress, KK, and it makes me happy.

[kitkatz]

7/16/2015- Infectious disease doctor appointment. Called me at 7:45a.m for an appointment at 9:30a.m. Lady over the phone gives me the wrong building and floor to go to check in at.  I hate when that happens. Kaiser Fontana is huge. We ended up walking from building to building. I am to do three sputum samples and take them to the labs each morning so they can get them cooking to see if I have active TB.  I do not think these docs realize what they are asking.  Each morning for three days I have to do a spit take and then drive to a Kaiser lab and drop it off.  I will doit, but it is a pain the ass.

7/16/2015- Pap smear has been completed in spite of the hell they put me through to get one.

Everything on the list has been completed.  Now to wait.  From 6/17/2-15-7/16/2-15- not to bad lining it up and slamming it down.

[PrimeTimer]

Truly remarkable, to say the least! 

[Simon Dog]

Ask if Kaiser will accept Fedex or UPS of the samples.    I drop my monthly tissue typing blood samples off at a UPS box within walking distance of my house.

[kitkatz]

I dropped three samples off Friday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Now we wait for results and meds and appointments.
I now have an appointment with infectious disease early September.  I got it all completed, now we wait to see if Kaiser will move my work up onto the transplant hospital.