Nikki's New Lungs

Unless you live in a bubble, you know the Midwest is on the tail end of a cold snap. Two nights ago, the temperature dropped to -26° and the wind chill or feel like temp was -51°!!! Yesterday, the high for the day was -13°. I feel for anyone who has a lung disease or issues breathing in cold weather. Prior to my new lungs, if the temp was 40° or lower, I could barely breathe. I would need to be picked up and dropped off directly at the door. Even the small moments being exposed to the elements would trigger a severe cough attack once I was back inside, often times causing my lungs to bleed. Throughout the last few days, I have been embracing the cold. It is an unexplainable experience to take deep breaths in such arctic frigid temps! I take every breath with gratitude to my donor for something I used to think was impossible.

We were hoping my dad was going to be having a better day today. It was not the case. We ended up bringing him to the Emergency Room. He is very bloated because he is retaining so much fluid. He has a blood clot down his entire leg, multiple blood clots in his lungs, and cirrhosis of his liver.

He was admitted with a heparin drip to try and dissolve the clots. We don’t know much more this evening but will be addressing all his issues tomorrow.

Thank you for all your support.

December 21st my dad fell and broke his hip. We sat in the waiting room the next day while he had surgery. We celebrated the holiday’s with trips to the hospital and bringing him good cheer. The surgery went great and his hip is healing well. Unfortunately, he is having other complications that are preventing him from recovering. Yesterday, the dreaded word of “hospice” was mentioned if he doesn’t start improving. I have been at the transitional care facility with him and my mom nearly every day and I see him becoming weaker not stronger. He gets very low blood pressure in the sitting position and his esophagus is making it difficult for him to swallow. Today he has an appointment with the gastroenterologist, hopefully there is a solution so he can eat and begin to regain his strength🙏

My dad fell on Friday and broke his hip! His surgery was Saturday afternoon and the doctor notified us everything went well with his procedure. There have been some ups and downs dealing with his post operative healing and he is still in the hospital. I have spent a few Christmas’ in the hospital myself and it’s ironic my dad is stationed with all my CF nurses that took great care of me years before my transplant. I can’t appreciate enough all the doctors and nurses that never stop working to care for others no matter the time or day. Have a very blessed holiday and Merry Christmas🎄