Last September, the week I was given the thumbs up to start driving again after my transplant, I was involved in a car accident. (I had to wait 6 weeks after transplant for my sternum to heal AND be off the hard pain medications like oxy before I could drive again.) My airbag went off, my car was totaled, and I broke several bones at the base of my thumb. I went through months of hand therapy and regained *most* of my movement and strength back. I still have issues gripping things, opening lids, and texting efficiently. This past week I started having intense nerve pain any time I touch the inside webbing of the thumb. Let me just tell you, it is almost impossible to do anything without touching that part of your hand (pulling down your pants to go to the bathroom, opening a door, or carrying something just to name a few). Thursday, September 3rd I had a steroid injection in my hand. Fingers crossed this calms the nerve down and my hand can start to function a little more normally again. So far, just pain, swelling, and slight bruising at the injection site.

This past Wednesday, September 2nd I had bronchoscopy #25. It has been 10 weeks since a pulmonary stent was placed in my right lung. They were able to remove it! Guess that means the built up of mucus and inflammation has reduced. The best part about having the stent removed is that I no longer need to continue 2 nebulizer treatments. I was doing 3 treatments every morning and evening, 2 of which were keeping the stent clear from any mucus build up. That gives me back at least 2 hours of my day (set up, treatment, cleaning). We can finally watch TV at a normal volume again without captions. It’s the little things you need to celebrate.

I’ll have a follow up bronch again in 2 weeks to make sure everything is still moving in the right direction. I always get questions about why I keep having bronchs, even from other lung transplant patients. I keep having these procedures so often because my airways are contracting and need to be dilated to reopen them. This causes me to wheeze (when I’ve never wheezed before) and I sound crackly (like there’s lot of junk in my lungs). Usually 2 weeks after a bronch, the wheezing and crackling starts all over again.

I’m thankful that both Nick and I are home during the day and can step away from work to go to these constant appointments. I feel safe in the hospital because everyone is wearing masks and all people have their temperature taken before entering. Not looking forward to yet another covid test. Every time I go for a procedure, I have to have a covid test. At least I know where to go and what to expect. I can practically tell the staff what to do at both the covid testing station and at the surgery center.

I’m loving my custom mask by Daily Disco (located in St. Louis in the Hill neighborhood). My embroidery says “I’m Smiling” but you could have it say anything you want, like “Stay Back” or your name. You can order online if you are interested.