Lifesavers for Latasha

Today marks one year and three months since my heart and double lung transplant.

Since my last update, I had another endoscopy and more follow-up appointments.

The endoscopy in August was to check for any physical issues to my stomach that could be causing the issues I have been having. Everything looks fine, though, so the doctors told me I have to change my diet. They told me to eat a low residue diet, which means absolutely no raw fruits and vegetables and no high fiber foods. Since then, I have been more diligent about avoiding those foods. When I eat a cheeseburger, it’s just the patty and cheese, no lettuce, no tomatoes, etc. A taco is just taco meat and cheese. Things have been better, and I haven’t been getting sick as much. I’ve had a couple of good weeks, so things are moving in the right direction, even though I still struggle mentally to eat this way.

My follow-up appointments were last week. Everything looks good. They’re still adjusting my anti-rejection medication. My levels will be stable for a couple of weeks and then be too high or too low, so they have to adjust the dosage. My veins do not like having to give blood every two weeks, and it’s getting harder for them to find veins to use. I had an MRI to check something in my pancreas, and it took three tries before they could get the IV in my arm. One lady tried twice and couldn’t get either spot to work. That was even using the vein finder light they use now to help them see your veins better. Another lady had to come in and try; thankfully, she was able to get the IV in on my other arm. Both my arms are bruised from the experience, though.

I’ve included pictures from this visit to Cleveland Clinic and my bruised arms.

I still haven’t heard anything from my donor’s family. I think about my donor every day, and especially at night, when I’m lying on my side and feel my heart beating. I wonder what kind of person he or she was, what were his or her likes and dislikes, how old he or she was, and how he or she died. I still think I will write one more letter to the donor family, but I wonder if maybe the family didn’t agree with the donor’s decision to donate his or her organs. There are so many questions and unknowns. All I know is I am grateful for having this second chance, and it’s all because of my donor.

Chris and I are thankful for each of you for your continued support and encouragement. Over the last few weeks, things have seemed to be getting better. We hope this upward trajectory continues. Thank you for continuing to follow our journey!