In typical style all plans have been changed and updated. I had barely gotten all my local doctor appointments made when the plans had to change. I got a call Thursday from the transplant program coordinator and she wanted to know if I could come up on Friday to meet with the Doctor and the coordination team for my “interview”. It would move me up 6 weeks in the process and get the final approval’s out of the way!!
I said “YES” (after discussing it with my boss…)
With no real time to plan or process, I borrowed my sister’s car and asked RotKnee to walk HIS BEST GIRL, Lucy, for me on Friday. I would drive up in the morning, have my appointments, and then drive back that night. Yes, make it all happen in ONE day. I did it.
After going through the entire Research Study Disclosures, Consents and HIPAA forms (which took an hour), I met with Dr. Oberholzer. He interviews the subjects to see if they are psychologically, physically, and intellectually prepared to make the decision to join the study. He also is the final approval for acceptance into the study. He Has to Approve of ME. He did. We finalized the signatures on the approval forms and he gave me directions on what he expected of me.
His main expectation is - Weight loss. I am to eliminate the bicycle riding (at least don’t count it in the exercise) and walk for over 40 minutes a day EVERY day. Before my first blood work can be done, they want me to lose 5 lbs. That should be easy to do by April 24th… YES, April 24th.
I plan on going up on Thursday night and staying in Chicago so that I can arrive Friday morning fasting for the blood work. After that, I must have 3 more visits for blood work before I am put on the transplant list. Phew. It will be tons of work. The five hour drive to Chicago, finding a place to stay that won’t cost me all my appendages, and then the five hour drive back to Quincy. Herein lies my personal problems…
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My car is 15 years old with 150,000 miles on it. While it drives well, I am not really sure how long it would last making 600 mile round trips to Chicago every Thursday night… I also can’t just keep putting miles on my sister’s car. She is nice and kind but it would get kinda old, quick.
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Where to stay that is close to the U of I Medical Center but not right in that neighborhood… It is kinda scary… It would be nice to know someone with a guest house or apartment in the Chicago area that doesn’t mind an occasional guest.
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Lucy. She would have to go with me and RotKnee sometimes. She LOVES car rides but I am not sure the hotels there would be dog friendly.
Last but not least.
4. My job. So far Titan and my bosses are behind me 100% and have been super generous with time off or sick time. With the economy instability… not sure how long their generosity will last. or could last.
I got a couple of positive things going for me. RotKnee is totally supportive and encouraging. He will be a great asset in my decision making processes. My savings has recently been boosted back up with repayment to me of money loaned. My sister and her kids live close by and would be helpful with Lucy and the house.
Pray!
