Reflux Frustration

Not sure how much I've blogged about my reflux previously, but here's the low-down... my rejection episode in May/June was as a direct result of reflux (and maybe my cold too). The Barium Swallow test didn't really show much from what I can gather. Nexium/Topzole dosage has been doubled. Trying my best to eat small suppers as far as possible from bedtime and have cut out practically all alcohol.

Clearly something is not working though, because even with all those measures in place I STILL get reflux. Last night I woke up at 01:00 am with bad heartburn, after having only a sandwich for supper at 18:00. Only slept for about 30 mins again after that. And it's not the first time it's happened. Going for a follow-up Barium Swallow test in 2/3 weeks time or so. Really hoping this one will have some answers... because this is not a problem I feel like dealing with for the rest of my life. And I know reflux can lead to chronic rejection so want it fixed asap.

Was starving today when I got home after gym and already scared that I might have had too much pasta for supper :-( Tired as hell but have to keep myself awake now because I can't go lie down now. Plus I'm still kind of hungry. HATE this.

On the plus side... in a month this time I'm off to London for a great holiday :-) Have I even blogged about that?? Next time...

28!

I officialy survived the 27 Club :-) Although not being a musician I probably wasn't at much risk of joining the club! My birthday was so-so, at least next year it's on a Saturday. Work wasn't bad, my desk was all festive when I got to work and we had pizza for lunch. In the evening we went out for steak at The Grillhouse in Rosebank with a few friends which was very nice. I even got ice-cream with sparkles on the house! I got a beautiful watch from Chris as well :-D

The rest of the weekend was also good. I helped the Organ Donor Foundation out on Sat morning with a wellness day. Afterwards Chris and I had lunch with another couple at Melrose Arch as it was her birthday on Sat. The evening was just spent chilling at home. On Sunday I went shopping with a friend and to church in the evening. Busy weekend I guess! Here's to many more years of busy weekends!

Oh, and on SPRING being here!!! Yay!

Nationals Pics

4 years 7 months!

So check-up ended taking place AFTER Nationals only, so let me start with Nationals...

We arrived in Durban at about 11:30 on Thursday morning. It's a 6 hour drive and we did the trip with Shaun and Alet (Shaun is my transplant buddy). The weather down there, although not sunny, was quite a but warmer, which was great. Our hotel was VERY nice and practically on the beach. Perfect setting!

On Friday morning we watched the swimming, and in the afternoon was squash. The squash went well... because we're only 2 girls we had to play against guys as well. It was tough and I lost, but played well (which is what they look at, not the scores because that would be pretty unfair!!!). Played 6 games in total and was pretty tired after that! The umpire told me afterwards that he thought I played great especially considering I received LUNGS and all the other guys I played against "only" kidneys or livers. Was really nice of him. Went to Suncoast Casino for some fish for supper and early to bed.

Saturday was athletics. I did 100m and long jump (didn't train very hard for this, more of a fun event), enjoyed it A LOT but came last (we were 3 athletes and I was by far the oldest... realising that being 28 in the 20-29 age group is not so cool, but not going to complain about getting old!) Afterwards we rode the Skycar to the top of the Moses Mabhida soccer stadium which was very cool. The gala dinner was on Sat night... it could have been planned a bit better (way more people attending than previous years!) but nice setting in the harbour and food was yummy.

Sunday the weather was amazing, so before we left we swam in the sea :-) It's been years since I've done that and it was really great. Perfect end to the trip! The 2 guys on the pic below are Shaun and Brian, who both had double lung transplants too.

Had check-up this afternoon, lung function 98% (same as before the rejection story started), bloods were all fine. Reflux still a concern, will be doing another Barium Swallow test in about 6 weeks time. Will probably go back for check-up again in just over 2 months time (unless I feel like going for lung function earlier).

Check Up and Nationals

Tomorrow is my first check-up after the last biopsy. And on Thursday we leave for the Nationals in Durban (where the World Games will be next year). So hoping check-up goes well, been feeling a tad paranoid and anxious about it because it's so close to our trip. Eeeekkkk... definitely taking half a sleeping pill tonight.

2 years of being Mrs Vogt

Tomorrow is our 2 year wedding anniversary! The last 2 years have been great and I hope there will by MANY more years together for us. Love you Chris!

August!!!!

Yay it's August! I've been looking forward to it for the following reasons:

• It's our 2 year wedding anniversary on the 7th... time flies!
• Nationals is in 2 weeks time, taking 2 days leave so will have a nice looong weekend at the coast. Also excited for seeing good transplant friends again, it's been a year since Sweden when I last saw most of them.
• It's my birthday on the 31st!
• Weather will be getting warmer... tired of winter so yay!

Going for a Dr check-up again on the 15th. Looking forward to it because still feeling a bit anxious after the past 2 months. Gymming and training going REALLY well though so hopefully lungfunction all good!

You Tube video of Official Launch - WTG 2013

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A574Ui_oBV8&feature=player_detailpage

My Dr Mol show appearance on You Tube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRXNqodvPnY

Results!

So I did get a call later on Thursday evening and the preliminary results were no rejection :-) Praise the Lord! Dr said it was unlikely to change, and I haven't heard anything since so I'm assuming nothing changed. Have to see the surgeon for follow up on Tuesday so so will definitely get the full report then. Hopefully everything can return to normal after that.

It's been great having my sis here. On Friday evening we went to see the movie Fly Fishing in Yemen, very cute love story!!!! Yesterday morning we went shopping in Sandton and got some awesome sale specials! Had lunch at my parents house and in the afternoon my sis and I chilled at our house for a bit. Last night we went to see a comedy show called Mass-Hysteria at Montecasino and went for burgers before the show. The show consisted of 8 comediants each doing their set. Was pretty funny and made for good evening out.

This weekend has also been FREEZING. Right now it's 9:29am and 2 degrees C outside! (and not much warmer inside cos we don't have central heating). Having lunch at parents house again today. Was also planning on going to gym this afternoon, but with the weather being so crap (freezing AND windy) what are the chances of me actually going? I'll just pretend like it's for my health's sake (sweaty body plus freezing wind when you get out of the gym = bad combination) and not like I'm just lazy!!!

biopsy - check, lungfunction - check, status = waiting

Yesterday was the "long" awaited follow up bronch. Went fine, no issues. Lip very sore today (they must have accidently cut it open on inside) and throat a bit tender. Lungfunction on Tuesday was 101% FEV1 and 116% FVC (Forced Vital Capacity) but the FEV 25-75% number down a bit. Dr said I shouldn't worry too much about it. So now the big wait for the results! With last biopsy I had the results by now, so the fact that I don't have it yet is hopefully good sign.

One week to go...

before my biopsy! Really "looking forward" to it.Also going for lung function the day before. Can't wait to get results back and put mind at rest, although am stressing a lot less these last 2 weeks than before. Feel like my "old self" and gym is going really well. Been doing 40 mins of treadmill instead of the normal 20 mins (run and walk) along with weights and stretching. Also going 3/4 times a week religiously and no slacking! Prednisone (steroids) is also back to my normal dosage and the only permanent change in meds after this episode is that I now take my med for heartburn twice a day instead of only once. Nationals only 6 weeks away and looking forward to the mini-break that goes with it.

Another reason I'm looking forward to biopsy is that my sis is coming up for a long-weekend the day afterwards! Feels like a long time since I've seen her but it's actually less than 2 months ago. Guess it just feels longer because I miss her! Will be going to a massive comedy event on the Sat night so that's going to be awesome.

Lots to look forward to!