I'm long overdue to make more comments on my disease.... COPD.  The disease has progressed immensely since my first post (September 2007).  I'm now at "End Stage COPD".  What that means is that there is nothing more that my Pulmonary Doc can do for me, other than maintaining me on my regimen of medications and oxygen. 

Four years ago, I went to the Lung Transplant Center at the University Health Center in Charlottesville, Virginia, to be tested and interviewed for a lung transplant.  The first thing they told me was that I needed to lose 40 pounds before I could be considered for a transplant.

I lost 10 pounds within a couple of months, but nothing more.  Then two years ago, I attended Pulmonary Therapy (exercise) for 16 weeks, at the Martha Jefferson Hospital (Charlottesville, Virginia).  I lost another 10 pounds during that time.  After the 16 weeks were up, I was again without exercise in my life.

Then, on the 24th and 25th of May, I returned to the Lung Transplant Center at UVa, as I had lost the final 20 pounds between Christmas and March of 2012.  Once again I went through the interviews (Lung Transplant Coordinator, Social Worker, and the Surgeon), then on to the CT Scans, Blood work, Ultrasound, more Scans using dyes and Radioactive material, Pulmonary Function Tests and Nutritionist.  Everyone was very kind and thorough.  There are more interviews and medical tests to go through, but not until July.  So far, things look good for me.  When I am finished with all of the medical tests and interviews, the Coordinator takes all of the information to the Lung Transplant Board, to present my case, for them to make a decision on whether or not I am qualified for a transplant. 

I have a lot to think about during the wait.  I have prayed about this, and I feel that the ultimate decision is in God's hands.  My Mom is also praying for me, and has asked for prayer in Church.

More later....