A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Doctors!

Well - it wasn’t really funny. We went to see the pulmonologist regarding the symptoms that I have been having for some time. In the last couple of weeks I have had a CT SCAN, Pulmonary Function Test, a lot of blood tests, saw my eye doctor and he wanted me to see a specialist because he saw something in my left eye that didn’t look right.

The eye is no problem. Everything came out on the pictures fine and I don’t have to worry about that at all.

However, the pulmonologist reviewed the CT SCAN and wanted me to see a surgeon right away for a biopsy of my lung. He is concerned with pulmonary fibrosis or something of that nature. There appears to be a lot of inflamation and the lungs also have a lot of apparent scarring and other problems.

He sent us to make an appointment with a thoraxic surgeon and we will see him Friday at 10:30 a.m. The surgeon is not normally there on Fridays but agreed to come in to see me. The pulmonologist said that I will be in the hospital for 4 days. They need to go through my side to make the biopsy.

I am also dealing with a problem with my throat that is not related to the lung but has been caused by the coughing. I am not to talk and I have some medications to help this situation.

I will use this posting on my BLOG for updates as we go along. Please check it often to see what is going on. This is the best way to keep all of you up to date.

Yes, I would appreciate your prayers and Ann would also. Rick & Brenda will be taking care of Ann during my time of recovery.

UPDATE # 1 (3-13-09) Just got back from a day of meetings for the surgery. Met with the surgeon, Dr. Ledford Powell, who came in from surgery just to give me the counsoltation. Surgery is set up for Tuesday 3-17-09 at 9: 30 a.m. at Saddleback Hospital. He said the stay will be only overnight and I should be released by noon on Wednesday. Then had the pre-registration for the surgery. More blood lab work and an EKG. Then a talk to the admitting nurse covering all the fine points of visiting the hospital. We got there at 10:30 a.m. and was out about 2:00 p.m. So a long day. Our son went with us to help with the wheelchair for Ann and to listen in on what is going on. I will have three lung biopsies all on the right lung. They are entering with two incisions - one for the camera and one for the surgery. Through the ribs. Sounds like fun! Of course I won't know anything. More updates when I am able to write.