Journal Entry 2: The Wait Begins

Debbie Kinney
April 17, 2009

We got home on a Friday night from our cruise and I was listed that following Monday, Jan. 26. From the time I woke up that morning, my adrenaline was flowing. I met with Kristi Oritz, my transplant coordinator. Kristi went over all the information I needed to know about being on the transplant list and handed me my beeper. She informed me that for the first 30 days I would be on the high-priority list. I was also told I needed to stay close and not travel any distance more than two hours from the hospital.

With all the information swirling in my head, I came home and all day kept feeling like I could get my heart at any moment! Then the days started passing by and I began to realize how hard it is to get an organ. You're on the list with so many other people that are waiting just like you. As the days go by, you stop jumping at every phone call and you don't feel as anxious as in the beginning. Then you realize your 30 days have gone by and you haven't received a phone call or a beep. Then your mind starts thinking about when and how long before you actually get the call.

A couple of weeks ago, I met with Dr. [Brian] Jaski, my cardiologist, and Kristi, my transplant coordinator. We talked about the extra fluid I've been retaining, my tiredness and the infection in my driveline site. They decided I should see Dr. Adamson again and they would talk to him about getting me placed back on the priority list.

This time, I don't feel as anxious. I need to be patient and wait for that perfect heart match to come in.

I did find out some good news last week. I was tested again to make sure my hepatitis C hasn't come back — and it hasn't. YEAH!!! So, for now, I'm trying to stay as healthy as possible and wait.... Follow more of Debbie's heart transplant journey.

For More Information
To learn more about the heart transplant program at Sharp Memorial Hospital, please contact the program directly by calling 858-939-3831, Monday through Friday, 7 am to 3:30 pm.

To learn more or to find a cardiologist affiliated with Sharp, please call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-824-4277) or go to Find a Doctor.