Journal Entry 17: Beginning to Feel an Improvement

Sept. 20–Oct. 4, 2009

Sunday was a social day ... I met with my friend Bobbi and her mom for brunch and then later that evening Larry and I met at Zorbas Greek Restaurant to celebrate Noanie Gildner's "Special" Birthday. We laughed a lot and had a wonderful time. Ate too much for one day! I'll have to work it off in Cardiac Rehab Class on Monday!!

Dr. Sacks (pulmonary specialist) ordered several tests this week. He thinks my phrenic nerve could be paralyzed and that the diaphragm isn't working on the right side. The importance of the phrenic nerve's role is causing the diaphragm to contract, a crucial step in the respiratory process.

Wednesday the 23rd I did a "Sniff Test" and they concluded that my phrenic nerve is only partially paralyzed and my diaphragm is slightly moving. Dr. Sacks said there is a possibility the nerve could regenerate.

Larry, my husband, left on Thursday the 24th for a camping trip with his sons and several good friends. They're camping in the Sequoias. I miss Larry not being here. It's my first time alone by myself ... feels strange not having him around.

Saturday the 26th I went to my nephew Ryan's soccer game. I was so proud of him. He made two out of three goals! He's quite the athlete!

It's Monday the 28th and I had my monthly visit with Dr. Jaski (my cardiologist) and Kristi Ortiz (my transplant coordinator). They said I'm doing great and everything looks good. My next biopsy is scheduled for the end of October.

Tonight, I played Bunco at my friend Kim's home in Jamul. What a beautiful view she has from her home! Just breathtaking. It's always so much fun when the "Bunco Girls" get together. I can't tell you how many different subjects we've talked about over the years.

On Tuesday the 29th Larry came home from his camping trip! I was so happy to see him. It's not the same around here without him!

Wednesday, they were giving out flu shots at the Cardiac Rehab Center. It was nice because there wasn't a long line and it didn't even hurt!

It's Saturday, October 3rd, and we went to Larry's brother's home for a nice dinner. He and his wife moved to Alpine several months ago. It was a nice drive and the "harvest moon" was so bright and beautiful!

It's Sunday and we went to my niece Natalie's softball game in Eastlake. It was cold at the game ... feels like Autumn weather. Love it!

My Cardiac Rehab classes were supposed to end soon. I didn't want my cardiac classes to end because I felt I was really doing well and beginning to feel an improvement. I hadn't worked out in 3 years and I lost so much muscle, strength, etc. However, I received a nice surprise and a wonderful person paid to have me continue my Cardiac Classes until the end of the year. Yes, we do have Earth Angels and I can't thank them enough! 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.