Sunday 24 February 2013

Outstanding Tests and Progress

I think this is all moving now.  The Transplant Co-ordinator at Tim's hospital got on to me on Friday, just a day after his specialist appointment.  They've had a look (a last!) at the results sent to them by my local transplant centre and need me to do a couple more tests and also see the consultant next Friday - that's a bit quick after six months of doing nothing.  Then, if that's all OK, I'm booked to see the surgeon 13 days later.  The HTA interview which I had been puzzled about (by its absence) will then happen after that.

The deal is that they are suggesting end May/early June for the operation, and we might also be on the cancellation list so it could be before then.  As far as I can tell, from Tim's point of view this can't come soon enough.

One of the tests they want is an ECG treadmill test; presumably this is to make sure that I am fit enough (I think they are worried about my age) - I'd like to think that it wasn't done last year because they could see that I look damn fit, even though I say it myself.  Still, it'll be good to actually meet these people at last!

Thursday 21 February 2013

The Waiting is Over

Well, it looks as though the waiting is over.  Tim's latest results were not good and he saw the consultant today; as a result they have scheduled a transplant for end May/early June (three months ahead is normal). 

Now it depends on me, it seems.  Nothing is fixed for certain until they are certain about me, and there are a number of things that are still required or need to be repeated.  Remember that I had all my testing last year done at my nearest transplant centre, and that I have had no more than the odd telephone contact with my brother's hospital - I've never been there.  Hence, I am expecting a call at any time to talk about what else needs to be done, such as repeat tests and various interviews such as with the HTA. 

Tim is being very good, saying that he wouldn't be offended if I changed my mind, but frankly that's not something that I have really considered.  I saw the inside of three hospitals last year (as a patient or for donor tests), and that has not put me off; as I said at the beginning, I felt that my name as on this when I first heard about his illness, and that conviction is still with me.  After all, he's my brother!