Welcome to Duke Lung Transplant Friends
Copyright© 2007 All Rights Reserved
Diane Detmer
Website designed, published and maintained by Diane Detmer
Contact Webmaster: dinki@charter.net
Diane Detmer
Website designed, published and maintained by Diane Detmer
Contact Webmaster: dinki@charter.net
Duke Lung Transplant Friends
Lung Transplantation
A Guide for Caregivers
by
Wayne Bulla
Lung Transplantation
A Guide for Caregivers
by
Wayne Bulla
Disclaimer
This guide is in no way directly associated with DUMC, or its affiliates. It was written by a caregiver for caregivers for the sole purpose to better prepare them for this overwhelming experience.
This guide is in no way directly associated with DUMC, or its affiliates. It was written by a caregiver for caregivers for the sole purpose to better prepare them for this overwhelming experience.
Control Book Binder
It is advisable to have a 3 ring binder with tabs of the following headings:
(These forms are provided on this website in a printable format)
v Master Schedule
v Med List
v Vitals Stats
v Spirometry - this is the daily breathing test done at home
v PFT - this is for copies of PFT's done in clinic and/or hospital
v Med Changes
v Phone Numbers
v Diabetes
v Appointment Calendar
v Telephone Log
v Daily Notes - Early on after leaving the hospital there are many things that happened that as caregivers we are not sure are ok or not. It is difficult to keep up with EVERYTHING. Writing down observations can be very helpful to you and to the transplant team if things don't seem to be right. Writing down what your loved one eats and how much is important.
v Lab reports - It is advisable to get a copy of all blood work done at home and faxed to Duke. Once you are home, it can take nearly a week to hear from Duke with your blood work results. Usually, normal ranges are provided on these printouts and you will be able to keep track of blood values that are high or low and bring this to the coordinators attention. Unfortunabely, it is not uncmmon for things to get overlooked.
v Basic Medical History - This is especially helpful when going into the hospital. If you have a computer, keep this current and print out multiple copies before going to the hospital. Nurses, interns, residents, fellows and others will ask for your medical history. This prevents errors and misunderstandings of what has happened to the paitent.
(These forms are provided on this website in a printable format)
v Master Schedule
v Med List
v Vitals Stats
v Spirometry - this is the daily breathing test done at home
v PFT - this is for copies of PFT's done in clinic and/or hospital
v Med Changes
v Phone Numbers
v Diabetes
v Appointment Calendar
v Telephone Log
v Daily Notes - Early on after leaving the hospital there are many things that happened that as caregivers we are not sure are ok or not. It is difficult to keep up with EVERYTHING. Writing down observations can be very helpful to you and to the transplant team if things don't seem to be right. Writing down what your loved one eats and how much is important.
v Lab reports - It is advisable to get a copy of all blood work done at home and faxed to Duke. Once you are home, it can take nearly a week to hear from Duke with your blood work results. Usually, normal ranges are provided on these printouts and you will be able to keep track of blood values that are high or low and bring this to the coordinators attention. Unfortunabely, it is not uncmmon for things to get overlooked.
v Basic Medical History - This is especially helpful when going into the hospital. If you have a computer, keep this current and print out multiple copies before going to the hospital. Nurses, interns, residents, fellows and others will ask for your medical history. This prevents errors and misunderstandings of what has happened to the paitent.