Welcome to Duke Lung Transplant Friends
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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.
v Keep a written log of all inpatient medical providers (name, phone, service). Ask for business cards.
v The Transplant Surgeon rounds when he is free and not in the OR, which is to say, he doesn’t round at the same time each day and can be difficult to catch up with.
v If admitted to the Pulmonary Transplant Service, then the Pulmonologist rounds from 7-11am.
v Write down questions daily to ask the doctor during rounds. The doctors will take the time to answer your questions, IF YOU ASK. Otherwise their daily updates may be in summary form and vague.
Ask them:
oWhat are they concerned with today?
oOutcome of yesterday’s tests?
oWhat tests are on the docket for today?
oWhat is tentative short-term plan for next 48-72 hrs?
With so much information being thrown around, take notes when talkin with the doctors. This will help you formulate questions for tomorrow.
v The bedside nurse is your connection to the transplant team. If you miss the doctor on rounds, ask the nurse for the daily update. Additionally, you may ask to see the transplant team PA (Physician Assistant - currently there are two on staff). They are available to answer any questions you may have also. They will have more time to explain things you may not fully understand about your current situation, what the test results mean, etc..
v The physical therapist will visit daily for about 30 minutes. The team wants your loved one walking a minimum of 18 laps every day. Be proactive and develop a walking schedule based upon the day’s tests and help them get their laps in.
v As you can, take 15 minute breaks outside, a few times a day. Better yet, give yourself permission to go home and nap. Your loved one has the attention and care they need, so use the time to charge your batteries in preparation for their discharge. Always make sure your loved ones nurse knows when you leave so that they will be sure to be more attentive and aware that you are not there to give assistance.
v The Transplant Surgeon rounds when he is free and not in the OR, which is to say, he doesn’t round at the same time each day and can be difficult to catch up with.
v If admitted to the Pulmonary Transplant Service, then the Pulmonologist rounds from 7-11am.
v Write down questions daily to ask the doctor during rounds. The doctors will take the time to answer your questions, IF YOU ASK. Otherwise their daily updates may be in summary form and vague.
Ask them:
oWhat are they concerned with today?
oOutcome of yesterday’s tests?
oWhat tests are on the docket for today?
oWhat is tentative short-term plan for next 48-72 hrs?
With so much information being thrown around, take notes when talkin with the doctors. This will help you formulate questions for tomorrow.
v The bedside nurse is your connection to the transplant team. If you miss the doctor on rounds, ask the nurse for the daily update. Additionally, you may ask to see the transplant team PA (Physician Assistant - currently there are two on staff). They are available to answer any questions you may have also. They will have more time to explain things you may not fully understand about your current situation, what the test results mean, etc..
v The physical therapist will visit daily for about 30 minutes. The team wants your loved one walking a minimum of 18 laps every day. Be proactive and develop a walking schedule based upon the day’s tests and help them get their laps in.
v As you can, take 15 minute breaks outside, a few times a day. Better yet, give yourself permission to go home and nap. Your loved one has the attention and care they need, so use the time to charge your batteries in preparation for their discharge. Always make sure your loved ones nurse knows when you leave so that they will be sure to be more attentive and aware that you are not there to give assistance.
Helpful Hospital Hints