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
While we were on the floor, a white board has been set up with three groups identified: Walk, Weights and Bike. Each category has 15 or so names listed. The group has been split up into exercise stations that we will rotate through in a clockwise manner. Meanwhile… the graduate group is already at the stations working their way thru, so the next hour will be a bit congested with the two groups overlapping. The transplant program at Duke has really taken off, and to be quite honest, it is outgrowing the large facility; oxygen equipment and the room to store it in, classroom space that now requires splitting up the groups and caregivers; waiting for equipment to free up. It’s usually not too long of a wait for anything - but there are sometimes that are less crowded than others.
As people who know me know…I don’t like being crowded. Closeness with others makes me uncomfortable. Not because I am bashful, or think I am better than anyone, but because I just get overwhelmed with a sensation…like a claustrophobic type anxiety. I don’t like shopping malls, church dinners at group tables, crowded festivals and events or any activity in a group that becomes too crowded. I NEED my space. This will probably do me good in the future when my immunity suppression is in place making me more susceptible to germs, fungi and bacteria. It’s not that I don’t enjoy talking with other people, but I want the openness of space around me…so I tend to sit apart from the crowd. I also tend to be more of a listener and observer than a talker and doer…that is until I am “on-stage”. I love to educate and share information in a structured setting. Therefore over the years I have made my times alone” even in a crowd, a time of “learning. I really do like being a people watcher and behaviorist. It’s the “Harriett the Spy” in me.
I have noticed something universal in this new life. There is one very obvious thing that tends to separate and reveal the pre-transplant people from the post-transplant people. And interestingly enough - it is conversation during our workout day. The pre-tx folks are so busy just trying to breathe, they don’t have the breath to chatter with those sitting or walking next to them. Many of the ones who have received new lungs are always talking…they hardly stop. It was probably in their make-up to be that way anyway…but it is charmingly interesting to watch them pair up and chatter away. It can be irritating sometimes too though. When the trainers microphone stops working and the “talkers” laying on mats next to each just other keep talking… it’s hard enough to follow the instructions, and sort out the trainer’s muffled voice from all the machines whirring and churning all around us, without having to sort through all the non-essential gabbing going on. And when it happens on the track, it causes traffic jams because the talkers block and restrict two or three lanes as they walk side by side which only leaves one for the rest of the pack to single file through. It’s like a log jam on a plume as walkers single file waiting for their chance to wiggle by. The pre-transplantees don’t have energy or air to waste on conversation. They save it for when the break times come, before and after sessions, when we slip back into our chairs and knock the oxygen levels back to our resting numbers. So even though the masks and cannulas, or lack of cannula give the 2 populations away visually, the behavior differences between the two groups is prominently evident. I will be watching to see how this dynamic interaction changes as more of my group gets their transplant and make their way back to the group for post tx rehab. Who then will be the talkers…and who will be the walkers? Should be interesting to see if my observations and guesses prove right.
Always thinking…
Each day we are rotated to start at a different station. So, if I started at the weights today, then tomorrow I’ll start at bikes and the next day my starting activity will be walking. It breaks up the monotony that way. Another help in breaking up the routine is by alternately walking counter-clockwise around the track one day and switching to clockwise the next. If the group I am assigned to is walking, then first we must report in to the trainer desk.
They verify that our tanks have sufficient oxygen in them to get us around track for our duration, if it is set to the proper oxygen level, and if we have our counting beads with us. On our first day we were presented with a cord of approximately 30 little plastic colored beads strung on. I tried using them a day or two. But I found them too small and easy to miscount with. I bought me some larger wooden beads with substance of varying textures, sizes and color tones and made my own counting beads. The trainers set a timer for 20 minutes, unless it is Tues or Thurs, and then we have to walk for 30 minutes. Ugh! I remember my first Tuesday walk…. I thought I would collapse before those 30 minutes were over - but the good news was… I had walked a mile and a half in 30 minutes - or 19 beads (laps).
Walking around and around can get really to be a drudge, particularly for an outside visually oriented person like me, but I try to entertain myself with creative past-times. I noticed a large luna moth dangling on the outside of the window one day, so each time I passed, I focused on looking at it. Each lap the moth became the visual target. Other times, if my caregiver husband was there early for a class and seated in the classroom, I would see him with every pass of the doorway I made, so I started entertaining both of us with smooches blown in his direction…next trip around was a curtsy…next trip was three jumping jacks, or I might throw him an “I love you” in sign language ala gang style etc. I would have a whole lap to think about what my next antic would be and then spring it on him, which helped pass the laps away!
I'm sure I'm not responsible for it in its entirety, but I do know I have been a major contributor to the T-Shirt entertainment circle. There is nothing more fun than to walk the track loop and wait to see what the next T-Shirt says. I try to make each day special as I carefully select a shirt from my immense supply of interesting and unusual T-Shirts. Most I have purchased during vacations, from organizations I supported, from my church or because they would serve as a memory of a special time I had. I love to see what kinds of unusual shirts I can come up with. I have some about trees, trails, rivers and lakes, some about Yogi, Smokey and Capt Kangaroo, Squirrels who are wanted, Bears who are wanted, and wolfs who aren't wanted by many and of books that I always want. I have cop related shirts, Cartoon Characters and Scenic locations. So far I have only one shirt style from my church, but it was two different colors with the same words. I am seriously thinking about reviving my "Charlie" hats too. Thank goodness I live close enough to haul my collection of shirts back and forth. What will I do during Post Surgery Rehab? Start the rotation all over. Shucks no! I have a whole ‘nother box of T-shirts I have outgrown because of this disease. After surgery, at least for a little while, I will have likely lost enough weight to fit all my Size Small shirts again. Lots of Geocaching and Hiking t-shirt garments to come! I can't wait to bring them all to life again! I love casual work-out garb! LOL
Uh-oh! Problem alert! Someone on the treadmills is wearing strong cologne or body spray. Unfortunately he has positioned himself directly under a rotating fan so that it sends the chemicals in a broad swipe across the track. I can already feel my eyes itching and my airways closing up and I reach for my rescue inhaler. I realize that those who don’t have allergies or breathing problems don’t realize the serious health effects that many perfumes create. It isn’t all perfumes - just ones that use certain synthetic chemicals that compromise our lungs and airways. The reaction is frightening as I begin to gasp for more oxygen to try and balance out the danger of increased shortness of breath. I try to steer myself to the lanes farthest from the poison that attacks me. When I hear people tell me about their headaches and allergies, I wonder if the fragrances they are wearing may just be the very culprit for their own discomfort. I have had to leave businesses, restaurants and locations where someone’s chemical fragrance is permeating the room. And large gatherings where folks tend to dress up often present challenges for me such as concerts, church, theater, etc. I had truly hoped the signs that ask for a fragrant free environment might be accepted. If you know there are people who suffer, why would you not? This is twice this man has come into the gym with a strong fragrance on. I have asked for help from staff - but if it happens a third time, I will pray and then approach him myself and ask for his help. I know some may not understand my cries for help, but like I said about helping others through doors, after my surgery, I will never EVER wear cologne again. That is a pretty strong statement from someone who once sold Avon and always wore cologne, but… I have suffered the migraines, the itchy eyes, the swelling of my throat, the uncontrolled coughing. Moving right along…
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As people who know me know…I don’t like being crowded. Closeness with others makes me uncomfortable. Not because I am bashful, or think I am better than anyone, but because I just get overwhelmed with a sensation…like a claustrophobic type anxiety. I don’t like shopping malls, church dinners at group tables, crowded festivals and events or any activity in a group that becomes too crowded. I NEED my space. This will probably do me good in the future when my immunity suppression is in place making me more susceptible to germs, fungi and bacteria. It’s not that I don’t enjoy talking with other people, but I want the openness of space around me…so I tend to sit apart from the crowd. I also tend to be more of a listener and observer than a talker and doer…that is until I am “on-stage”. I love to educate and share information in a structured setting. Therefore over the years I have made my times alone” even in a crowd, a time of “learning. I really do like being a people watcher and behaviorist. It’s the “Harriett the Spy” in me.
I have noticed something universal in this new life. There is one very obvious thing that tends to separate and reveal the pre-transplant people from the post-transplant people. And interestingly enough - it is conversation during our workout day. The pre-tx folks are so busy just trying to breathe, they don’t have the breath to chatter with those sitting or walking next to them. Many of the ones who have received new lungs are always talking…they hardly stop. It was probably in their make-up to be that way anyway…but it is charmingly interesting to watch them pair up and chatter away. It can be irritating sometimes too though. When the trainers microphone stops working and the “talkers” laying on mats next to each just other keep talking… it’s hard enough to follow the instructions, and sort out the trainer’s muffled voice from all the machines whirring and churning all around us, without having to sort through all the non-essential gabbing going on. And when it happens on the track, it causes traffic jams because the talkers block and restrict two or three lanes as they walk side by side which only leaves one for the rest of the pack to single file through. It’s like a log jam on a plume as walkers single file waiting for their chance to wiggle by. The pre-transplantees don’t have energy or air to waste on conversation. They save it for when the break times come, before and after sessions, when we slip back into our chairs and knock the oxygen levels back to our resting numbers. So even though the masks and cannulas, or lack of cannula give the 2 populations away visually, the behavior differences between the two groups is prominently evident. I will be watching to see how this dynamic interaction changes as more of my group gets their transplant and make their way back to the group for post tx rehab. Who then will be the talkers…and who will be the walkers? Should be interesting to see if my observations and guesses prove right.
Always thinking…
Each day we are rotated to start at a different station. So, if I started at the weights today, then tomorrow I’ll start at bikes and the next day my starting activity will be walking. It breaks up the monotony that way. Another help in breaking up the routine is by alternately walking counter-clockwise around the track one day and switching to clockwise the next. If the group I am assigned to is walking, then first we must report in to the trainer desk.
They verify that our tanks have sufficient oxygen in them to get us around track for our duration, if it is set to the proper oxygen level, and if we have our counting beads with us. On our first day we were presented with a cord of approximately 30 little plastic colored beads strung on. I tried using them a day or two. But I found them too small and easy to miscount with. I bought me some larger wooden beads with substance of varying textures, sizes and color tones and made my own counting beads. The trainers set a timer for 20 minutes, unless it is Tues or Thurs, and then we have to walk for 30 minutes. Ugh! I remember my first Tuesday walk…. I thought I would collapse before those 30 minutes were over - but the good news was… I had walked a mile and a half in 30 minutes - or 19 beads (laps).
Walking around and around can get really to be a drudge, particularly for an outside visually oriented person like me, but I try to entertain myself with creative past-times. I noticed a large luna moth dangling on the outside of the window one day, so each time I passed, I focused on looking at it. Each lap the moth became the visual target. Other times, if my caregiver husband was there early for a class and seated in the classroom, I would see him with every pass of the doorway I made, so I started entertaining both of us with smooches blown in his direction…next trip around was a curtsy…next trip was three jumping jacks, or I might throw him an “I love you” in sign language ala gang style etc. I would have a whole lap to think about what my next antic would be and then spring it on him, which helped pass the laps away!
I'm sure I'm not responsible for it in its entirety, but I do know I have been a major contributor to the T-Shirt entertainment circle. There is nothing more fun than to walk the track loop and wait to see what the next T-Shirt says. I try to make each day special as I carefully select a shirt from my immense supply of interesting and unusual T-Shirts. Most I have purchased during vacations, from organizations I supported, from my church or because they would serve as a memory of a special time I had. I love to see what kinds of unusual shirts I can come up with. I have some about trees, trails, rivers and lakes, some about Yogi, Smokey and Capt Kangaroo, Squirrels who are wanted, Bears who are wanted, and wolfs who aren't wanted by many and of books that I always want. I have cop related shirts, Cartoon Characters and Scenic locations. So far I have only one shirt style from my church, but it was two different colors with the same words. I am seriously thinking about reviving my "Charlie" hats too. Thank goodness I live close enough to haul my collection of shirts back and forth. What will I do during Post Surgery Rehab? Start the rotation all over. Shucks no! I have a whole ‘nother box of T-shirts I have outgrown because of this disease. After surgery, at least for a little while, I will have likely lost enough weight to fit all my Size Small shirts again. Lots of Geocaching and Hiking t-shirt garments to come! I can't wait to bring them all to life again! I love casual work-out garb! LOL
Uh-oh! Problem alert! Someone on the treadmills is wearing strong cologne or body spray. Unfortunately he has positioned himself directly under a rotating fan so that it sends the chemicals in a broad swipe across the track. I can already feel my eyes itching and my airways closing up and I reach for my rescue inhaler. I realize that those who don’t have allergies or breathing problems don’t realize the serious health effects that many perfumes create. It isn’t all perfumes - just ones that use certain synthetic chemicals that compromise our lungs and airways. The reaction is frightening as I begin to gasp for more oxygen to try and balance out the danger of increased shortness of breath. I try to steer myself to the lanes farthest from the poison that attacks me. When I hear people tell me about their headaches and allergies, I wonder if the fragrances they are wearing may just be the very culprit for their own discomfort. I have had to leave businesses, restaurants and locations where someone’s chemical fragrance is permeating the room. And large gatherings where folks tend to dress up often present challenges for me such as concerts, church, theater, etc. I had truly hoped the signs that ask for a fragrant free environment might be accepted. If you know there are people who suffer, why would you not? This is twice this man has come into the gym with a strong fragrance on. I have asked for help from staff - but if it happens a third time, I will pray and then approach him myself and ask for his help. I know some may not understand my cries for help, but like I said about helping others through doors, after my surgery, I will never EVER wear cologne again. That is a pretty strong statement from someone who once sold Avon and always wore cologne, but… I have suffered the migraines, the itchy eyes, the swelling of my throat, the uncontrolled coughing. Moving right along…
Click here to continue reading
Duke Lung Transplant Friends
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by Susan Traxel Martin