February 15, 2015
Hello my Friends,
Well, I am Four and One-Half months out of transplant and doing fine. I just turned 66 years old and am so tickled to have breath and a brighter-than-bright future to look forward to.
I go to Columbus about three times a month for tests and meetings and am keeping a running relationship with my medical team regarding trends in blood work, preventative procedures, stabilizing routines like attending rehabilitation (here in Cincinnati) regularly.
I now am moving into my next phase of recovery - a kind of "normalized" routine of resting, med taking, exercise - of course- but, more: What am I going to do with my new life? To facilitate crystalizing a usable answer to that question I am reading a book by my Shaman/Teacher, discussing sympathy/empathy/compassion with whomever will listen, and incorporating a reverence of, and an ear for, little signals in my life that tell me which way to turn, how to behave, where to look for clues...all without going crazy. I think that I'll have my work cut out for me, sometimes, and feel like it's as easy as falling off a log, at other times.
Anyway, I have more energy for activity, dreaming, enjoying sunshine/clouds/rain/snow/whatever: life!!
We are not through travelling to Columbus, yet, so keep those cards and letters coming. We love and appreciate you-all and wish for a beautiful wrapping up of another winter.
Rick Mahrt
December 3, 2014
Good Morning, travelers... It's a cold, rainy day in Cincinnati - must be early December, yup, that's it, alright.
Bubba and I went to Columbus to have my monthly "bronc" done. Uneventful: all's well. We will need to get another procedure done, however: something involving keeping gastric juices out of the new airways. Another hospital visit.
Frankly, it's all good: we're still in awe of what's transpiring, where we've been, where we're going...and glad to have you along.
I'm aware of changes in the looks of people when they see me in my mask - still: "he's harmless..." - and without my surgical mask: "What's this? Do I need to worry? Is this a challenge?". How is it possible to feel so small and insignificant and, at once, all-powerful and all-abiding?
Something to think about, as the day rolls along. Love to you. Rick.
November 8, 2014
Ah, so. I am slowly re-discovering myself and I like what I see. Adventures with meds continue (as they forever will-the nature of a transplant) and struggles with attitude take lots of energy but I'm clear that my voyage will make its way clear to me. I can't see my path. I can only see as far as a minimized symptom state: full of oxygen, full of potential, filled with energy and grace. Join me on this path by signing my guest book!
October 31, 2014
Hello - this is my first update after my transplant. I am humbled by the generosity of the donor family, gratified to have been selected for the procedure, and breathing more deeply then I have in years. I have been out of the hospital, now, for ten days and am dealing with effects of meds and prolonged inactivity.
My side hurts, often, but I'm so tired of the pain meds that I choose to ignore it. I will be returning to OSUMEDICAL for exams and procedures for years to come, but am very glad to have this behind me.
Both Barbara and myself have had a long journey to this place. We welcome the new problems in exchange for more time to be alive and giving back.
That's all for now, I'm tired and it's time to get physical.
Love y'all Rick.
October 16, 2014
News??? You want some news? How's this: PaPa Rick has a NEW Lung!!
Yes, thanks to lucky stars, well connected spirit partners, dedicated prayers, loving partner, family, friends, very telented medical staffers, and a stranger,and his family,and the DivineSpark that runs throughout us all, I was successfully transplanted on October 1st, 2014.
September 1, 2014
We're listed!! Yup, just awaiting the call from Ohio State University to come up and have a replacement lung placed.
We're very excited and wondering about the person who gives me this chance, bless him/her deeply.
August 18, 2014
Hello Friends and Neighbors: Big news on the transplant front; the medical team at OSU have decided on a less invasive, less arduous and traumatic SINGLE lung transplant! We're tickled enough that something is happening, let alone that this modification has been made.
This means a shorter recovery time and hospital stay. The medications will be the same - hard to adjust to - but, after a year or so, I hope to be well on the way to a normal life. Cool, huh?
July 7, 2014
Well, hello. It's been a while since I've logged in an update, but here goes: We've been in communication and working with the Wexner Medical Center at Ohio State University. Lot's of tests (most results from Cleveland have carried over nicely) and a few more to come. June 30th we ran into a snag - needing more tests and the scheduling that that entails. So, the eventual tyransplant has been moved back, perhaps months, and we're both a bit vexed (like that word?) but trust in the Great Spirit's ways.
March 8, 2014
Hello my friends. It is almost springtime, here in Ohio - I fully expect more snow at any time, but warm air is becoming more the 'norm'.
Special News Flash: Ohio State University's Wexner Medical Center is resuming lung transplant procedures, and is actively seeking transplant candidates. I found this out from my Alpha Coordinator - just before she retired - and called them up. We've set up a meeting, in Columbus, for March 20th. We're both excited about this as it is 3 hours closer and that much easier to access. I will keep you-all updated, but, again, thanks for your generosities.
October 16, 2013
The date for the next Cleveland visit is set: December 23rd.
We'll be closing in on getting all testing done (always more, it seems). Meanwhile - Thanks a Million to our supporters. We Love You Too!!
October 8, 2013
April 18, 2013
Dear Friends,
Barbara and I have just returned from our latest/last set of tests at the Cleveland Clinic. Some follow-up still to complete, but I have been issued an “index” number – indicating my placement on the transplant listing. Although I continue to experience difficulty with every-day activities my placement on this list, at this time, is near the bottom. The transplant physician has advised us against entering this listing until my index number places me in the top half. This was disappointing news for Barbara and I but is a wake-up call to fully enjoying the quality of life that I have now as life after transplant looks short ( 50% survival rate for 5 years and 20% for 10 years). In other words – this is not a “fix”, but a last-ditch effort at life extension.
To this end, I have been prescribed participation in pulmonary rehab – a program specifically designed for reduced lung capacity work-outs. This will return lost stamina and flexibility as well as keeping up our spirits. Barbara and I are adjusting to my “new normal” and are optimistically looking forward to this summer as one of rebuilding and rehabilitation and crossing the transplant threshold within a year’s time. We will be checking in with the clinic on a regular basis and reassessing my placement on the list. We will be using the HelpHopeLive funds for these trips.
We are grateful for your continued support and want to keep you informed as to the latest developments. Please supply us with an email address so that we can do this more easily.
With Gratitude, Rick and Barbara
May 27, 2013
News for this month...(May)...
well, nothing beats exercise and I'm doin' it! Yup, not only Pulmonary Rehab (at a local clinic) but VIRTUAL Pulmonary Rehab (thru AlphaNet). It's getting into my bikini that worries me (just kidding). The grandkids are excited about the pools being open and so WE are excited as well! At least we'd BETTER gear up for this activity!! We won't be visiting Charlevoix this summer (no $) but we might get to a free cabin visit in Aug. in Ontario. That'll be so cool!
All is stable - thank you Great Spirit. And "Thanks" to you-all for your prayers and material contributions that assure us that, whenever this happens, we'll be in good stead. You're all Angels, out there.
April 4, 2013
Cincinnati tests went well...
I heard from my pulmonologists office that all went well: there are no complications - nothing to contra-indicate a transplant, and that I will make a good candidate. We go to Cleveland in a week for psychiatric evaluation, bone density update. Then pulmonary function update (always). We're coming up to a final listing. Yay!!
March 23, 2013
Many "thank you"s...
My donations keep rolling in - some are on "hold" until I actually get 'listed' - and my heartfelt thanks goes out to all who were/are able to contribute and to those who simply can't but send thoughts and prayers, as well. Another week has passed and no word from the hospital(s) about my 'test totals'. We're trusting that all's well.
March 19, 2013
A beginning to: "Hurry up and wait".
I called the pre-transplant office in Cleveland, the other day, and was told that the next available consultation was May 15th. AQ full 8 weeks after we were originally to meet. What the heck? Am expecting a letter with details and explanation...didn't come today, either. Hmmm...
March 11, 2013
Counting down the tests...
This Friday will be a heart test - some type of catheter and groin and incision thingee...I sorta don't want to know. Anyway...this, I believe, is the final one to see if I am healthy enough for a transplant. It's been a bunch of hurdles, but I used to it by now and am looking forward to going to Cleveland in a few weeks to finalize all the preparations to being "on the list" !!
March 27, 2013
Oooops...not done testing?!
That's right. I'll be making a quick run up to Cleveland for a couple of tests - a couple of times...it's exhausting! Anyway - results are fine so far...
March 16, 2013
The last test is over - passed with flying colors.
Well, sports fans, it looks like we're home free - so to speak. Yup, all systems are "GO" for a transplant (no surprise, yet a relief, none-the-less) and we're looking forward to getting to Cleveland to finalize the next step of our journey.
That heart catheterization was a bit more difficult than I'd imagined it would be. A little more uncomfortable, and a LOT scarier, for me, anyway. I hope you never need one, dear reader.
March 7, 2013
Testing continues...
I am sitting here with a tube down my throat...heh, heh...makes me want to clear my throat, constantly. Fortunately, it comes out tomorrow. This testing is for reflux and gastronomic investigation - wouldn't want the new larnyx damaged by acid from the tummy!
The next morning I eat some ATOMIC EGGS !!!
March 7, 2013
I am humbled.
As time rolls along and I look at the list of generous people out there, I am humbled , gratefull, and encouraged. Your thoughtfulness will make our summer/recovery much, much easier. We thank you.
March 3, 2013
Moving right along...
Today is the 3rd of March - our Anniversary...25 years od partnership and already another adventure brewing. I am getting through the list of pre-listing tests for my Double Lung transplant. It's a chore in and of itself. My fervent hope is for all-round success and another 10-15 years with my Barbara.
September 2, 2013
August visit was successful.
We stopped in at Cleveland Clinic after a few days at the Canada cottage and met with more specialists (this time a bone specialist and a psychiatrist) including the last major surgeon of the team. His favorite movie(young Frankenstein) is one of mine, too - we shared some laughs and got onto good terms with each other. Barbara didn't get our references, though, but smiled gamely. Our next meeting will be in December as awaiting until February would, in all likelihood, be in the harsh storm season.
I'm getting more endurance and strength with the pulmonary rehab and declining at a predictable rate. We're so glad to have initiated this step this early.
More later.
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