Week 3 in Toronto General

It’s pretty much confirmed, barring a dramatic turnaround, that I’ll be in here until I get transplanted.

Even though the underlying fibrosis seems to be at about the same level and doesn’t seem to be progressing too fast, the blood clots in both lungs have reduced even further my ability to take up oxygen. This means being on six litres of oxygen at rest and 70% to 90% pure oxygen with a full mask if I’m doing anything that requires effort. At night I’m on a mask with slightly heated, humidified oxygen which is quite a relief after a day of cool dry oxygen blasting up my nose to the point that I can’t hear well.

Even the most normal of activities are challenging. Turning over in bed is a two-stage activity - first onto my back – then rest – then on to the other side and catch my breath.

I’m getting used to the daily poking and prodding. The morning begins at 6.45 with the blood nurse taking a sample. If they are good, they can take it and I hardly wake up, just a grunt here and there and as long as she guides my finger to press on the spot I’m back to sleep in 30 seconds.

Hospitals are ideal bug breeding grounds so I’m now on a prophylactic dose of a drug to prevent fungal infection.

When I ask about the likelihood the clots will be dissolved by my body the answer is it depends on how they are “organized”. I’m told that there is a chance that some might have become calcified which I take it is not good.