16 Vials?

We got the call last week that there was a cancellation at Chapel Hill on Monday if we could be there at 8:45. We took them up on it and spent Sunday with Kristin and Sunday night in a hotel in Chapel Hill. We got up and left the hotel by 8:00 and we were at the hospital, parked and going into the building by 8:20.

Everyone in the transplant clinic was very nice. They were helpful and understanding. First they did what all nurses do (BP, weight, ht.) then she said the Dr. would be right with us and he was. He spent a good 45 minutes to an hour with us going over history and asking questions. He was shocked that Mike's MELD score was 19. He said at 19 he shouldn't be able to work all day or drive to Raleigh (the answer of prayers).

Then we met with Stephanie our pre-transplant coordinator. She explained the process. First there is a list of things we have to do here (including a dental appointment), then they have a list and they will schedule a class we have to attend as a family. Once we have met all the criteria (including a cardiac workup and being presented at transplant conference) then he will be on the list.

She then told us he would need to go to the lab so they could draw 16 vials of blood (yes, that is not a typo, 16!). And that by that afternoon she would have his new MELD score.

We left and headed to lunch (will post in a separate post) on Franklin Street and then towards home. We called to get the MELD score but she had left for the day.

I bought shoes at The Avenue in Hickory and we were home by 5:00 pm.