Infusion #4

Friday was my 4th infusion of the alpha-1 antitrypsin. The nurse came for the last time. She basically watched while Bob set it all up and gave me the infusion. She had a couple of hints, but not too many. Except that this time there was a slight problem. The needle in my vein poked through my vein wall and allowed the saline to leak outside my blood vessel and into my tissues. Infiltration they call it. Luckily we were still setting up and it was saline and not the medication. Not sure if the antitrypsin would hurt me if it infiltrated, but it is way expensive. So I got stabbed like 4 times this week trying to find a good vein. But it doesn't really hurt. Plus I think it bothers Bob more than me, so no whining necessary. =)

We went to the pulmonologist Thursday, the day before my infusion. He was very encouraged. He said my lungs sound clearer. That was good news. He also teased Bob about having a "very special" wife, as I am a rare case in this disease. I have the ZZ genotype which is the worst. We will go back in January and do the pulmonary function tests again. These tests include blowing into a spirometer to see how well your lungs function (hence the name of the tests). Those tests were what showed that my lung function is at about 30%. They also were part of the reason for my doctor to look for something else causing my lung disease.

I have another infusion this Saturday. The nurse won't be here, but my father-in-law will be. So, it's Bob and Frank and me this time. I will be holding my hand with the IV needle in it very very still. Frank made me an arm board with velcro and everything to help keep my hand still. I will let you know next blog how that works out.

Shout out to blood donors everywhere. Thank you sooooo much.