Okay, Ive had side effects of all sorts from the medications I need to take since my lung transplant (4 years and counting), but I have been extraordinarily lucky where the health of my lung is concerned. I believe the two single most important factors in that regard are (1) my good fortune in receiving an ivig (intravenous immunoglobulin) infusion monthly, and (2) my somewhat fanatic practice of avoiding, for the most part, in-person interactions with my fellow human beings and their attendant germs. (Thank you Facebook.) I will be the first to tell you that the cost of each infusion is, well, a lot. I have often expressed to other people how grateful I am that my insurer has continued to approve them over the last four years. To restate: the purpose of these infusions is to bolster the immunosupression necessary to prevent rejection thereby reducing the risk of infections. I have been extraordinarily fortunate in that regard. Today, I received a voice message advising that the ivig scheduled for tomorrow has to be cancelled as the new orders for continued administration of ivigs over this next year have yet to be approved by the powers that be. And, why, you might ask, have they remained unapproved? Because the powers that be need more evidence of the infections that result if I stop receiving the infusions for any length of time. My Mother’s legacy was to impart to each of her childen a keen sense of irony. Indeed, I describe myself as a misanthropic ironist. (I leave to others thoughts on whether such a description is, itself, ironic.) As a result, I may be more accepting of the new turn of affairs than others under similar conditions. Many years ago, though, I realized how harmful such a life perspective can be. And so I say again, as I have said, and will continue to say, to others, I understand. So what?
Posted on: Wed, 26 Mar 2014 19:24:40 +0000
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