Awesome bass fishing and awesome lungs

It's been a rough 6 months, a lot of ups and downs with my health post double lung transplant. However I am super excited to just have had my 6 month Bronchoscopy and the report from my doctors that the transplant and lungs are looking great and for the first time since my transplant I will not need weekly bronchs. In fact, the next one is planned for July, I am really just excited about that. 

This also means I can do what I love, Bass fish and do my fishing charters without having to worry about tests and procedures. I know there will be more bumps in this road, but I hope for a few months I can just enjoy the gift I was given.

So let's talk bass fishing. I have been on the water a lot these past few weeks after having to take a month off from transplant complications. The bite has been great, I am defiantly getting people on numbers...usually 20 fish in the boat in 4 hrs. My go to bait for most of my fishing guests are flukes or sinkos, weightless with 10 lbs test fluorocarbon line. I work areas have hydrilla very slow and in depths around 8-10 ft. I will fish an area about 50 square yards for a hour or more at a time, especially if we are catching fish. Working are area that size that slowly is producing a lot of bites. The issue has been getting the big fish to bite. I have managed at least one trophy size fish per charter, it's something that I honestly expect to occur until mid-May. The weather has still been unsteady and keeping the water temps into the low 70's. These temps are causing some of the bass to spawn late, while some are post spawn and just not feeding, and a third of the fish are already in a sum my pattern, feeding constantly on shad and already schooling on shad on the surface. 

I had believed the spawn was over on my lake, I had a lot of big fish in February, which is the normal peak of the spawn for this lake, but these past two weeks I have seen a ton of new bass beds all over the lake. I have been fishing lake Bryan for 5 yrs and have never seen these bass spawn this late. The bigger fish we have been catching have had marks on their tail and many even bleeding from the tail. Usually a clear sign they are clearing off beds, these bedding fish are bedding along slopes that drop down to 15-20 ft, and seem to be on the slopes in 8-10 ft. So I can't see the beds, but just they way they are striking the baits it's pretty obvious they are bedding fish. 

When the winds are calm, I have been seeing bass schooling on shad pretty much all over the lake. This usually doesn't occur until the water temps heat up in June so when it does happen I try and use some top water baits just to see the fish strike top water. The fishing will continue to be great, so if your coming to Orlando take some time to enjoy some of Florida's great Bass fishing.

The big 6

We are quickly approaching my first big milestone of reaching six months post double lung transplant. I am excited but there have been some issues. Continuous issues are developing in my right lung and last week I required a stent to be placed. This should keep my airway open fully, reduse the wheezing and allow the scar tissue to get stronger and hold the bronch together better.

As a result of this set back it has reduced the amount of the days on the water the past few weeks.

I am looking forward to fun month of April doing a lot of fishing.

5 month post transplant and March fishing madness

I am thrilled to say I am 5 months post double lung transplant and still feeling great. There have been some complications still occurring that my doctors are dealing with on a weekly basis. My right lung continues to develop scar tissue causing it to narrow the right bronchiole. The narrowing causes me to wheeze and makes me short of breath. To correct this problem I have weekly bronchoscopies, which is when they stick a scope into your lungs and then dilate the bronchiole. The right lung is still not fully healed, and they say it will just take time. Otherwise I continue to get stronger everyday. Fishing has been great. This past weekend I competed in my first tournament in over 3 years, the Oakley Big Bass tournament on Harris Chain. I fished with a good friend Michael. I was going into this tournament kind of blind. I have not fished Harris in a long time, and really had no solid game plan. That lack of preparation hurt us in the tournament, we only had 3 bites the entire two days. The best part of the tournament was the fact I was able to fish two straight days nonstop and wasn't exhausted like I was pre-transplant. Lake Bryan, where I guide, continues to be a fishing hot spot. The last week my clients are catching numbers, catching over 20-30 fish in 4 hours using artificial baits. Size has been the factor, just not getting big fish. Honestly, this is common this time of year on this lake. The water temperature was already in the low 70's and the spawn is done, so all the big females are in a post-spawn pattern. Sitting in deeper water, and not feeding. Usually in a week or two these big females will recuperate and start feeding again. The smaller males are holding tight to the beds and protecting the eggs until they hatch. The crappie bite has slowed down as most of the big crappie are too off the beds. Florida is still getting slight cold fronts passing through almost weekly, and just that slight barometric pressure change affects the bite for a day or two after it passes. Again typical for spring in Florida, and this usually lasts until the end of March, and the heat and humidity will be back. Once my lakes waters really start to warm up, the bite increases, and the top water bite will also take off. I really love April to August fishing. I hope to be making some cool announcements this week with my business, so stay tuned!

Back on the water, finally!

After over 18 months this past Wednesday was my first charter since becoming to sick to operate my boat, and just 3 months after having my double lung transplant. 

My charter was with two long time clients, great, fun guys...Matt and Stacy. I was nervous taking these guys out because I had only been on the lake once prior to taking them out, and my very first outing was a tough day with only catching 4 fish. I am obsessed with making my charters worth my clients pennies, so I do lose sleep at times when fishing gets tough.

We started in the late morning around 1030 am... Had a really slow hour and half with two fish. I then moved to a spot that just always produces fish, and we did...about 6 smaller bass...nothing really over 15 inches, but we were getting plenty of hits and fish in the boat. The air temps cooled and the winds picked up as the day went on, but the bite remained constant. 

Towards the end of the day Matt and Stacy landed 20 bass, all on artificial baits, missed another 10-15 opportunities as well. It was a great start for me personally. I am still able to locate fish and put clients on those fish. 

Matt caught 2 really decent fish, one 3 lbs and another right at 4 lbs....plus two huge crappie all with zoom flukes. 

Stacy did ok, he managed to get 5 fish in, and lost two really decent fish. 

For me I was so thrilled to be back doing what I love. I will continue to ease into the guiding, only doing a few a week and gradually increasing and my health continues to improve. My body still has a lot of recovering to do from the surgery, but I am amazed how quickly things have come together. 

I have held at least 3 simultaneous jobs at once, I still do that now, it's a little different. First, my health is literally a full time job, then my family and being a dad and good husband is my second full time job, and now fishing again. 

I am looking forward to some warmer weather, the cold we have had has really dropped the lake temp down to mid to low 60's, but the bass have already began the spawn. Several of the bigger fish we caught were shallow and in places where they would normally bed. If we get a few really warm days, and the temps start to rise, the spawn will be on.

Here are some photos of Matt's catches.

2 months post transplant

Today marks the second month since my double lung transplant. It has been a crazy month. Appointments Monday thru Friday, rehab, plus battling through all the post operative pain. It is amazing how quickly I am recovering. My last doctor's appointment the doctor simple put it as "unbelievable". It is unbelievable that in a few weeks I have gain full function in my left arm and leg, have very little leg pain from the foot drop, no arm pain, and only minor pain around the main incision area of my chest. I was also given the all clear to start all activities again. Meaning I am now ready to focus on building up my strength and endurance to get things done around the house and to get back into fishing shape. Everyday I feel stronger and more eager to do more things. I have been stuck in my house far to long. I recently took a ride to my lake for some photos for the new website and to give a few tosses with a rod in....and it was all great. The water looked great and fish were schooling on shad. Made me want to get out there right now. That being said I hope to be on the water in January and booking charters by February.

Saturday marks month 1 post transplant

Everyone is asking about my surgery so far, and it's a story I want to share. People say I am a inspiration to them because I have battled Cystic Fibrosis for 33 yrs. I am blessed from all the support over those years from my parents, my aunt and uncle, my cousins, my amazing wife, her amazing family, my best friends, my fellow brother/sister firefighters, EMT's, Paramedics, Dispatchers, the list goes on. Nearly 20 years in emergency services made me who I am today....you all made me "Bubba". For the first time in a long time, I can happily say, Bubba is back baby !!! 

That being said this story would not have a happy ending if it wasn't for the true hero of the story. That unknown person that donated their organs so others may live. It's no longer a story about me, it's a legacy about us. I will spend every moment I have, doing my best to honor this hero, and hopefully in time I can learn more about this hero and share their story, like I am about to share mine! 

For 9 months I have been lower then low mentally and physically. Being tied to oxygen 24/7, not having the physical energy to leave to house, or even doing simple things around the house like showering. A few days before the call, my wife came up with a trip with my son to legoland Saturday October 12 in the AM. I wanted to but was worried it would be way to much to handle. So I went to bed early and next thing I know it's 745am Saturday and my phone is ringing. I knew what it was before looking at the number, then I saw the number and said "hello Lisa (transplant coordinator)! Her reply....what are you doing today? My response..not going to legoland I bet but getting something better. She said " you're right, everything looks perfect, eat a light breakfast and see you in a hour!!! " 

Organized panic began...showers, emotional goodbye to Casey and off to dunkin donuts in 20 mins. We arrived at the hospital ICU room around 10ish with my Dr. Palaez, my surgeon, all ready for me. Immediately 2 16 gauge iv's were next to me in bed, aka straws, Placed after 4 missed attempts. Now my fellow EMS providers, like myself, during our training loved the idea of using 16 gauge needles. Well, this was the start of being humbled from my earlier years as a paramedic. 

 Next blood gases...finally hit the artery on attempt 4, again I wanted to scream but realized this is just the beginning. Then Chest X-rays, iv antibiotics and fluids plus breathing treatments. All of this within an hour, and my arms are already black and blue. Now it was my turn to fire off questions trying to get some info about the donor. I just wanted basic info age, and where the team was going. Why? Curiosity, because I know what happens behind the scenes, and piece of mind on quality of the organ. All they would give me, after hours of interigatting numerous team members was the situation was ridiculously rare, donor was much younger then me (also rare) and they needed to fly out to procure the organs. They estimated at one point they would see the organs in a hour and a half, and they needed to fly fixed wing. So folks...20 mins from hospital to airport and wheels up, 30 min flight, and another 20 I would say once they arrive....bottom line the organs were relatively close, which time is so critical once the organs are removed. This info is what I wanted and really comforted me. 

Time moved slow and fast, if that makes sense. Next thing I know it's time to say goodbye and head to the OR. The emotions can never be written, not enough room even in a blog. 

Once in the OR, I saw all the instruments and rest of the surgeons...all 4 of them, plus the team of about 20 people that were ready to make this story a success. Next, more fun with the anastesiologist. It was atrial line time.....I begged for sedation through my port before they did this but no go....so it took 4 attempts to get a atrial line in my wrist.....finally he said....Kevin it's time to sleep....I laughed and said ok. In all my humor, even with my lead surgeon there, I requested they add some Dave Matthews to their song list, that they already had on....no laughing at me naked....and let God guide their great skills. Just about everyone chuckled a little and agreed....so propofol was going in.( on a side note....why would Michael Jackson want this shit) it burns like hell going in....my anastesiologist says count to 10..... Yeah I counted to 20 before it hit. Right before discharge the anastesiologist came to see me and even couldn't believe how much propofol it took before I was out. 

Pre-OP started after 630 pm....I am glad I was out because I know my family was going through hell waiting to hear how it was going. They estimated up to 10 hrs....well the ordeal lasted 6 hrs and a few hours after that I was already waking up. The first person I could clearly see was my wife beautiful wife Michele. He smile was something I will never forget. I saw someone else who I later realized was my father-in-law, but for the first several hours anything past 2 ft from my face was a blur. Knowing they were there was the greatest feeling....I also instantly felt how awesome it was to breathe. Being on the vent felt great, my lungs were expanding beautifully and I knew things were good. The only thing that sucked was them pulling the tube. That sucked !!! I have had 3 patients wake up after I intubated them, and two that pulled out their tubes before I could....it hurt being partially sedated...couldn't image just pulling it out. 

Within 36 hours I was already moved from ICU into a step down unit. It was a very unexpected quick move. That next week was tough. I wasn't getting more then 2 hrs of sleep a day, the chest tubes hurt and the pain meds weren't touching the pain. I was walking little by little. The big issue was the loss of range of motion in my arms and legs. For several days I had no muscle strength to even lift my arms up. My right side came back in a week, but even today I am barely able to move my left arm and I now have left foot drop, which has been more painful the the surgery itself. 

I have also gained back 12 lbs in 12 days, so I am back to my very low pre-transplant weight...so we have at least 30 lbs to go before my doctors and I will feel better. As for the lungs, they are healing above what was expected this early, so that's amazing news. For the next few months I will be focused on rehab, and getting stronger so I can start being the father I want to be to my son and the husband I want to be to my wife. 

As for fishing, several ideas and projects are in the works for my return so stay tuned.

Thanks again to everyone who has really help support my family and I through these tough years,and thank you to all the healthcare professionals at Florida hospital, and to my donor hero! 

Here are some photos right before and after the surgery. I do have a photo of old lungs, it's nasty but feel free to email me direct and I will send it. It's graphic but honestly amazing because who could think I would still be breathing with what I had. 

Air transport from my ICU window...we know they used fixed wing to get to the donor, but I am sure they used this to get to the executive airport which is like a 20 min drive. This was near the time they left to get the lungs. 

 

This was the morning after surgery.

My first day walking without all 4 chest tubes

I dressed up as the dark night paramedic of old for my bronchoscopy on Halloween day! In the middle is the quarter back of this all-star team, Dr. Palaez. He and his staff have to wear the white coats...it keeps there angel wings in !!!! 

All the meds I take now each day to keep away rejection and infection. I love each one of them! 

Back in the hospital

Another fast developed lung infection worsened even quicker because of catching a cold on top of it, caused me another hospital admission late this week. After a few days I am showing a little improvement but I still feel pretty sick to say the least. My body and mind are fighting harder then ever until a set of lungs becomes available, but honestly everyone especially myself can see time is not on my side, I am getting worse, and they only thing that will keep me alive are lungs....and unless that happens soon. Not sure how much longer my mind and body will last. So let's all pray I get lungs, I still have to much to live for and accomplish! 

Changes have and will continue to happen

A lot has happened these past few weeks. I have deactivated my listing for a double lung transplant with the Mayo clinic. I am only listed now with Florida hospital transplant center. I really do not believe this decision will impact me in a negative way. I am still on the top of the list at Florida hospital, and deactivating my status at the Mayo will not impact my standing on the national list. In fact I am more confident then ever with the entire team at Florida hospital. They are a smaller and newer center, but the surgeons have combined over 30 yrs of transplant experience. If anything, having a smaller center means I know exactly who will be doing the surgery and because there are not hundreds of patients being seen by these doctors, I am getting faster answers and action when I have a health related event happen. I will also be able to recover from my house, so all the issues and concerns we had about having to relocate are no longer a issue. Since I deactivated my listing, I have had a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. I will now be able to focus on my recovery instead of worrying about the dozens of major factors with having to relocate to Jacksonville. 

Last week I was asked by Florida hospitals PR team to do a live interview on Orlando's Fox 35 morning show. The story was focused on getting more people to become organ donors, and then I was interviewed live in the studio about what it's been like having been waiting for lungs. Here's a link to the story http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jp9FUrL5I20

It's been one full year since my doctor made the official request for a lung transplant evaluation. So doing that interview really reminded my wife and I what a fight it has been. It also shows how strong we are as a couple, it's not always perfect but I wouldn't have made it this far without her fighting CF right beside me. It was a nice morale booster, I have been a little down lately because we are getting close to the 9 month mark of waiting

Honestly this process and these past 12 months have really shown me what love really means, and what friendship really means. People have really shown their true colors to my wife and I, and I can say I have already begun reevaluating who and what my priorities will be in the near future and post transplant.  

One thing I can tell you will continue is what this website and blog was intended for....fishing. I will come back to fishing once I am recovered enough. Since I will look healthier and feel better I will be changing my boat wrap and logo around. Start fresh, but it will still be the great fishing and lake I was on. Having better health and even more confidence with my fishing abilities, will make for a great experience for my clients. I have been working on technique, learning more about large mouth bass and their habits, and some fun stuff other charter captains won't be able to do or just don't do. I hope to have to initial design work done this week, so keep an eye out for some updates. 

Like I say at the end of all my entries, hopefully this surgery happens soon. 

It's my anniversary!

Tomorrow is my wife and I, 9th wedding anniversary. It has been the toughest year in our marriage, battling day after day to get this lung transplant and towards getting a whole new life. One of the key factors these past few days, is that I was accepted and listed for double lung transplant with a second lung transplant team in Orlando. So as of today I am listed at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville and Florida Hospital Orlando. This does double my chances of getting a matching donor at the moment, but there maybe a decision to drop the Mayo and put all my eggs in the Orlando team's basket. Why you may ask....well this past year has been a battle since day one with the Mayo. As much as I respect what they have accomplished for others, my experience was far from what I expected and have heard. Especially after being welcomed with open arms and being shown a huge sense of urgency to getting donor lungs from the Orlando team. What took months to accomplish at the Mayo clinic, only took two weeks with Florida Hospital Orlando. Like I said, there has been a huge sense of urgency with the surgeons at Florida hospital. I know my disease is worsening, and they do too. Time is not on my side, and I am not affraid to hear that from my doctors. The reality is its getting harder and harder to maintain my body for this surgery and at some point my body is going to hit that wall, and I wont be able to recover and/or not be able to survive the surgery. The Orlando team isn't affraid of saying what I was thinking, and for the first time since this all started a year ago, I feel like I have people working for me. With the mayo, I was in a round about way, and at one point told that they were doing my wife and I a favor by even agreeing to listing me. It shouldn't feel like I was doing a business deal with the mob, and at some points I was looked down upon like someone that hasn't made the effort for 33 yrs to take care of themselves. Some of the Mayo's pre and post transplant expectastions have been and are unrealistic for someone with a wife that has a career, a 4 year old child, a mortgage, plus other responsibilities. The Orlando team embraces those factors and very quickly has proven how willing they are to make sure our lives won't be devistated by the surgery and recovery. For the past week I have felt a huge weight lifted off my shoulders just from the support I have been given from the Orlando team. I have actually slept every night this week. For the last 8 months I think I have been maybe getting 3 hrs a night. My decision isn't final with what I will do with my status at the Mayo, but I am hoping that a call comes tonight or any night from the Orlando team. 

Like I said tomorrow is my wedding anniversary, and I hope my gift could be a stronger and better man then the one that said I do 9 years ago. Our lives, our plans have been on hold for far too long.

Week 10 and no call

Well, I am still waiting on that call for my double lung transplant. It has been such a emotional 10 weeks for me. The entire day is spent wondering if today is the day and thinking of the future plans I have. I only get a few hours of sleep every night, mainly because I can't fall asleep or I wake up in the middle of the night worrying that I missed a call while I was sleeping. It's a continuous cycle since the day I was listed and I understand 10 weeks really isn't that long of a wait, but it seems like its been a 10 years. Physical activity in the smallest amount is exhausting, and being a person that has had a job since he was 14, this not being able to contribute very much financially but more physically even around the house has been pure hell. I continue to hope this call happens today, if not today, hopefully tomorrow.

Week 2 of waiting

Another week has past and no phone call yet. The anxiety is running high in my mind. Sleepless nights and long days laying around trying to gain weight and not doing anything too physical that would burn major calories. Each passing day, I have become more and more in favor of the whole idea of getting new lungs. my fear of waking up intubated plus massive pain is still there but again I am ready for it. I am ready to start a whole new chapter in my life, and once the pain subsides my goal will be get into the best physical shape as possible, so i can finally play with my son, and to restart the job I love of being a fishing captain. It will be better then ever! I want this surgery right now, so I can be back on the water by later summer, and prepare for the busy season and hopefully start fishing some serious tournaments.

Hopefully that call comes soon, but not like at 2 in the morning....I am hoping for a morning or afternoon call like before. Driving 3 hours at 2 am might be rough. Thanks for all the support and emails, I love to get them. Thank you !

First dry run

This past Saturday we were shocked when the mayo clinic called at 2pm requesting us get to the hospital as they may have a donor for me. We quickly grabbed some things, I told my son how much I loved him, while crying at the same time. I told him it was time for my big surgery and that I loved him more then anything...the look I got back made me realize my 3year old son knew what was happening. Thought he was going to cry, he just hugged me really hard. During our 3 hour drive we ran into heavy traffic and of course a major road shut down on i95 for a brush fire...40 min detour...but somehow my wife showed she has her driving skills from her days as a EMT. We arrived at mayo at 5pm. We were immediately sent to our room in ICU, where iv's we started, X-rays, blood work, iv antibiotics, breathing treatments, and more. Met many members of the team and my nurse. Who was awesome! I had so many emotions flowing through my head I couldn't cry, laugh, or really talk, I just looked at my beautiful wife and remembered all the good times since we met 10 yrs ago. She is my rock and the one that will keep me moving forward after the surgery. After many hours of waiting the surgery was set for 10pm, and the staff coming to move me to OR at 935. I was pretty ready, but five minutes before the time, the team doctor came in with bad news. After viewing the donors lungs, they determined there may have been issues with the right side and therefore canceled the surgery. They call this a dry run. I call it another anxiety attach waiting to happen. Going through the drive and the emotions will be hard again. I am looking forward to all the amazing things my body will go through after surgery, but not looking forward to the initial pain and being intubated when I am waken up. So we are home back on the list waiting for another call. God bless the teams and the donor and the donor's family!

Officially listed at number 1

As of this moment I have been actively listed for my double lung transplant. Currently I am number 1 on the small list at Mayo clinic. This means at any moment we could be called to start heading to Jacksonville. My emotions are all over the place, can barely focus on one thing let alone the 100 things we need to get in place right now. I am full of fear, excitement, and sadness. The not knowing how this will end and knowing very well when I say good bye to all my family it could be the last time. It's been rough already but the ride in will be a long 3 hrs.

Time to pack.

Still more tests

Well it's February and again I still have several tests and consults to complete before I will be considered for a lung transplant. This has been a very long and emotional process that was started back in December and was supposed to be completed in two weeks. I manage my disease very well and always stay ahead of the curve so having these delays, and major communication issues with the Mayo clinic really has me down and losing hope in the entire process. I was told last week that they will not even consider doing the surgery until my weight is 130 lbs, I have never weighed more then 105 my entire life. Since my lungs are only function at 22%, I am on oxygen full time and this poor lung function means my body is burning through thousands of calories per day just on breathing. Currently my intake is 6,000 plus calories per day, eating more is just not possible. I am looking into different facilities that will be more willing to roll the dice on the surgery, but my insurance will not cover it until mayo makes a final decision. That decision will not likely come until May.

Meanwhile I am trying to get on the water on a limited basis but as much as my mind and heart want to fish, my body physically won't allow it many days. I am doing all I can to make charters happen, but it is a day to day deal, so booking in advance is tough because I am not sure what will happen tomorrow let alone a month or two out. So for those that are calling, thank you! I won't leave people hanging, if I can do the charter I will, if not I will put you in the right direction to someone that can take you fishing. Thank you all for your continued support and patients with me!

2013 will decide my future

Another year has come fast, and honestly I am not prepared for what will happen or may happen in 2013. My health being on the front burners and will be all year. I believe this year will be do or die for me. My disease has come to the fork in the road, will I get my lung transplant or will I become to sick for surgery and potentially slowly fade away in a hospital bed, like many CF patients I have known over the years. The whole process has been grueling to say the least, not only on me physically, and mentally, but on my family, especially my wife. Not enough credit can be given to her, because she is what is my drive to stay alive. She also is the quarterback of the team, making critical decisions though out this part of my life. Pre, during surgery, and post surgery decisions are all made by her. A roll i knew she could handle, i just wish it was later on in our lives, but its not. CF has shown its evil face, and despite 33 yrs of fighting the batlle, it is beginning to show the signs of how it's winning the war on my body. Each new test, shows how slowly and damaging Cystic Fibrosis is, and no matter how compliant and careful I have been, it didn't totally keep the disease from causing a lot of internal problems that may not be able to be repaired. My overall role continues to be very painful, but easy. My wife Michele has the hardest job of managing my post transplant care, which is months long and 24/7. She will still maintain her job, as she is the main bread winner of the family, and she must also play both roles as a parent and homemaker. Again, my job is easy in comparison, and every day I realize more and more how awesome and amazing she is. If this surgery happens and I am given this new lease on life, it will be spent taking care of her as much as I can for the rest of my life. I know what she has to see and what the disease is doing to me physically and mentally. I am changed from this experience but from what i hear about other CF patients going through similar situations. It has been very difficult to see people do well and see people die, because right now, i am one of those people, and it tears me up wondering which statistic will I be when it's done.

There still remains several days at mayo for testing and hopefully in a month or two, I will know more and if I will get listed at the mayo.

As for fishing, it really is on hold. Now I do have a few charters scheduled and will be doing my best to make them happen. Fishing is very hard for me right now, because I am on oxygen full time. Anywhere I go I need my oxygen tanks, even taking a shower takes time and a lot of energy, so you can image the physical strength needed to hook up a boat and launch it into the water. There are days I literally have not energy or desire to even shower, because the poor oxygenation of blood in my body just wears you down. This has been the hardest think to grasp for me. My entire life has been go go go, a infection here and there with a few weeks of being sick...and I would be good to go for months...now I am on iv antibiotics going on 4 months straight. It's frustrating because I love fishing, and I love what I have accomplished with this business. I beat the odds, and took more crap from older local captains over the years, but despite their hate, I prospered and made great friends and memories doing it. Oh, yeah, The business name, website, trademarks...all protected for a very long time, long enough that my son will be able to do with it as he pleases. (sorry this really is to spite my haters)..What I miss, all the people I have met. I am trying my hardest to continue taking out those that have returned to fish with me year after year. It's never been about making big money or having the biggest baddest truck or boat, it's about touching the people that love the sport but love sharing it with a loved one, son, daughter, mother, father, husband, and/or wife. That's what's important, and hopefully God will allow me to continue my work here, so I can show my son the true meaning of life, and what really is important.

So to everyone checking out my site. Email me, tell me when your looking to fish, and I will give you honest answers about the fishing, and my health. As usually I take no deposits, and if something happens that will not allow me to do the charter, I will give you plenty of notice and hopefully guide you to someone that can help you . I will also be giving updates on the transplant as they happen so stay tuned.

Week two of transplant eval

Hello everyone

I am back in Orlando now after completing week 2 of 4 weeks being evaluated for a double lung transplant. This week was fairly easy, no major procedures but a lot of consults. The biggest one was our last consult for the week. I met with the GI doctor, mainly to discuss issues with my GI track. Other then changing some meds and other stuff to start gaining the weight I need to have the surgery, the main topic was my liver.
What was really discovered from several tests last week, is my liver is very enlarged and damaged. It's not from drinking...I don't drink. The damaged is because mucus has blocked many veins going into the liver, and inflammation from lung infections have caused major scarring to the liver. Although there is a lot of tests to be completed, there is a very good chance I will need a double lung and liver transplant.

We also learned that I will need someone with me 24 hours a day for at least 2 months after the surgery. The strong combination of meds and their side effects could cause several scenarios to happen, and if something does occur, my doctor needs to be notified immediately. Then they will make changes to my meds, and/or have me go to the ER.

Also learned many other things...like always sitting in back seat of the car for the first 3 months. Zero raw foods, like sushi or oyster, can't share food or utensils, separate towels, etc. Just a lot of little thinks the average person would never believe.

As for fishing...same remains, it's day to day if I can do a charter, and I really can't book to far in advance since I don't know when I will get listed.

So that was a little of this week...off for Christmas but back on my B-day for two more days next week.

Very important guiding info / the beginning of my transplant journey

Please read if your looking to book a charter....

I have not done a blog for almost a month. A lot has been occurring this past month. My friend and one of the founders of my foundation, Erin Taylor returned home for the first time, just three months after her double lung transplant. She is doing so amazing...go Erin. I am also pleased to announce that another board member to my foundation, her son had his double lung transplant 36 hrs ago and Is recovering at a unreal rate.

Next week I begin my transplant evaluation in Jacksonville, FL at the Mayo Clinic. I can tell you how much I am freaking out but that still would only cover half of my anxiety and flat out being scared. We hope to have the eval competed by Christmas. The evaluation is extremely packed all day for close to 2 weeks as a outpatient. So the expenses of hotels and gas, food will begin next week. We have to stay in a hotel because Jacksonville is 2 hrs -3 hrs each way. I am will feel better once this eval is done.

Once the eval is complete a review panel will look at the results to see if I am eligible to receive them, and they will see how long I can go with the lungs I have before the do the surgery. Longer the better.

Just because I am having the major surgery, it is NOT, repeat NOT a cure. In fact, i currently take over 17 medications per day, several times a day. Plus have a feeding tube to assist with eating and taking in over 6,000 calories a day to maintain my weight. Now transplants lead to major followups, pain meds, anti rejection meds...so I will probably be in the 20 pill mark after the surgery.

As for fishing, I have not been out lately because of this eval coming up and me fighting another lung infection. Now that the eval starts next week, I am hoping to fit a charter or two in before the New Year. The weather had been above seasonally warm, and the big fish are already in per-spawn patterns. So if this continues the major portion of the spawn will be end December and January, just like last year.

I am trying to get better enough to do some charters...those that I have already contact about late December and January charters, my deal is still on. So once I get a schedule from the hospital I can give you all some dates. Those that are looking for charters, please contact me anyway, so we can discuss your details, and I will tell you if it's possible.

I really hope everyone has great holidays and again please email or call if you have a rough idea of when you here I Orlando.

Felt good to be back out 11/7/12

Today was the first time fishing since early August. My lungs are slowly improving but now where near what they where at 3 years ago. I will be stating the lung transplant evaluation on Dec11. It is a 10-15 day out patient study that involves several invasive procedures. That means this will finishe Christmas Eve or after, wont know until our first day. But it's a 3 hour drive to Jacksonville so we will have to pay for a hotel for a week or so.

Having not been on the lake in so long was such a wake up call for me. I love fishing but love seeing people catch fish is better. The hydrilla in the lake has exploded and is starting to over take it, so they will be doing some spraying and adding 900 grass carbs this week. This forced me to fish deeper then normally, but it paid off with Kathy from Ontario as she landed this 7 lbs 5 oz bass mid morning. Not bad for not being on the lake more .

Also on a very sad note, I learned of the sudden, unexpected death of a friend on the lake Biff. Biff was one of the few that did not sell their private property to hotel owners. He was already wealthy from his boat repair business he sold years ago, and retired in his early forties. I spoke to him October 16... He died possibly that night or right after in his bed while he was sleeping. Very sad to see him gone, he did a lot to help me with my boat and business.

I hope do get a few more trips before thanksgiving but I need to try and take day by day.

Below is Kathy from Ontario and her trophy bass

Still not fishing

Well I had hoped that this month I would be back on the water at least part time doing some charters, but not so. I am however starting to feel better a little bit each day. Currently I am starting week 2 of being on insulin for my newly developed Cystic Fibrosis Related Diabetes (CFRD) diagnosis last month. I have noticed a difference in how I feel, but it is taking longer for my body and my blood sugars to adjust. My blood sugars are still on the high end despite taking the insulin. This will take a few months to get regulated. As for my lung infection; I was placed on a second IV antibiotic last week, and I have noticed a huge difference with having less of a cough, and feeling better in general. The only issue remaining is becoming short of breath very easily with any exertion. Some days are better then others, but I am still not able to do what's necessary to launch and finish an entire charter. My health care team is hoping this will improve once I start respiratory rehab. This is week 3 of trying to get started with the Rehab facility. It took two weeks for them to call my doctor and I back on a start date. So I have my initial evaluation Wednesday, and then hopefully start this Thursday. They are playing games with starting saying there is no room and it may take until December to get me started. This honestly has me and my doctor pissed off because patients being evaluated for a lung transplant are supposed to get priority even if it means bumping someone. So hopefully this therapy starts next week at the latest. This will hopefully give me that boost I need physically to get back to doing charters. So I am sorry to those who have called and I cannot take out, but I hope to those coming this fall, I can make these charters happen.

Still looking for improvement

Still waiting for return calls on scheduling my first appointment with Mayo clinic in Jacksonville, and for starting respiratory rehab. I expect them to call tomorrow, sitting at home thinking all day is not healthy. Its been a gloomy, rainy day outside, the dark clouds don't help motivate me, especially when i am exhausted..from what i dont know, all I did was cough all morning while getting my little man ready for school.

I am Honestly really ready for the positive motivation that comes from the people I know from Rehab. Two things that suck about rehab is that its a hour away and the first several weeks suck building up and working out next to 70 plus year olds running faster on treadmills and lifting 100 lbs of weight more then i can do..it is pretty pathetic. Once the initial few weeks are done it will be easier, and it will give me a serious boost in strength to get back out on my boat. I miss fishing a lot and I especially miss showing people what fishing techniques I have learned. So hopefully I can start improving here sooner then later.