LIFE BEFORE THE GIFT OF LIFE

I first become sick about 4 ½ Years Ago with emphysema. I was admitted to hospital because I could not breathe. I could not remember anything about the 1st few days I spent in the hospital. I did not think that I had much time left. But to my surprise a Bilateral Lung Transplant opportunity was presented to me by Dr Paul Williams (My Pulmonologist). I was very excited about the prospect of a new life. My life before the transplant deteriorated rapidly. I found daily task far too enormous for me to do. Even a task as simple as a shower now had to be planned so that I had sufficient time to shower. I had to sit in the shower because I could not stand for long periods of time and had to wash my body in sections with a break in between. Walking down the passage seemed like a marathon that I had to run; I could not see the finish line because it seemed so far away. Walking was difficult because I could only walk a few steps at a time, and then had to rest because I tired easily. I became blue around the mouth, and was a sallow color and felt like someone had just jumped on my lungs and I could not get air into my lungs. I could not spend time with my family because I was always tired and could not go out without my portable oxygen. I thought that they would be too embarrassed to be seen with me. I was also on oxygen 24 hours a day; we had to endure the noise of a machine that produces oxygen, all the time. We couldn't even go on holiday without having to take the machine with me everywhere and could not enjoy the holiday with my family. Going to the movies or even my grandson's honors evening was too much for me. I just wanted to sleep and do nothing. The prospect of any simple task seemed enormous and unbearable. I did not want my family to be stuck at home with a sick man who couldn't do anything, I always encouraged them to go out and as I did not want to be a burden to them. The things I loved the most, fishing, gardening, cooking and working on little projects in my garage I could not do anymore. This was unbearable and I started losing hope of ever have a normal life again. I had to remain positive that things were going to change when I got my lung transplant. I decided then that I would remain positive about my life, I had so much to live for and a new set of lungs waiting for me in the future.

LIFE AFTER THE GIFT OF LIFE

The day eventually came; I was overwhelmed with joy and excitement. I could not believe it when I got the phone call through at 11:45 that Monday evening 12 February 2007, the hospital told me that there were lungs for me, my wife and I just cried and thanked God for another opportunity at life. This was a very emotional time. I had a bilateral lung transplant the following day, 13 February 2007. It was a huge success, this was also due to the positive attitude that I approached the transplant operation with. I made a marvelous recovery and only spent approximately 3 weeks in hospital and then I could go home and start my new life.

I have had THE GIFT OF LIFE for 1 Year and 6 Months now and it has definitely changed my life for ever. I now look forward to each new day with renewed strength. Those things I loved most and had to give up, I can now do. I have rejoined the fishing club with my Grandson and get the opportunity to teach him and show him the things I might not have had the opportunity to do in life. I can also enjoy cooking for my family again; they really enjoy the meals I prepare. And not being able to work on my projects in the garage is a thing of the past. I have also joined a Gym since the transplant and go on a regular basis as a regular exercise routine forms an integral part of your life after a lung transplant or any other transplant for that matter. I also have the energy to now work in my garden, planting new flowers, cutting the lawn and I have even started a vegetable patch. I have been inspired by the new found abilities in life that I though that I was never going to be able to do anymore. Showering and planning a shower is now a thing of the past, I can shower with ease. I can ride around in my motor vehicle again without having to have oxygen bottles in the back as a backup for when my portable oxygen was low or finished. I can also maintain things in the house, like changing the light bulbs, putting up new lights and even helping with putting up the Christmas Tree. Being able to perform these things on a daily basis has encouraged me a lot. I also visit prospective transplant patients in hospital, so that they can see how well I am doing after my transplant and to encourage them and give them guidance.

I am grateful to all who have played a part in my recovery, the transplant team, my family, my friends and the new friends that I have been able to make after my miraculous recovery after my transplant. I will be eternally grateful to them.

So if you are sick and not able to do the things you enjoy most. I would definitely recommend that you consider a lung transplant or any other organ transplantation, if this is a possibility for you. You will never regret it.

The decision that I made to have a lung transplant, I feel is the best decision I have ever made in my life. A new day, a new life...THE GIFT OF LIFE