adjusting

[Claire McAuley]

I am post heart/lung (Eisenmenger's)  transplant 2 years 8 months and has anyone found it hard to ajust from sick self to healthy self?  To me it seems like a real culture change but it is getting better.  Do the drugs and transplant changing the way one thinks post transplan?

 

Thank you

Claire

[barry chadbolt]

Hello Clair:  We have talk before your tx  and a little after your the procedure.  It's fantastic news that you are healthy physical.  It seem your psyche is in need of a push.  I am now 7 years post tx and am healthy and happy.  I had a purpose, I needed to get back to work and to pay back society what had been given to me.  I started back to work 8 months after the surgery and got involved with transplant awareness groups.  And of course the real purpose I had was to annoy my lovely wife.  All 3 of these things continue to this day.  Very seldom does the issue of having had a tx come into my concious these days.  That is my story honour your donor and enjoy your life and contribute what you can to who ever you can.

Barry in Brantford.

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From: Claire McAuley <claire....@sympatico.ca>
To: heart-lung-transp...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, April 17, 2012 2:12:26 PM
Subject: adjusting

I am post heart/lung (Eisenmenger's)  transplant 2 years 8 months and has anyone found it hard to ajust from sick self to healthy self?  To me it seems like a real culture change but it is getting better.  Do the drugs and transplant changing the way one thinks post transplan?

 

Thank you

Claire

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[Emily Kachulis]

Hi Claire,
I love what Barry said!  It is how I feel too.  I had heart/lung in November of 2011, (Eisenmengers also) and I am just thrilled to still be here!  I had to wait in the hospital for two months after being listed 7 years!  To receive my organs was such a miracle, and the fight afterwards including stroke and code was so much work!  But now I have been home for two months and am finally getting stronger.  I grew up with all my congenital heart problems and was chronically ill.  So it is a mental adjustment.   So many things I just instinctively think I cannot do but it turns out my body can! I started a yoga class last night and I was weak and shaky, but I could breathe and do my best!

I think of my donor and his family everyday and feel strongly that it is important to honor him by making the most of my gifts.  I want to become more involved with donor awareness.  And in May will participate in a walk.  

What helps the most is a strong support system.  Friends, family, and staying active.  I have had hard days too.  Another thing that might help would be counseling, you have a lot going on.  I had my share from a great counselor prior to transplant and that still helps me today.  So don’t dismiss it.  We are on a lot of medications and depression is a side effect as well.  

Remember sick or healthy you are still yourself.  Honor your gifts, do what you enjoy and try seeking gratitude.  AND give yourself a break!  We are some of the very few who have survived heart and lung tx!!

Take care Claire!
Emily

On 4/17/12 1:45 PM, "barry chadbolt" <chad2...@yahoo.com> wrote:

[Claire McAuley]

Thank you Emily for your advice.  You are doing a great job. I hope that the coming days and months that your strength will pick up more and more.

 

I go to Curve's 3 times a week and anjoy it. I keep busy as well.  I am so much stronger physically and getting there phychologically.  I also had a couple of mini strokes and some microhemhoraging throughout the brain. I wonder if that has some bearing on things.  I also have anxiety and depression.

 

All of us are miracles thanks donors and their families.

 

Thank you for sharing and hope to talk to you again.

 

Take good care,

Claire

 

 

 

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[barry chadbolt]

Hello Claire:

In regards to the depression you are feeling.  There is no harm in calling the tx team and telling them about your issues.  I know depression has been an problem for some tx recipients. There are meds you can take short term that will help you over through the depression. Don't feel like you are less of a person for taking them if you decide to.  You will stay feeling down until you decide to move on.  It may take some time but don't get down on your self as that will only make things worst.  Make a daily plan and follow through with it every day.  Walking at the mall as exercise causes endorphins to be released into you brain.. It's the happy drug you body makes naturally. Stay safe and try to do more every day.  

Cheers.

Barry  

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From: Claire McAuley <claire....@sympatico.ca>
To: heart-lung-transp...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, April 17, 2012 2:12:26 PM
Subject: adjusting

I am post heart/lung (Eisenmenger's)  transplant 2 years 8 months and has anyone found it hard to ajust from sick self to healthy self?  To me it seems like a real culture change but it is getting better.  Do the drugs and transplant changing the way one thinks post transplan?

 

Thank you

Claire