Were you a member of our Forum on http://TransplantBuddies.com ?

Yes

Where did you hear about Transplant Friends?

I was invited.

Are You Male or Female?

Female

Share - which illness lead up to you needing a transplant?

I dealt with heart issues for almost 24 years years prior to my tx. The electrical part of the old heart was not good. I went through transplant evaluation in 2005 & was told I was too healthy. Three years, two ICD's (which is like a pacemaker with a defibrillator built in)& using oxygen to help me breath, I went into heart failure again & found out how much worse I could feel. The diagnosis then was idiopathic cardiomyopathy. The old heart had had enough by then and was failing rapidly. Once put on the tx list, I only waited 4 & 1/2 days for my new heart. That is how critical I was. I am very thankful every day to be here & feeling good.

Which Organ(s) did you receive? If you are on the waiting list, please share.

I received a new heart.

Drugs, vitamins, favorite foods

Cellcept, Prograf, Protonix, Fosamax, Pravachol, Aspirin & lots of vitamins & supplements

How many years have you had your Transplant for?

It's been three years & 5 months!

I am Interested in Transplant Friends because...

It sounds like a good place to share stories, information and support with others who have had similar experiences. Every one has a story to share.

Which Transplant Center has or will perform your life saving surgery?

UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California

Share how your transplant experience changed your life?

I can live again! Before I was in survival mode only. I have even discovered a new hobby of creating art landscapes out of fabric! I am probably in better physical shape now than I have been in years as well.