Lung Transplant Folks

My name is Bill Helms and I have been given credit for creating a Group for lung transplant persons and their care givers. I am not computer gifted, so mistakes by me will simply be mistakes, ok? (ha)

I am a single lung, left side, transplantee as of June 22, 2010, and when I found this web site I so enjoyed reading blogs of others, but then realized I couldn't tell who had what transplanted.

I just want to meet other lung transplant folks via this means, find out the achievments/disappointments, physical and mental issues and helpful hints. So, let's get started!!

My biggest problem is diabetis 2. I am so tired of "sticking" myself 4 to 5 times daily. Dieting is so much fun that I practice violating diet matters!

Another problem is my memory. I don't believe it was re-connected when the new lung was installed. Even with post-it notes in pocket, I can't remember I even brought the notes. In the grocery store earlier this afternoon, my cell phone was in my pocket and I was asking a lady if she was going to answer her cell phone (she didn't have one) and then I couldn't remember where I put my phone. Sounds like a good comedy show for TV doesn't it.

Enough of me, let's hear from you folks. Thanks for joining this web.

Bill

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Comment by maz on May 8, 2011 at 4:51pm: hi bill,

i had double lung transplant 28th april 2010 and feel sooo good but i have the same problem with my memory as you

Comment by Bill on May 7, 2011 at 5:10pm: I sincerely hope that each transplant mom will have a wonderful Mother's Day. I also hope the care givers will have a wonderful Mother's Day.

To the male transplantees may you have a healthy Mother's Day and that you share your love and your appreciation to the ladies in your life for all they do for you.

Finally, say a prayer to your donor(s) for your new organs and a prayer also for their mom and/or care giver.

Happy Mother's Day to all and to all a good day.

Comment by Hostess Risé on May 7, 2011 at 2:02pm: Hi Bill

Thank you for starting a blog here. I was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at the age of 2. I was taught to take good care of myself and thankfully I followed all of the lessons that I was taught throughout my childhood into my adult years. At the age of 35, I was told I neeed a double lung transplant. At the time, I did not have a computer and I knew no one personally who had this operation. When you are very sick, some people just block out the thought of pain and surgery, you just survive from day to day and let your loved ones take care of you. I had no idea how quickly my healthy went south.

I did well for eight years post double lung and then developed chronic rejection. 2 years later I had my second double lung transplant. I am doing well and take good care of myself. I try and live each day to the fullest. What makes my days complete are when I am feeling relaxed and joyful. LOVE,Rise'

Comment by Rue on May 7, 2011 at 12:50pm: Hi everyone, my name is Cindy but they call me Rue. I live in Ohio and currently awaiting Lung Transplantation. I was listed at the Cleveland Clinic on Dec. 26th 2010. I am originally from Calif. and moved here 9 years ago. I was a heavy smoker since I was a teenager, in those days it was the thing to do. NOT! In 2004 I was diagnosed with COPD after a hospitalization for pneumonia. I quit smoking right away and never looked back. I did really well until 2008 . I had lost 75 lbs doing Weight Watchers and exercised most days off. I was walking 2 miles 5 days a week. I was working full time 3 days a week as an R.N. in the NICU. Love my job!!!!! I started having exacerbations every six months and in Nov. of 2009 I had a bad one that almost killed me. It was at that time that my Dr. brought up the idea of a transplant. I did not like the idea and thought if I just try a little harder I can beat this. I kept working but was deteriorating fast and by Oct. of 2010 I had to stop working and became oxygen dependent. So that is a short version of a long story. LOL
I still am an active member of Weight Watchers and I go to the gym 4 days a week to be as strong as possible for the surgery.
To bad we don't have "do overs" I want to scream from the highest mountain top to all the smokers! It CAN happen to you!
Rue