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My Double Lung Transplant

 Welcome To My Web Page                                                           Updated Sept 21st 2008

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Hi I'm Vic, in July 1986 I was diagnosed with having Emphysema, it became life threatening in August 1997.

As a result I was put on the transplant register in September of that year.  In January of 1998, I had a double lung transplant at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham England, which saved my life.  After the transplant I was told I only had about two weeks left to live with my old lungs.

I went into hospital in a wheel-chair on oxygen, and came out a new man.

Coping With My New Lungs

The first thing I remember after being taken off the ventilator was that I could breathe.

After my operation I was back home in 19 days, with a bag full of tablets and a book to record my daily medication, temperature, "blows" and weight.

When I got home I sorted out my tablets which was quite a chore at first. In total I was taking 15 different tablets a day, these were anti- rejection tablets and also tablets to protect me against side affects of my other tablets. 

I ensure that I exercise everyday, this consists of walking a minimum of three miles and generally being as active as I can.  I also have regular hospital check-ups to make sure my lungs are working properly.   In the early days I suffered three rejections which required additional steroid treatment.  However during the last  10 years I have had no rejections and my state of health is good.

My Goals

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by walking, swimming and doing things that I could only have dreamt of prior to my transplant.

Special Thanks

If it wasn't for the donor family and the Heart/Lung Transplantation Team of The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, England - I wouldn't be alive today.  They provided me with a second chance and I make sure that I remain active  and obtain  medical  advice  to  stay  in  good  health,  receiving  regular  quarterly  check-ups  at The Q & E.

Help is at hand

I receive help and support from the specialist transplant unit and I also receive support from other patients during my regular check-ups.

I am a participating member of The Transplant Support Network  This Network provides excellent support from people who have received transplant's and provides information on individual experiences, helping to lighten concerns and fears over the transplant  Click here 

I have found that it helps to talk about your problems with other people that have gone through the same experiences as yourself.   

If you would like to contact me please don't hesitate... Vic    rabbiting@blueyonder.co.uk  

                                                                                               Did you know..?

                                                 You are more likely to need a transplant than you are to become a donor.

 

 

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