2 Year Post Transplant Anniversary

On May 5, 2020 I was able to celebrate my 2 year heart and double lung transplant anniversary. I posted the following update on Facebook and Instagram on May 4, 2020:

"Two years ago today while waiting in the ER with chest pains I received a phone call saying there was a possible donor match for a new heart and lungs for me.

Two years ago today someone's family member was pronounced brain dead and their family chose to donate their organs.

The next day on May 5th donated heart and lungs were placed in my body so I could continue my life on earth. I will forever be grateful for my donor and donor family for thinking of others in one of the hardest moments in their life.

This week I have been overcome with sadness and gratitude for my donor's family. I think of how this is probably a difficult and emotional week for them. They are in my thoughts and prayers."

On May 4,2020 I had my left/right heart catheterization and biopsy followed by my 2 year post heart transplant clinic. The results showed no sign of heart rejection. Yay! Sadly, I had to attend those appointments alone which was nerve racking because I needed to remember all the questions, answers and information being shared by my heart transplant team. Memory is not one of my strengths because of my stroke and PRES Syndrome.

It usually takes me a few days to recover from the heart catheterization because I am sore and unable to bend my wrist and lift more than 10 pounds.

Today, May 18, 2020 I had my 2 year post lung transplant clinic appointment, which Levi was cleared to attend with me. It's nice not being the only one wearing a mask. At the end of my appointments Levi could not wait to take it off. While at lung transplant clinic I received more good news. My lungs show no sign of rejection. Go me!

I will follow up with both transplant teams in 3 months. I'm hoping I continue doing well and hear more great news. As I know too well rejection can rear its ugly head anytime without notice. I was told by my transplant team that my family should stay in quarantine until further notice. So for now Zoe's keeping busy with school, Code Ninjas, and horse riding lessons. Zoe loves hunting for animals in the neighborhood and was beyond excited when she got to hold a snake found by the lake. Zoe and I keep busy riding around town on our scooters and bikes. As a family we've been flying kites, playing fetch with the baseball, practicing our basketball skills, going on walks and playing games.

Right now I feel great. The first year post transplant I would have never believed I would feel this good. I am able to be more physically active. Because of my stroke and PRES Syndrome my right side still slows me down a little and makes me uncoordinated, but I am happy with the progress I've made. My quality of life is wonderful and I would say it's better than it was pre-transplant. I don't feel like I've missed out on anything, I've just gone about it differently.

I'll admit some things are hard to accept. I have always been thin and had a slender face. Unfortunately, the steroid called Prednisone, one of the anti-rejection meds I take cause my face and neck to become round and puffy. It's called Moon Face. Thankfully, as I have decreased my prednisone dose some of the puffiness has gone down. I'm slowly becoming more comfortable and confident with my "new" face.

I am extremely thankful for my life and the blessings I've received. My testimony has strengthened because of the good things and bad things that have happened in my life. When things went bad I would look for the good things no matter how small. I also remind myself when my dad told me, "everything will be okay" and realize life is good. My family and friends continue to check on me. My sweet ministering sister calls or texts to see if I need anything from the store. I am thankful for everyone in my life.