|
Organ transplant
Patient Information
|
Linda Jozefowicz
It would be difficult to establish a date or event for the deterioration of my respiratory system; however, I have no doubt in my mind that the primary cause of the deterioration was smoking. There is some history in my family of emphysema, and I was exposed to a dusty environment when I was a technician in feed and flourmill, but still, the cigarettes are the main culprits. I was not a heavy smoker; one pack a day was my max and only occasionally, still, it was enough to ruin my health. I had smoked for about 30 years, and slowly I became short of breath. At first it was not very noticeable but as time went on I noticed that I had to rest when I came up a flight of stairs, nor was I able to dance any fast dances with my husband. No big problem, there were always many other women who were ready to dance with him.
In about 1986 I was finally diagnosed as having initial stages of emphysema. In August of 1987 I missed a step coming down stairs and of course I fell down. So, reluctantly the next day I consented for my husband to take me to the hospital emergency room. That afternoon I was in surgery for a broken hip. I had developed an allergy to the morphine and it had paralyzing effect on my lungs. The morphine did weaken my lungs and accelerated the progression of my emphysema. Even with oxygen I couldn't go up a flight of stairs without becoming totally exhausted and had to lie down for about two hours.
I was listed on 1 May 1993. On Sunday the 23rd of May a priest, a very good friend of mine was going to celebrate his 60th anniversary of his ordination. It is certainly very significant occasion in person's life therefore; several of us intended to have a party in his honor. I was very involved in the preparations and was up to 3:00a.m. making snacks and appetizers. The next morning, we got the call for my lung.
The chief resident informed me that I would be put to sleep very shortly, therefore, if I had any questions or concerns I had to ask them now. My reply was that I didn't have any questions nor concerns, an4 that it was my understanding that the lung disease had not damaged my heart so, if for any reason the lung didn't work out for me, please take my heart and give it to someone who needs it. The doctor reassured me that I don't need to be concerned about it, I would do just fine. My reply was that I was not concerned because, I can't lose either way since you have to die to live again so, I was ready for anything.
My recovery was normal, with about a week in intensive care unit and two more weeks in a special transplant unit. On about the third day the fun began. I became totally confused, didn't know where I was and became very suspicious of everyone. I thought that all the equipment in the room was mine and was very protective of it, didn't want anyone to remove anything out of the room nor doing anything to it. I had long conversations with the I. V. pole. The nurses in ICU thought I was a source of entertainment, especially when I had my conversations with the I.V. pole.
I was able to return home in three weeks. I was not hurting anywhere but I was extremely tired and definitely needed my husband as my caretaker. Slowly I was able to do things for myself and became more independent. On about the 4th day home I ventured outdoors. It was a nice, warm and bright day and I managed to walk the length of three houses. My strength slowly returned and I started feeling better. I went for my physical therapy three times a week and tried to do a little more then what the therapist asked for so that after four weeks I had adjusted sufficiently enough to do physical therapy on my own. One of the things that I missed very much was shopping, so as soon as I felt strong enough I headed for my favorite department store, mask and gloves on.
I never had any serious rejection, A-1 for the most part for the first two years. However, I did a thing I was not suppose to do, namely holding my grandson when he had a cold and fever. Yes, I got what he had. I continued to walk and was doing about two miles a day, and also assumed most of the household duties. A year after transplant I wanted to be part of a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, escorted by my bishop, which included an extended trip to Egypt. My doctor agreed that I could go under two conditions; one, I wouldn't drink any water and two; I bring him a picture of me riding a camel. I rode the camel and also went inside the pyramids of Gaza, Egypt.
Much travel has been enjoyed by me and my husband. Since transplant we have been to Russia, Poland, and The Holy Land and Rome, Italy. The Transplant Games have been part of my life since transplant and I have been fortunate to attend the games in Salt Lake City, Utah; Columbus, Ohio; Disney-Orlando, Florida; and the World Games in Sydney, Australia and Kobe, Japan. I never win in any events, but I finish the races, so I consider myself a winner already. Second Wind Lung Transplant Association Inc. holds its educational conferences annually and I have attended the Gainesville, Florida; St. Louis, Missouri; Durham, North Carolina and San Diego, California conferences.
I have been active in supporting organ donation and visiting with the patients awaiting transplantation. Frequently I am asked if I would have another transplant if needed, (I hope I don't have to) but the quality of life I had since my transplantation I definitely would have another transplant. I feel that I was very fortunate in the fact that I received the lung very quickly and that it worked so well for me. I thank God everyday for my good fortune.
"Reprinted by permission of the author."
Linda Jozefowicz, 68
Emphysema
Single Lung Transplant, May 23, 1993
University of Kentucky Chandler Medical Center, Lexington, Kentucky
Schum, Joanne. (2002). Taking Flight: Inspirational Stories of Lung Transplantation, compiled by Joanne Schum. Victoria, B.C., Canada: Trafford Publishing.
|
Academics | Service | Research | UK HealthCare | UK A-Z 
