Dancing til my feet hurt with new lungs: Meet @chickytina

ROSEMARY: What brought you to Mayo Clinic Connect? 

@chickytina: I had a lung transplant at Mount Sinai Hospital in 2022. They didn’t have a support group for patients. Although they know all the medical answers, it’s not the same as someone that has gone through it. So, I did a google search and I found Mayo Clinic Connect. I started reading some of the responses from other members. Based on the information being given and the feeling of support, I signed up as a member.

ROSEMARY: What motivates you to take part in the community?

@chickytina: I believe God had me go through this lung transplant for a reason. I believe the reason is to support others. I have made myself available for anyone that is going through the same process at the hospital where I had my surgery and wants to talk to someone that has already gone through it. I have been a member of a panel of lung transplant recipients on a forum of patients who are either thinking about getting, or are listed for a lung transplant at one of two hospitals here in NYC. I also participate in the Mayo Clinic Connect community to be able to ask questions of others and also to share my experiences unfiltered to support others.

ROSEMARY: What about Mayo Clinic Connect makes you feel comfortable to share and to be open with the community?

@chickytina: I have not seen where anyone judges you on Mayo Clinic Connect. It feels like a warm safe place to exchange information and ideas.

ROSEMARY: What groups do you participate in?

@chickytina: I belong to the Transplants Support Group and the Lung Health Support Group. I also get information about Events in the daily digest email, but haven’t participated in any yet.

ROSEMARY: Tell us about a meaningful moment on Mayo Clinic Connect.

@chickytina: There have been a few memorable moments on Connect. One of which is when you reached out and asked me to share my transplant story. There are many times that I have responded to something that was shared by someone on Connect where I feel my experience might be useful and I have asked some questions. Connect has a way of making you feel like part of the community and not the only one going through all of this.

ROSEMARY: What surprised you the most about Mayo Clinic Connect?

@chickytina: At first, I was afraid that once people found out that my surgery was at Mount Sinai, I would be kicked off Mayo Clinic Connect. It surprised me when I was informed that it was open to everyone regardless of where they were or are being treated. Since then, I have recommended Mayo Clinic Connect to friends who are going through the transplant process or who have lung issues and other ailments that I know are covered in the many support groups on Mayo Clinic Connect. I know that I don’t have all of the answers, but the answers can be found here.

ROSEMARY: What energizes you, or how do you find balance in your life?

@chickytina: I used to work an average of 60-70 hours a week, plus being a mother and wife, for many years. Unfortunately, due to other health issues that have arisen since having my transplant, I am unable to work at this time. So, I have more time to dedicate to supporting others going through the process and for supporting my church. Since I became sick and wasn’t able to work, I was elected an Elder at church, Chair of the Finance and Administrative Committee, Head of the Audit Committee and Zoom Deacon.

My son is a teenager, so he doesn’t need me as much as he once did and really stepped up when I was sick (thank God), so I just need to be there for guidance when he needs it. I do look forward to going back to work once my health issues are resolved though.

ROSEMARY: Tell us about your favorite pastime or activity.

@chickytina: I am a person that loves playing Sudoku, Wordle and other games on the computer. I will do the ones from the NY Times and others online up to 16 words at a time. I tried the one with a hundred words and it was just too much for me to keep straight at one time. Maybe once I get rid of my headache (one of my health issues that I have had for almost 10 months straight now), I will try to do the ones with more words as a test to see if I can keep things straight and will be able to return to work.

ROSEMARY: What food can you simply not resist?

@chickytina: I absolutely love ice cream! I had zapote ice cream while on vacation in El Salvador, which is the only place I know that I can get it. I actually love anything made with zapote or just eating the fruit by itself.

FYI, zapote is also known as mamey sapote. The orange-fleshed fruit has a taste comparable to a brown sugar-covered sweet potato, with undertones of pumpkin, caramel and cantaloupe. Zapote is delicious in juices, smoothies, milkshakes and baked goods.

Too bad you can’t get it in this country because it does not have a long shelf life. However, since I can’t get zapote here, I eat ice cream of all different flavors. I prefer fruity ones like mango or with some chocolate pieces in it, but not chocolate by itself.

ROSEMARY: What do you appreciate the most in your friends?

@chickytina: My friends were with me emotionally when I was sick and now, as I am getting better, they celebrate with me emotionally and physically. On December 29th my husband and compadre (Goddaughter’s father) hired a band for a small party of friends and family. I danced with so many friends and family members for almost 3 hours that I lost one of my earrings. I discussed with my husband how 2 years ago, I could barely walk, now I am dancing Cumbia! My husband and others were out of breath, but for me — only my feet hurt in my heels now that my lungs are strong!

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