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Organ Donation and Transplant: What is Your story?
Transplants | Last Active: Dec 6 8:53pm | Replies (103)Comment receiving replies
Good morning Scott. Your commentary continues to amaze me. You so clearly articulate what I think so many of us transplant patients understand - but can’t quite put into words. For me, the sudden onset of liver failure changed my life in immeasurable ways. One of the most difficult challenges for me was the loss of control over my life. I think most of us truly believe that we are in control of our destinies - until the universe steps in - and proves to us that we are really not in control. We have to learn to play the cards we are dealt - and adjust our expectations and our lives accordingly. I was close to death several times in my journey, waited nearly 2 years for transplant, received 7 calls for possible transplant - but by the grace of God, finally received a new liver that saved my life in Feb 2022. My donor is known as my Angel around my home. I don’t know anything about them, but thank them and their family every day for the ultimate gift that allowed me to reclaim my life. Quite honestly, I never would have believed that I would ever have been able to resume an active life. I expected to be an invalid - a sickly old man of 62 for the rest of my days. But yet here I am - life resumed to the fullest. The human body is an amazing machine. I exercise every day, play pickleball and even was able to get a new job - after being “retired” from my longtime career - due to my extended disability. Finding a new job was part of me trying to seize back control of my life - and I have succeeded at that. But I now truly understand that control of our lives is ephemeral. Can’t wait to read your book!
Gerry P
Replies to "Good morning Scott. Your commentary continues to amaze me. You so clearly articulate what I think..."
Gerry, as you wait for @scottij's book, you might appreciate reading his member spotlight:
- Every day is a good day: Meet @scottij https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/about-connect/newsfeed-post/every-day-is-a-good-day-meet-scottij/
If you put "transplant" into the search bar of the "About Connect" blog https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/about-connect/, you'll find a number of spotlights on the transplant members interviewed by @rosemarya. 🙂
Are you interested in being interviewed?
Connect
Thank you for the kind words. The book went on hiatus for quite some time as it started to feel self-centered and that is something I try to avoid though I am not always good at accomplishing that goal. However, I am back writing and would say it is about 50% done with another 25% scattered throughout notes and musings. My motivation to start again came from sharing pieces with a dear friend who kept asking for more. She also helped me in adjusting some content away from self-reference. For example, there is a chapter/section on music in my recovery. I had previously ended with my play list. She suggested I end with a challenge for the reader to develop their play list.
Good luck with your angel. Each of us have differing challenges based on our specific transplanted organ. I understand "you liver people" have issues with itching. I hope that does not trouble you too much.
As for control, I have come to learn that the only thing I do control is my mind. I choose what to think no matter what crosses my path. It is a constant struggle but one worth the effort.
Finally I am glad you are using your body and not acting as a sickly old man. It is fun to move and use this wonderful tool, right? I remember during my evaluation to make "the list" the psychiatrist asked me what I want from a transplant. I told her I wanted to live and not simply exist.
Live long and prosper.
Best always,
s!