@wkary, That is interesting. It sounds like fun! I'm curious, have you acted on this new creative interest? Are you learning on your own? Are you taking a class or lessons? Rosemary

HI ROSEMARY,BEEN A LONG TIME,THIS IS EMMETT,SWORDFISH.HOPE YOU'RE WELL,I'M BACK IN HOSP.THIS TIME IT'S C-DIFF,ACUTE REJECTION BUT GETTING BETTER.TALK TO U LATER<br>

@swordfish, I replied in the discussion: "Want to connect with other post liver transplant patients" http://mayocl.in/2gcKtub Because I feel that discussion thread might be a better way for you to be connected with others who have had liver transplants.
However, your situation is one that anyone with a transplant might respond to. And so, I'm asking @2011panc, "Want to connect with other post liver transplant patients" http://mayocl.in/2gcKtub
Even though you are not a liver transplant recipient, I know that you, too, had many struggles during your 1st year after transplant. Maybe you have some words to help my Connect friend, @swordfish.
Rosemary

Thank you for responding. I find my creative interests changing, but I have always been interested in many things.

@swordfish, I am sorry to hear that you were back in the hospital. Thank goodness you are able to get help and hopefully reverse the rejection. I have the symptoms of C-Diff often, however it is only my issues with my gastric system. All my C-Diff tests have been negative. Wishing you well.

As a matter of fact yes I have. I have begun learning Photshop and a Mac set of design software named Affinity. Slow process as there are so many avenues to go down, but it's been fun!

I find that my purpose or focus has changed. For example, I find myself getting satisfaction in doing things "Because I can" rather than "Because I have to". I have learned to slow down, and to appreciate the little things in life more. I feel like I've become more concerned for others; more thoughtful and more open to share my feelings.

It's been hard for me to accept that it just takes longer to accomplish tasks. I went from the owner of an organization that employed about 175 people to a patient at Mayo. LOL! As I was getting sicker I sold my company as I did not want to be in the position of having to vs. being able to without anyone knowing my condition. 2 years later I am just about at the line of acceptance shall we say. It's been a frustrating journey for me in one regard and an obvious Godsend on the other.

@rosemarya, it's interesting how differently we all respond. I was a do, do, do person and have really pared back to doing only what I "have" to. If I feel like it I will do more, but I promise much less than I used to. In that I feel that I have become more selfish and don't get involved in other people's issues very easily or deeply. I have always been thoughtful and open, so at least that has not changed for me.

@wkary, I am sorry you have had such a struggle with acceptance. I had embraced having an accepting attitude about everything years before the word transplant even came into my life, so that has not been much of an issue for me. I have noticed that family and friends #1 were not as ready as I was for the transplant, and #2 are having a harder time accepting my current limitations. They keep expecting and hoping that I will get back to the level I was at 15-20 years ago. Thankfully it appears that your transplant is working well. For myself, I go through a series of questions: what do I want? why don't I have it? how can I get it? is it worth the effort (cost) to get it? This helps me make decisions and become more accepting because it was my decision. I continue to be grateful for the improved quality of life I have been able to attain. God Bless you on your journey.