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Transplant stories that inspire: What's yours?

Posted by Kristin Eggebraaten @keggebraaten, Oct 23, 2017

Good morning everyone! As everyone in this group has seen, stories from people who have been through transplant can be inspiring to those who are about to go through the process, and even to those who have been through it already.  I thought maybe we should have a thread for entirely that topic - patient stories! You all can tell your stories here, and people like me who work for Mayo can post stories we think you might find interesting. Inspirational and caring stories and comments are what makes this group so special...Keep up the great work everyone!

Our first story to lead off this discussion is about Larry Rawdon. You may have heard about Larry before, as his story has been in the media many times. Larry had a double lung transplant and used the harmonica to strengthen his diaphragm and aid in his recovery. This technique worked so well for Larry, he now teaches harmonica lessons to other lung recipients to help them gain strength and recover more quickly. Read more about Larry's story:

HARMONICAS HELP TRANSPLANT PATIENTS LEARN TO BREATHE AGAIN

Every transplant recipient and donor has a story. What's yours?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Transplants Support Group.

Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jan 26, 2018
In reply to @rosemarya "I want to share a mini story, an inspiration that I received at my church this..." + (show)
@rosemarya

I want to share a mini story, an inspiration that I received at my church this morning.

I met a visitor before the service. I introduced myself and he extended his hand in greeting (a 'no-no' - especially in flu season). So, I very politely told him that I choose not to shake hands because I'm an organ transplant recipient. Then, instead of the usual awkward response, he surprised me with a smile and eagerly told me about his friend who also has a liver transplant. We had a short conversation and he told my that his friend transplanted 19 years ago! and that she continues to do well.
🙂 I am smiling today because of that inspiring moment.

What are some inspiring stories that you have to share?
Rosemary

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@contentandwell That was a good plan to marry him for his longevity genes!

Teresa

REPLY
JK | @contentandwell | Jan 26, 2018
In reply to @rosemarya "I want to share a mini story, an inspiration that I received at my church this..." + (show)
@rosemarya

I want to share a mini story, an inspiration that I received at my church this morning.

I met a visitor before the service. I introduced myself and he extended his hand in greeting (a 'no-no' - especially in flu season). So, I very politely told him that I choose not to shake hands because I'm an organ transplant recipient. Then, instead of the usual awkward response, he surprised me with a smile and eagerly told me about his friend who also has a liver transplant. We had a short conversation and he told my that his friend transplanted 19 years ago! and that she continues to do well.
🙂 I am smiling today because of that inspiring moment.

What are some inspiring stories that you have to share?
Rosemary

Jump to this post

@hopeful33250 I agree, it was a good plan. 😉 I have, as I have mentioned, outlived the age at which my parents and most of my aunts and uncles passed away at. I think much of that is because we are so much more aware now of taking better care of ourselves. My sister and I have commented on how our mother and aunts would never be out doing pool exercises, or exercising at a gym, or even taking frequent long walks like my sister does. If they had they probably would have lived longer.
JK

REPLY
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jan 27, 2018
In reply to @rosemarya "I want to share a mini story, an inspiration that I received at my church this..." + (show)
@rosemarya

I want to share a mini story, an inspiration that I received at my church this morning.

I met a visitor before the service. I introduced myself and he extended his hand in greeting (a 'no-no' - especially in flu season). So, I very politely told him that I choose not to shake hands because I'm an organ transplant recipient. Then, instead of the usual awkward response, he surprised me with a smile and eagerly told me about his friend who also has a liver transplant. We had a short conversation and he told my that his friend transplanted 19 years ago! and that she continues to do well.
🙂 I am smiling today because of that inspiring moment.

What are some inspiring stories that you have to share?
Rosemary

Jump to this post

@contentandwell Yes, that generation did not understand the value of physical activity and they paid a big price for it.
I'm glad to be part of a more enlightened generation - if I were not, I'd probably not have lived as long (or as well).

Teresa

REPLY
2011panc | @2011panc | Mar 21, 2018
In reply to @ca426 "I have to say guys, I don't know how long post transplant but this is my..." + (show)
@ca426

I have to say guys, I don't know how long post transplant but this is my 4th kidney and after my three month period, it was just as normal, now granted its flu season and we have to be carful but you just have to be conscious of keeping your hands away from your nose and mouth, I've always shaken hands, that's just me and I've only had the flu one time in 10 years , that's when I had half of my family, about seven people total and everybody was sick but two of us , be carful but enjoy life.

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@ca426 DEBUNKED!! lol I have now actually tried this and put an onion in a bowl next to me for several nights. No change except some drying of the cut ends of the onion. It's a month later now and after trimming the dried pieces off the onion can be used for cooking or eating. Note to self: Do not believe everything you see, hear or read! lol

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