For me exercise and activity has been the driving force of my recovery. The stronger I become physically, the more strength I gain mentally. I started out walking to the corner of my road and back--maybe 150 yards total. Then in a week, I added carrying a five pond weight in each hand. After a couple of weeks I had worked up to one and a half miles, still carrying my weights. Now at almost three months post transplant, I am comfortable with a two-mile walk--about 40 minutes.

It has been a continual challenge to get back to my typical, pre-transplant schedule--up and dressed by five am, writing or reading until seven, then work. This week coming into my three month mark I have achieved that. I will get back to my yoga class tonight for the first time since transplant, and later this week rejoin my Thursday night music group. I also feel that I have built the stamina through walking to resume day-off outings with my wife. Last week we went out to lunch and walked around downtown Portsmouth, NH shopping and browsing in shops.

The best advice I received from a fellow transplant patient was to begin to challenge my self with new activities each day. I began by sweeping the garage floor. Small steps are big steps. The next day I cooked our supper--it was my first time in the kitchen in six or seven weeks. It took me about forty minutes, and when I finally got what I had prepared into the oven, I was exhausted. But this was a turning point. It felt good to resume normal stuff. This weekend I attempted some yard work. I only lasted for an hour or so, but it felt so good to get done what I could.

Tomorrow will be my first full day on a job site. ( I am a carpenter) We will be installing shelves and building a desk in a condo. I never thought I would get there. Nine weeks ago I was in a rehab hospital learning to walk again.

For me recovery has been a set of steps. Setting goals daily and weekly. Trying is important. Sometimes I just can't, and sometimes I push through the constant headache and awful med side effects and sit at my desk all day. Building myself moment by moment, day by day. I also feel strongly that using whatever resources and support available is crucial. Family, doctors, therapists, trainers, support groups--whatever it takes to work through the emotional low points and stay positive and moving forward. Post transplant life is a new normal to adjust to. I have limits, but I will challenge those limits each day striving to live joyfully.

Be well and stay strong.