Mike-I am just 8 months post heart/double lung transplant. Although I was hospitalized for only a short period of time prior to transplant, I was steadily declining 18 months prior. I don’t own a ranch but I do have 2 horses that I rode several times a week prior to my deterioration. As I deteriorated it was all I could do to walk out to catch them. I had no stamina. Fortunately I board my horses, so they were cared for whenever I was not able to go to the barn. Is there a local ag college or high school ag program that you could reach out to for interns or students to work at your horse ranch when you are not able? I know it isn’t the same as doing it yourself, but if they can work with you before hospitalization that can give you some peace of mind.

And heck yes it’s worth it! I will say that I got a little frustrated post transplant when someone asked me if I had a good day. Some days I was lucky to have a good hour or two. So I started counting the ‘small wins’ every day and wrote them down at night, along with what didn’t go well. Even little things like “stood up by myself” made the list. Eventually the small wins greatly outweighed the little steps backwards. I’m very independent, competitive and some say stubborn 😊. I used that to my advantage in recovery-setting goals and challenging myself so I could get out of the hospital asap and then progress in recovery. One of my goals after I got home was to get back in the saddle. In 4 1/2 months I was riding again. Sure, someone had to lift my saddle on and off in the beginning. But within 2 months I was able to saddle both my horses and ride on my own again. Freedom and normalcy comes back, and is something to look forward to. And I didn’t realize how crummy I felt pre transplant until I got my heart and lungs working again!