Terri,
The first month when I was in the hospital is a little fuzzy😊. But I can tell you that the pain management was exceptional. I do not remember any significant pain.
I had some complications during the transplant (lung related) and had kidney issues before and after that caused me to have to have dialysis for the 4 weeks I was in the hospital. I was VERY weak and had to relearn how to use my muscles. Hands, arms, legs, core, etc. I was walking, lifting and doing yoga before transplant. The stronger/more fit you can go into the transplant the better. Mayo has us do respiratory therapy daily-I would call it a combo of PT and Respiratory therapy. It is hard and frustrating at times but once you turn the corner the improvements are very noticeable.
I had my first rejection at about 15 mos-with the lungs, not heart. I am currently adjusting meds and going back for bronchoscopy in 10 days.
It was absolutely worth it!
Mayo Magazine did an article on me recently. I put a screen shot of the article below. I cannot figure out how to put the link on here but you should be able to google it. It gives you some pics and insight and hopefully some hope too!
Jackie