Learning my new normal post Transplant, things that make me laugh!

Posted by Alex @mjolnir64, Jul 6 6:32pm

I've been lurking here on Connect for a month or so learning. I was told by my pulmonologist (who did my heart cath to clear me for my liver tx) that he didn't need to see me until after the tx. He joked that the info I was about receive would be like "trying to drink from a fire hose", and that I didn't need him further complicating matters. I have a diagnosis of COPD and additionally was on O2 because of cirrhotic liver but pulmonary function was ok.
Anyway, as you know, he was SO correct. We had no idea what was coming at us!
My experience here has been similar, the information available can be overwhelming, but I've learned to pace myself, 1-2 hours a day when I feel like it! Especially with co-morbidities, which, it seems like most of us have.
I decided to post today because while grocery shopping earlier I learned something I needed to be aware of. I think I'm "ok" with guarding my immunity being compromised ie. masking when appropriate etc. But I have these epiphany's frequently, like today, while licking my fingertips to be able to open a produce bag. After not disinfecting the cart handle. Something I've done my whole life AND got away with it since I'm still alive. But can't take that risk anymore, or, more appropriately I choose not to take that risk! Hopefully the price I pay is merely the chill up my spine when I realized that this is just one more specific thing that no-one told us about. Because it's not possible to teach someone how to live. We have to learn some of it ourselves, but we do a great job of sharing what we've learned here in these discussions! I want to thank everybody here for sharing, I look forward to learning more and if I can contribute I'll be better for it.
I would be remiss if I didn't applaud my loving wife/caregiver. I wouldn't be here without her!🙂
By the way, I LOL when I realized what I'd done! In the produce aisle! I've always enjoyed these moments, and I credit being Nordic for that. I call them "Oly" moments.

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footballmum | @footballmum | Jul 7 9:27am

Good morning from Canada
I can totally emphasize. We need to constantly be aware of the "little" day to day things not just the big ones. I learned that if you rub the opening end of the plastic bag it will open for you. No more licking the fingers. No more hanging your toothbrush in the holder, you must now keep it a travel tube all the time.

craigcraig | @craigcraig | Jul 7 6:30am

Hey Alex ! Sounds like you are doing GREAT. After my liver transplant a year and a half ago in Az I had to renew my drivers license back here. I told the guy at DMV I had a liver transplant and wanted to be an organ donner . He said I could not as I will be on TAC for life. He had had a liver transplant too. But he said infaticly. " IT GETS BETTER" (over time). Life and adjusting. Sixteen months later he could not have been more right. Walking my golden retriever , doing all grocery shopping when my wife broke her foot, going to grandkids ballgames without a mask, etc. etc. .

I think you , your caregiver wife and Oly will do just fine. (---: