I’ve officially been on the lung transplant now for four months since May 2025. I got the long-awaited nod in February 2025, though I had to get a few things lined up post-agreement in order to be activated on the list. That included several vaccines and a dental check-up, etc.
Since the vaccines took some time, it was three months before I was activated. Following the many hoops you go through to qualify for the transplant list, now I’m in the Waiting Room.
Waiting for The Call, that will one day change my life…
What are the hoops and what does that feel like?
Oddly enough, I didn’t think I’d need a transplant so soon, even after 10 years of experiencing COPD. I think I normalised many of my experiences and daily living activities, but I do remember, many years ago, a senior respiratory consultant explaining that my lungs were “on the edge of a cliff” and they would either stay stable enough, progressing very slowly, or “tip over the edge, and you’ll likely need a transplant.”
The latter was realised in an emergency fashion last year when my health took that crazy turn.
After eight months of battling continuous health scares and following the diligent, thorough, hard work of my primary respiratory consultant, he secured an evaluation for me with the transplant team at the Newcastle Freeman Hospital. As I was still in the Aberdeen hospital at that time, an ambulance had to take me down to Newcastle for my appointment.
Prior to all of that though, I needed to prequalify on a few things… and that included putting on as much weight as possible (at least eight kgs!) and being of a reasonable state of mind, as well as having the will to live/wanting the transplant.
Those were three big hoops. Which, as you can imagine, in the midst of being severely unwell, was a significant challenge.
I felt the pressure. I almost said no. But it was important to say no before saying yes.
The initial conversations were very…confronting. Upfront, I was told this journey “is not for the faint-hearted.” It’s followed by the process, the operation itself, the risks, post-transplant, recovery and expectations. They also go through what it means for your carer and whomever will be looking after you post-transplant and recovery.
Yes. Many throat gulps happened. It’s A LOT to take in. I had expected this. Of course, they don’t do this to scare the living crap out of you. It’s due diligence. Because it is such a risky operation, they want you to have the best chances of survival.
So here’s why I said YES. Yes to another chance at life.
Follow the light.
Like I said in my video, that’s my message. It’s in all the small things. Even if you’re stuck in purgatory right now, or in a hospital bed. The interactions from the nurses and doctors, the access we have to clean water and food, technology, a friend sending a message.
These are all miracles. And that’s what keeps me going. Even just being offered and being qualified to get onto the list is a miracle. Whether it happens or not, it’s out of my control. I focus on the things I can control and always go back to the serenity prayer and mantra.
Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, The courage to change the things I can, And the wisdom to know the difference.
Serenity Prayer
Living one day at a time, Enjoying one moment at a time.
Lungevity 