Nightwriter
New member
Hi Annie,
I'd like to address the question you asked about how do you make this decision. At 17% FEV1, maybe a lung transplant is the gift of help you've been wishing for. And while you are learning as much as you can from people who have gone through this, I was thinking about how to handle the anxiety and how you can wrap your mind around such a big step.
I would say every time you think about the possibility of a transplant, if you feel anxious, replace this thought with this: Imagine being able to run again, iceskate, dancing like mad. To wake up in the morning and not have to do an an hour and a half of treatments. To be able to take a really deep breath and not cough. To do all the things we do in our dreams. If you notice, that you feel excited about these possibilities, you can take this as a positive indication.
I am not telling you to do it or not do it, but don't let your fear be the decider. If you wait too long, you could be too weak to withstand such a big operation. Find out all there is to having a transplant, so that you can prepare in whatever way you need to.
Help comes in ways you least expect it sometimes. Sometimes you have to grab at chances before they pass you by. And what is best case scenario if you don't go for it? For me the choice would be clear, but you are the only one that is captaining your ship. And the risks certainly are there. And I know there are many things you have to do post transplant to keep healthy. Because it is by no means an easy path either.
I once heard the following story. It's an old and oft told story and one doesn't have to be religious to appreciate the point.
There was a man who lived near a river and during a big storm the river overflowed. Soon his house was being surrounded by water. The man prayed to God to help him.
Soon a man came by with an all terrain vehicle -- you know the kind that can drive through the water. The driver asked if he wanted a ride to safety. The man refused and he told the driver that the Lord would provide for him.
The water kept coming up and the man had to climb on the roof of his house. A man in a boat came by and offered help. The man refused and said the Lord will provide.
Then a helicopter came by and they lowered a rope ladder. The man said no and he waited for the Lord to provide. The storm got worse and the man fell into the raging river and drowned.
When he got to heaven, he asked God why he did not save him. God said, "I sent you a truck, then a boat, and a helicopter. What more did you want?"
Learn as much as you can. Talk to as many people as you can who have walked this road already. They can help ease your mind better than anyone. At least you have this option if you choose to take it.
Best of luck.
I'd like to address the question you asked about how do you make this decision. At 17% FEV1, maybe a lung transplant is the gift of help you've been wishing for. And while you are learning as much as you can from people who have gone through this, I was thinking about how to handle the anxiety and how you can wrap your mind around such a big step.
I would say every time you think about the possibility of a transplant, if you feel anxious, replace this thought with this: Imagine being able to run again, iceskate, dancing like mad. To wake up in the morning and not have to do an an hour and a half of treatments. To be able to take a really deep breath and not cough. To do all the things we do in our dreams. If you notice, that you feel excited about these possibilities, you can take this as a positive indication.
I am not telling you to do it or not do it, but don't let your fear be the decider. If you wait too long, you could be too weak to withstand such a big operation. Find out all there is to having a transplant, so that you can prepare in whatever way you need to.
Help comes in ways you least expect it sometimes. Sometimes you have to grab at chances before they pass you by. And what is best case scenario if you don't go for it? For me the choice would be clear, but you are the only one that is captaining your ship. And the risks certainly are there. And I know there are many things you have to do post transplant to keep healthy. Because it is by no means an easy path either.
I once heard the following story. It's an old and oft told story and one doesn't have to be religious to appreciate the point.
There was a man who lived near a river and during a big storm the river overflowed. Soon his house was being surrounded by water. The man prayed to God to help him.
Soon a man came by with an all terrain vehicle -- you know the kind that can drive through the water. The driver asked if he wanted a ride to safety. The man refused and he told the driver that the Lord would provide for him.
The water kept coming up and the man had to climb on the roof of his house. A man in a boat came by and offered help. The man refused and said the Lord will provide.
Then a helicopter came by and they lowered a rope ladder. The man said no and he waited for the Lord to provide. The storm got worse and the man fell into the raging river and drowned.
When he got to heaven, he asked God why he did not save him. God said, "I sent you a truck, then a boat, and a helicopter. What more did you want?"
Learn as much as you can. Talk to as many people as you can who have walked this road already. They can help ease your mind better than anyone. At least you have this option if you choose to take it.
Best of luck.