In June of 2006, I was diagnosed with Early Interstitial Fibrosis,
the start of Pulmonary Fibrosis. My biological mother died from it in 1995,
four months after diagnosis. Probably why I have it. I read up on it and
discovered it was considered terminal, with death usually coming 3-5 years
after diagnosis.
I was still here and still working in June of 2010, when my
lung capacity had declined so much I had to go on oxygen. I pulled an oxygen
tank behind me to work for three and a half years, until it got so bad it forced
my retirement on October 1, 2013. On December 23, 2013 I had a right lung
transplant through the Madison VA hospital. Lung transplants are the riskiest transplant, as the lungs
are open to the air, unlike other organs. Th three major killed of transplant
recipients are rejection, infection and tumors, as you are immune-suppressed. So today is my forth
anniversary. By this time about 40% of lung transplant patients have died. I’m
well enough that I work PT as a writer-editor at the Madison VA. I can’t say enough good things about the VA. Thanks to my
doctors, nurses, CNAs, physical therapists, respiratory therapists, pharmacists
and others, I’m still alive and going strong. I continue to march! Thanks for
all your prayers, thoughts and support. ~Bob
