Day 27: A stranger gave me an extraordinary gift and a team of people saved my life
As I weighed up the effort it would take to unhook my Bi-Pap versus waiting a few more moments to see if my phone would ring, it did. Donated lungs were available. The truth about my health When Grant and I got to the hospital, there was a sobering truth to face. In ‘normal’ circumstances, I would be prepared for surgery while under general anaesthetic, then ventilated. Once I was all prepped, the lead surgeon would check the donated lungs to confirm he was happy for the surgery to proceed. Dr. Mike told me my lung function was at the point that once ventilated, if the donated lungs did not pass the surgeon’s inspection, I would need to ‘live’ in ICU and wait for the possibility of another offer. As a compromise, I would go through and have all the various lines installed and primed. Intubation would only happen if the surgery were to proceed. The team prepped me and installed all my lines. They covered me with warm blankets before leaving to inspect the donated lungs and scrub in. They say your life flashes before your eyes when you are about to die. I had a full five minutes to think and reflect. I’d had a great life — and achieved some remarkable things. I knew I was rolling the dice for a chance to have a future, knowing that I might not be strong enough to survive the surgery. I knew that these lungs were my only hope — at that point, one thing was sure. Without donated lungs, I was going to die. I’d like to say once I woke up, I took that opportunity and ran with — but who am I kidding, I don’t run anywhere. But I have made the most of these extra years and will continue to do so as long as these fabulous lungs keep breathing for me. 31 Days of Cystic Fibrosis Bonus Fact On May 27, 2011, it was 65 Roses Day, and my Aunty Mary planned to take me over to Gran’s for lunch. I sent her a text declining her invitation due to having a “better offer”. 31 Days of Cystic Fibrosis Extra Bonus Fact I wanted to have a Facebook status of “Hi Ho, Hi Ho — it’s off for lungs I go..” posted after my husband received the phone call to confirm the surgery was going ahead. He Who Was in Charge of the Communication Device vetoed it.
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Written bySandi Parsons - Cystic Fibrosis Warrior. |