Hi MBlair,
im very sorry to hear of another young person facing heart failure and transplant. I have recently been through a range of tests which are showing either a rare form of cardiomyopathy or another condition causing heart failure, both which I am told mean a heart transplant is in the not too distant future for me. I have a past history of heart problems and surgeries, since i was a teenager and do understand what its like to face these problems as a young adult.
I have also seen the transplant process from the other side as Im a nurse in Paediatrics and so have seen some of my teenage patients awaiting transplant, and have seen how frustrating and at times overwhelming it can be. Best of all I have nursed them after receiving a heart, taught them about
their medications and followup care, watched them return to school, work and challenged them to fierce games on the hospital basketball court, during their recovery, when pre transplant walking a few steps exhausted them. ( They kicked my butt by the way!!) So I have seen first hand the challenging but ultimate gift of getting a new heart.
Just wanted you to know, you are not alone, and to hang in there. Think you show tremendous courage and strength of character to of been through all you have.
My thoughts are with you. Please keep in touch.
