<p>This story made my day and week for that matter. I ran into an old friend today at the gym. I’ve know him since the mid 80s when we were in the AF together. He taught me how to aerial refuel. He was medically retired from the AF in the late 80s for a very rare, but ultimately fatal heart condition in which his heart muscle was getting harder, tighter and less flexible each year. I don’t remember the name of the condition. His prognosis was poor. At one point he and his wife sold the house and traveled the county in an RV for a few years in an attempt to cram as much life into the remaining years that he had left. The last time I saw him was last fall. He didn’t look good. Very pale, moving very slowly. He told me that he wasn’t doing well and each day his life was like an ever tightening circle. I thought to myself that day that I might not see him again.
I saw him today, and he looked great. He had a heart transplant 9 weeks ago! He was walking on the treadmill! His color was great, his smile was back. He said his life now is like an ever increasing circle and he has better aerobic capability today than he did 5 years ago. His donor was a 23 year old male. He didn’t know any other details of the young man, but was extremely grateful to have another chance at life. Reconfirmed my decision to become an organ donor years ago. I’m still smiling :)</p>
<p>Thats great to hear.
I am also an organ donor-
I also have read some interesting things about transplants & cellular memory, particulary with heart/lung transplants
<a href=“http://www.nexusmagazine.com/articles/CellularMemories.html[/url]”>http://www.nexusmagazine.com/articles/CellularMemories.html</a></p>
<p>Awwwwww, Lukester, I’m <em>really</em> happy that your friend has been given this second chance at life! I’m sure he values each day like few others have the perspective to do. I wish him all the best for a happy and healthy future! :)</p>
<p>~berurah</p>
<p>Lovely story and I hope it encourages anyone who hasn’t already to consider being an Organ Donor.</p>
<p>I read recently of a proposal to make ours an "opt out’ country for organ donation, rather than an “opt in.” Apparently, many other countries are “opt out” countries - ie, unless you specify otherwise, your organs will be available for donation. Such other countries don’t have the long waiting lists that we have.</p>
<p>I like it.</p>
<p>jmmom, it would be great to have “opt out” organ donation, but the reality of the situation is that it’s a potential donor’s family who gives consent for the procedure. Even if a person has indicated (as I have) the desire to be a donor, his/her family are still asked for consent. My H will be asked for consent, in other words. If he refuses, my organs won’t be used. That’s why it’s important to discuss this with your family. The circumstances surrounding organ donation are highly charged and emotional in nearly every case. Don’t let the checkbox on your driver’s license be sprung on your loved ones in the event of the unthinkable.</p>
<p>Lukester, it sounds like your friend had a cardiomyopathy. I have that condition as well (it’s inherited) and I’m thrilled to hear that he’s doing so well. Thank you for sharing his story.</p>
<p>emeraldkitty – that article you linked – yikes !!! Is that wild, or what??? Add ‘cellular memory’ to ‘nature vs. nurture’ debate…</p>
<p>Thanks for the story of your friend-it’s wonderful!</p>
<p>I don’t have time to read the link on cellular memory, but I did read a book a few years ago by a woman heart transplant patient who had trouble convincing her doctor and others that she had memories/new food cravings, etc. which she found through her own investigation matched her young male heart donor. It was a thought provoking book.</p>
<p>RE the article on cellular memory–WoW. Just…wow.</p>
<p>how wonderful for his family! I can’t imagine their beatitude.</p>