Ben Says Thank You

So here I am, just 28 days after a double lung transplant, at home, at my laptop, trying to find the words to describe how I feel. How does one describe the transition from barely able to walk 15 metres with oxygen to being able to ride an exercise bike for 25 minutes twice a day and breathing normally afterwards?

How does one explain the elation at knowing there is a quality life ahead when only a few weeks ago I thought another month or two without a transplant and I wouldn’t survive?

More importantly, how does one thank all the people involved?

First, of course, is the organ donor. The concept of the gift of life, the willingness, on passing, to give over part of oneself so that a complete stranger may live, is so overwhelming that I cannot find words worthy enough to describe the humility, gratefulness and responsibility I feel. Humble because of all the people to whom the donor’s gift may have been directed, I was chosen; grateful, obviously; and responsible, because it is now my responsibility to do everything in my power to protect these lungs and allow them to do the very thing the donor intended.

To the family of this giver of life, you should be so proud of what your loved one has done. Even though I don’t know who it is, he/she will remain in my daily thoughts for the rest of my life. Every breath I take will be a reminder.

Second there is The Queensland Lung Transplant Unit. I hesitate to name names for fear of forgetting someone but in particular I want to thank Dr Peter Hopkins and Dr Keith McNeill and their team who, through following the progress of my illness, agreed just six short months ago to place me on the waiting list and whose care, attention and compassion have helped me through the past weeks and will do so for the rest of my life. Then, of course, the surgical team headed by Dr John Dunning, a man I haven’t even met yet (Janyne has), whose skills have made the transplant possible.

Third is the fabulous staff in the Prince Charles Hospital Intensive Care Unit. There are too many people to mention individually here but the doctors, nurses and wardstaff are so dedicated, so caring, in what must be a very difficult environment. Yet they are always cheerful and doing what they can to keep patients’ spirits up and assist in recovery even to the point of visiting or bringing in food for me. (Not that I have any complaints about the hospital food!!!!). Even the physiotherapists, regarded generally as hard task masters, are genuinely helping to improve strength and mobility which, in turn, aids recovery.

Then we have the ward staff, speech therapists and, of course, Eleanor, our social worker, with whom Janyne has had many a conversation (well, Janyne has had many a conversation with everybody at Prince Charles including visitors to other patients).

Thank you to my brother Tony who flew up from Melbourne for the day to celebrate my birthday. To all who sent well wishes, phoned, emailed or sent flowers. To the Directors and staff at Great Southern Plantations for their valued support.

Finally, I want to make special mention of my family. Paul and his strength and dedication and his innovative “blogspot” website which has kept you all so well informed of my progress and taken a heavy burden off Janyne’s shoulders. Jacqui, who has visited me almost daily despite a very heavy work schedule at the end of the financial year and who, with Andrew, has opened her home on many occasions so that Janyne and Paul wouldn’t have to travel back to the Gold Coast each night. To Jason, and to Melissa, who made the special trip from Melbourne to lend her love and support.

Finally, I want to thank the most important person in my life, my wife Janyne. Her courage, her positive attitude, her sense of humour and her strength in times of some very difficult periods have earned the respect of everyone she has touched including family, friends and hospital staff. This at a time when our beloved Selby had to be put down, and after four years of caring for me during my illness. There are no words that can adequately express my gratitude. But I will do everything I can to ensure that she shares in every aspect of our improved quality of life and that our years ahead will bring her the happiness she deserves.

Ben