Eight Years Extra Life Living With New Lungs Thanks To my Donor

Eight years have passed since my double lung transplant and I find it hard to believe that I have been so blessed 

When I was given my transplant the survival rate was 50% at 5 years it meant that half the people receiving a lung transplant would be dead within 5 years thank God I was not in that statistic but many people who I followed on this journey are no longer with me now. They are in my thoughts today and I am grateful for the support they gave me along the way.

It has not been plain sailing and my body is suffering from the medications I have to take my kidneys are suffering and on a few occasions my kidney function has declined enough for the Drs to be concerned
This lead me to having to go on insulin to control my Diabetes also a side effect from transplant.I has taken me a while to get used to this but now I am more relaxed about the whole process.one thing In hadn't thought about was the restrictions and regulations regarding driving I had to return my driving licence and was given a five year one and when driving I need to check my blood sugar levels every 2 hours

On a  more positive note thanks to my transplant I have been able to see my children grow into strong independent adults.
This year I am proud to say my daughter finished her studies at university and achieved a first class honours degree in English 
My son passed his Full bike test and is a confident mature motorcyclist now I was able to ride with him as he progressed from his first bike thanks to my transplant.
I will celebrate 9 years married to my wife later on this month we have been together 31 years but I will always remember that day we married with me sitting in the car using Oxygen so i was able to walk the few steps into the registrar office to say our vows.

Time has been kind me but unfortunately not all my friends this year In was intending to go traveling to visit people I know.
One of those was a very dear friend of 30 yrs who I had only recently got back in contact with after losing contact for many years But before I could visit her again I got the sad news that she had suffered a heart attack and died I attended her funeral which was held in Oxford and although I don't normally attend funerals it was a opportunity to connect with her children and offer what support I could and celebrate her life, I was glad I did but it reminded me how fragile life is and how quickly things can change.

Therefore I would like to say to all of you reading this tell those close to you you love them! and don't let opportunity pass by you dont know when if ever it will happen again.

I send out all my best wishes to all those struggling with health issues all those waiting for a call for a new life and all my friends who continue to support me on my journey