We caught up with Dean, who has CF and recently had a double lung transplant, and his supportive wife Mel. Dean and Mel also have two children.
Can you explain what life was like before your lung transplant?
I had got to a point in my life where I couldn’t go to the park or the beach with my kids. I didn’t feel like much of a father, husband, or even a person. All the coughing, spluttering, and wheezing.
What was the thing that made you decide and cope with lung transplant?
It was the wife and the kids. I wanted to live longer with them, be with them, and watch the kids as they grow up. They got me through it all.
Tell us about your transplant?
Just before the transplant I was actually feeling healthier, I had done a bit of gardening, and put up some blinds in the house. I was cleaning the garage that hadn’t been touched for three years. The pager went off and I thought. “Oh no. Not now!!”
I had a false run a few weeks before, but this time when I got onto the phone it sounded more positive and definite. We made our way into the hospital and I remember that I said bye to Mel before going into theatre, but then in a blink of the eye I woke up and Mel was there with the nurse. I had new lungs.
The worst part straight after the op was using the commode in ICU – how embarrassing!
What advice would you have for others?
Definitely have the transplant. Don’t be frightened. It was seamless, it was all done very quickly. Even though when I woke up and could only puff, my sats were better than before and it improved everyday. I could then take deep breaths. Even now, two months after, my lung function is still improving. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done.
My kids coped with it very well.
Mel – could you tell us how things were for you during this time?
I had to get up early and get the kids off to school, then catch the train to the hospital to be with Dean every day. It was very tiring. Our neighbours were a great help. Funnily enough they are also named Dean and Mel.
It’s harder since he’s been out! Now I’m looking after three kids! It will be better when Dean is stronger.
Dean then says – I’m still a bit tight around the chest. Walking is all good now. I don’t get puffed and my heart rate doesn’t go up. It’s eight weeks yesterday. I feel fitter every day.
What are your future plans?
Me and Mel are getting married again at the end of the year on an ocean cruiser. The whole family will go for 10 days around the Mediterranean and the USA.
I’ve already got some job offers so will get back to that as well.
Any other thoughts?
I was not aware of how severely limited I had to be before I could be listed for transplant.
And the joke about coughing up someone else’s sputum – well I haven’t coughed up any. It’s been great.
Seriously though – I want to say thanks to the family that decided that their dad was to donate his organs so I could live longer. I want them to know he lives on in me and I respect the lungs.
I also want to say all the staff at Royal Perth Hospital are incredible. They kept my spirits up and calmed me down. They just knew what to say.
Article from RED Magazine, Autumn 2014.