3 F’s define my life changes after a double-lung transplant
Fitness, food, and fame have undergone major changes
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There are three F-words that describe a few of the changes I’ve experienced since having a double-lung transplant eight years ago. After living with cystic fibrosis (CF) lungs for 30 years, having new lungs has been a miracle. It hasn’t come without adjustments, though. The three areas most affected have been how I exercise, what I eat, and things that I’m known for.
Fitness
Running with CF lungs was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. At the same time, it was a key factor in preserving my lungs. Running and stationary biking were both effective at expelling thick, sticky mucus from my lungs. They also doubled as strength training. I was really strong going into my transplant surgery, which was essential in my recovery.
I’ve found different ways to exercise post-transplant, and it’s important to stay fit for other reasons as well. I incorporate more rigorous activities that I couldn’t engage in with CF lungs, such as hiking, kayaking, and mountain biking. Anything that takes me outside is right up my alley. Although I don’t need airway clearance anymore, it’s essential to keep my lungs strong and healthy, so exercise is nonnegotiable.
Food
Prior to transplant, I ate anything and everything. I burned calories faster than I could take them in, since my lungs were working overtime to breathe. My fast metabolism and faulty digestive system allowed me to consume a ton of food. Plus, I didn’t have any diet restrictions.
Fast-forward to life after transplant, and my diet looks very different. I developed steroid-induced diabetes as a result of taking prednisone, which is one of my anti-rejection medications, on a daily basis. In order to regulate my blood sugar, I tailor my diet to be more diabetic-friendly (most of the time).
I can’t eat as much as I used to either. My metabolism has slowed down significantly since my lungs aren’t working as hard anymore, so I get full much faster. My anatomy also changed after transplant, with my organs shifting, meaning my abdomen can’t hold as much. Diet-wise, I can’t dine at buffets or eat deli meat or sushi, as these could threaten my compromised immune system.
Fame
Apparently, I was the talk of the town while an inpatient at the hospital before transplant. I guess that’s where the fame part comes in. I remember creating a social media post about running with an oxygen tank in tow. Several people commented that they wondered who that girl was running around the hospital, dragging an oxygen tank behind her. Mystery solved! A few times a day, I exercised as part of my respiratory treatments. Even though I required 6 liters of oxygen, I didn’t let it stop me from running or biking as hard as I could.
Now that I have new lungs, I’m known for organ donation advocacy. I’ve been featured several times on local news, given interviews to newspapers, and been invited to write articles to raise awareness. I am always grateful for the opportunity to share my personal transplant story and connect with other recipients, donor families, and supporters. It’s truly an honor to be a part of this community.
While I grieve that my life is different from what I was used to, I also celebrate how my life has radically changed with my new lungs, opening doors for opportunities I never imagined possible while living with CF lungs. I truly am blessed to be on this journey and to have a second chance at a life that’s beyond my wildest dreams.
Note: Cystic Fibrosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Cystic Fibrosis News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to cystic fibrosis.
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