A Double Lung Transplant Story

On April 29, 2018 we got the life changing call we had been waiting for, there was a match. John and I nervously got in the car and headed to New York-Presbyterian / Columbia University Hospital to prep for a double lung transplant. A drive we had made several times for testing, seminars and meetings to prepare for this very moment.

I remember driving to the hospital and crying most of the way because I was so frightened and one year later, as we drove home from our “Lungaversary Weekend Celebration” I was also a bit misty thinking of the family of my donor…how sad they must be but how happy they’ve made my family.

On that drive to Columbia last year I was connected to oxygen but now there’s no need for it because my oxygen saturation level is 98-99% daily. To be able to walk on the treadmill I needed 15 liters of oxygen and now I can do 15 minutes with no oxygen. I go to Physical Therapy for my rotator cuff that I injured 2 years ago lifting my tanks and portable oxygen machine. Eventually I’m going to get this old body back in shape!

In the past 15 months there have been some ups and downs. I was able to fly to our condo in North Carolina and walk up the flights of stairs to stay in it. I don't need to carry oxygen tanks around anymore. On the flip side I've spent some additional time in the hospital; sometimes expected, sometimes not. All in all I am thankful the bumps in the road to recovery have not been just that; bumps not potholes so I’ve managed to maneuver around them with the assistance and love of my family and friends.

I’ve written a letter to my donor’s family but I have not received a reply. I plan to continue to write and of course pray for them. I would love to know more about my donor. I’m so appreciative of my many friends who have told me that I am the reason they’ve signed up to be organ donors. I intend to advocate for this along with advocating for a cure for Cystic Fibrosis.

Thank you all from the very bottom of my heart!
— Monica Judge