I have led a very healthy and active lifestyle.  Never smoked, very little alcohol consumption and always ate healthy.  In 2011 before turning 50 I completed P90X and lost 40 lbs.

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In March of 2012 I began to notice some issues with my breathing. I was coughing a lot particularly on exertion.  I figured it was just a cough or cold.  I went to the doctors and received medicine but it didn’t help.  Long story short, after X-rays, CT-Scans and multiple tests I was diagnosed with ILD – Interstitial Lung Disease.  It was idiopathic, meaning they had no idea what was causing it.  I was put on varying courses of medicine but the situation was not improving.  By the Fall of 2017 I was on supplemental oxygen, 2 liters at rest and 6 liters on exertion. 

 

My health took a rapid decline when PF (Pulmonary Fibrosis) took hold.  PF essentially hardens the lungs making them unable to absorb oxygen.  At my January 2018 Pulmonologist visit it was recommended that I be referred for lung transplant.  Naturally this was a huge shock to me and my family.  I began the process and was approved and listed on April 23rd, 2018.  At 11:15 PM on Sunday May 6th I received a call that they had lungs for me.  I was transplanted May 7th and released from hospital after 86 days on July 30th.  It was tough going and at one point it looked like I wouldn’t pull through but by the grace of God, I am here.