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My Story of a heart transplant
by
John McFarland, Glengormley
(Member of The Northern Ireland Transplant Association)
From L-R: Tony Zhara (my donor's husband), my wife Heather and me
"The Gift of Life"
I was a busy Instrument Technician dashing here and there through the whole of Ireland, Isle of Man and parts of Scotland. I didn't have time to be sick!
 Suddenly, on 17th November 1989, while working in Galway I had a heart attack! In the hotel my heart stopped.....................
A cardiac arrest!!
Severe chest pains 3 years earlier had been a warning. I was checked out in hospital at that time, nothing serious found, went home and worried no more about it.
After the Galway episode I had tests which showed scars from a previous heart attack and I had a triple by-pass in April 1991. However, after this operation I gradually got worse and was confined to a chair only able to walk a few steps. I was told I would need a heart transplant to survive.
Shock! Horror! Tears! But wait......
Yes! Yes! Yes!
I talked it over with my wife, Heather, and three children and dismissing the alternative I seized the chance.
I was sent to Papworth Hospital in England for an assessment on 9th August 1994 and Hooray! I was put on the transplant list. Waiting was the worst time. I sat with my bags packed never knowing when the call would come. I was at home when the call came 11 months later.
Heather and I were flown by Woodgate Executive Air Charter to Stanstead and I received my new heart on 18th July 1995.
Afterwards I was warned I may have complications and I had rejection for one and a half years. Once my medication was changed I had no further rejection. I will have to take anti-rejection drugs all my life but swallowing a few pills night and morning is such a small price to pay for the new life I now have.
My religious faith has always been strong and this belief was to sustain me throughout my darkest days
I gradually gained my strength and resumed some former
church activities of lay preaching and home and hospital visiting.
I walk hand and hand with God. 
I have also been able to pursue my love of flying and hope to get a private pilot's licence. After a heart transplant you won't be allowed to fly a plane without a qualified pilot but having someone to share the thrill is a bonus!
Now, how could I help others going through the emotional trauma of transplantation? As a member of The Northern Ireland Transplant Association I can pass on knowledge gained through experience.
Just a visit can alleviate stress and give hope.
Organising social events where fellow transplantees can meet informally has been particularly wonderful.
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