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My story of a heart transplant
by
Michael Guinness, Castlewellan
Member of The Northern Ireland Transplant Association
Michael and wife Sarah
"The Gift of Life"
In 1990 I had a pacemaker fitted. It helped for a time, but by the autumn of 1994 I became ill. After numerous medical investigations it became evident that I needed a heart transplant.
This was a great shock to me and it took me some time to come to terms with the fact that this was the only way to prolong my life. After three months treatment in the Belfast City Hospital I was sent to the Freeman Hospital for assessment. I was put on the waiting list and we were given a "bleep" to carry. I remained in the City Hospital until February 1995 when I was discharged. I had improved sufficiently to allow me to live at home. By this time I was 62 years old.
I was called in June and August 1995 to the Freeman Hospital but the donor organs on each occasion were found to be unsuitable. I was called again on 20th October 1995. My wife and daughter accompanied me and I was transplanted in the early hours of the 21st
It was a very traumatic experience not only for me but for my wife and family. We were also aware of the suffering of the donor family. Thank God I have had a good quality of life since. I am always careful about my medication.
I have since become a member of the Northern Ireland Transplant Association so I can help others going through a similar situation. Please carry the card and sign the organ donor register
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