transplant week 2011

Ian Thain

In this second installment, Ian describes his wait for a double lung transplant to save his life.

A year before I was offered the opportunity of going on the waiting list, I informed that I had approximately 3 years left in me. The average wait at present for donor lungs is 12 - 24 months. 60% of people awaiting a transplant die before suitable organs become available. This means I have about 18 months to go then 'skating on thin ice'. I enjoy each and every day to the full in hope together with my wonderful wife. We wait for 'the call'....

When I do finally receive 'The Call', it may be a false alarm, due to the fact that when a pair of lungs become available from a donor, 3 possible recipients will be called in and prepped for transplantation surgery, one who needs a double, one a left and one who needs a right lung, in case one organ is not suitable. If this were the case, I will be sent home to wait again.

I have the will and tenacity to keep going. I owe my wife so much. I want to see our children settle into there lives and careers ahead and to see our grandchildren one day.

Would you like to receive an organ if you had a life threatening illness / condition?Would you like a family member or loved one to receive an organ if they had a life threatening illness / condition?

Yes?? Well then why not be prepared to give the opportunity of life too.

Many organs also do not make it due to family who won't allow donation to happen due to the emotion and sadness at the loss of a loved one. Please let that person have their wish to unselfishly give life to another! This Transplant Week, please register as an organ donor. It's the most amazing gift you could give and it costs nothing! What are you waiting for? Register today.

You can read part one of Ian's story here.