Off topic - A good news and very true life story

[Geoff]

I thought I'd share with you a good news story, in the wake of the terrible bombings in London and what other horrible stuff is going on in the world. Many of you know I am a nurse, and many of you that didn't know, now do.
I recently looked after a young female patient (my age - 27)who was born with cystic fibrosis which is a crippling and eventually a life threatening illness affecting the lungs, so much so that they are unable to clear secretions due to scaring. If unable to get a lung transplant, the end result is certain death. This poor girl was admitted to where I work a few weeks ago where she battled this horrible disease, unable to breathe adequately enough to get barely enough oxygen to her damaged lungs. We tried so hard not to put the breathing tube down her throat and support her breathing, as when we do this, the option of ever getting off the breathing machine are miniscule. She battled on for a few days, and eventually turned the corner for the better, and was well enough to be discharged out of intensive care. During this time she was hoping probably minute by minute that her name came up so that she would be able to receive a new set of lungs as she had been on the transplant waiting list for most of her young life.

A few days later and after a few days off, I returned to work to find out, to my joy that since being discharged out of ICU, she had received a lung transplant and was doing brilliantly!! I went to see her and the hugest smile came across her face, she was sitting out of bed, still with many tubes attached, with NO oxygen supporting her..she beamed and said 'hey Geoff, watch this' and with that huge smile she took a huge breath in without an ounce of difficulty, it was effortless. What we all take for granted, she had worked so hard at acheiving for all of her life...breathing!

She had received a gift from someone through organ donation, someone that had ticked that box on their license application or discussed this with their loved ones. It was one of the most satisfying days in my career as a nurse, which I have been in for over six years!

I thought that I'd share with this you as I find myself thinking and smiling about this quite often, and it's such a great REAL story. Perhaps if you haven't considered or even discussed organ donation then now might be a good time to do so? Something to ponder anyway!

I hope this thread has not in any way offended or upset anyone, that was not the intention.

[Glen]

Geoff, great story, nice to hear good news and even nicer you were there to witness it. Hope your story inspires some more organ donors

[christiand]

I'm so happy for the lady and you being able to wittness the event.

Don't know what else to say,

CD

[Onyx]

Inspiring story Geoff. I would imagine your line of work being surrounded by so much misery, it's great to be able to have a happy ending to one of them.

Miracles do happen. I don't just believe in it, I rely on them.

[Geoff]

Thanx Christian,
I think the thing about this is that you don't HAVE to say anything, just something to read and feel kinda happy about

[johndec]

Offended? Nothing could be further from the truth...

What sets our little community apart from any other forum I've ever been associated with is its ability to both accept and embrace posts like this. You won't see any "What has THAT got to do with photography" replies here and that warms my heart.

FWIW, I've ticked the donor box and made it very clear to my loved ones that I don't want them to overule that intention (It does happen sadly).

You've made my day Geoff, but I'm damm sure that brave girl has made your week (at least)

[Hendrix]

I dont realy know what to say, but I will try.

Outcomes like that must make you feel good about working in the medical system, and makes it worthwhile.

It also sounds you made a great friend.

[Matt. K]

Geoff
Thanks for the good news story. You guys do great work!

[gecko]

Hello all

I recently updated my will and have come to realize that it is really important to start talking to your friends and family NOW about what you want.

It is really easy to keep putting it off and think that I will get around to it eventually.... organ donation is such a wonderful gift for others. Start talking about it with your loved ones now....

That's my two bobs worth...

Cheers
Gecko

Cheers
Gecko

[stubbsy]

Geoff

Thanks for sharing this. I'm a firm believer in organ donation. When I'm dead what use are all the earthly bits to me.

This is a fantastic insight into what motivates someone to work in such a difficult profession.

[Geoff]

Geoff

Thanks for sharing this. I'm a firm believer in organ donation. When I'm dead what use are all the earthly bits to me.

This is a fantastic insight into what motivates someone to work in such a difficult profession.

Your comments are enlightening guys. There's a great saying that goes something like 'Don't take your organs to heaven. Heaven knows who need them here' I quite like that!

[gecko]

Keep up the good work Geoff
I'm sure there are many disheartening days...

Gecko

[MCWB]

Great story Geoff, thanks for posting! Last year I had the misfortune to spend a week in and around Darwin Private ICU, where my grandfather was, and all I can say is that the work you people do is nothing short of amazing, incredibly tough stuff. Thank you, you deserve more stories like this.

[PiroStitch]

Great story Geoff and very inspiring Should take a portrait photo for her to keep.

[Andoru]

Great story Geoff! It's so common these days for us to overlook the small things in life and to take them for granted.

Live and let live folks.

[sirhc55]

A heart warming story Geoff - most of us accept each day as being just another day but this young lady can truly say that after her op the next day was truly the beginning of a new life

[phillipb]

Geoff,
I often see the ads on TV for organ donations and they sort of get dismissed very quickly. Your story somehow has had a more personal impact on me, I will now take the time to look into organ donation.
Thank you.

[Greg B]

Excellent story Geoff, thanks for sharing it with us.

As an additional thought, we are just updating our wills. It is a good idea to do so every ten years, amazing how things can change. We have everything donated, with the rest going to University of Melbourne. It is good to think that there is a chance our bits could help someone else when we no longer need them.