Indian Transplant Newsletter Vol. 9 Issue NO.: 29 (Feb 2010 - Jun 2010)
Print ISSN 0972 - 1568

A Transplant Recipient Speaks.... Reena's Heartwarming story

Indian Transplant Newsletter.
Vol. 9 Issue NO.: 29 (Feb 2010 - Jun 2010)
Print ISSN 0972 - 1568
Print PDF


“I was diagnosed with Dilated Cardiomypathy at the age of 25. In this condition, the heart enlarges and does not pump blood properly – severe LV dysfunction. For a normal person the heart functions at 50-70%, but for me it was 15% and gradually increased to 30 and finally dropped to 25%!

I was an outgoing person and represented my school, college and university at the national level for hockey. After my illness I was unable to do most of my normal activities. I could not climb more than two steps and had to stop and relax. My diet was restricted and even my liquid intakes was restricted to 750ml-1 litre a day which include water, juice, curd, soup etc. I was in constant pain and unable to do much. I believe life is about choices. I could either crib and cry or enjoy the experience; I chose to live and relish every moment. I did it all! Though I could not play hockey, I played the guitar and song my heart out. A vocalist since childhood, I performed with my fiancé Raj, did voice-overs and much more. I also used to write and will publish a book this year.

I met Raj after I fell ill. I wanted to do something constructive so I bought a keyboard and was looking for a good tutor. That’s when I met Raj and we just knew we were meant to be together. He held my hand then despite knowing my condition, he never let go of me. He nursed me back to health, never made me feel like a patient and would sacrifice his TV interviews, press conferences and shows just to be with me in the hospital. Raj is a music director in the Kannada film industry and has made Shankar Mahedavan, Chitra sing to his compositions. A live performer, he plays six instruments and opened for Boney M, Rednex to name a few. Raj has acted in a movie tool.

During 2009 my condition got worse and the only option left was a Heart Transplant. Time was running out. My sister, Raj and close friends did research on good Heart Transplant Hospitals. That’s how we got to know about Dr. K.M. Cherian’s Heart Foundation. I registered in Chennai, received a call in a month that they had found a perfect match, but I refused because I missed an opportunity that God gave me. I had surrendered to the will of God because none of us are wise in deciding in the matters of life and death.

I got a call again from Frontier Lifeline that they had found another perfect match. This time I went for it. By then I was in a critical state with my heart functioning only 20%, so weak and fragile. All my close friends pitched in and helped right from booking flight tickets to raising funds to being there with me on the night of the transplant. I was anxious but believed that God would do what was best for me. I somehow made it to Frontier Lifeline at midnight, whispered a small prayer and hugged everyone, my sister Roopa, my best friends and pillars of strength, Raj, Vinitha & Dennis. The hospital staff took me in quickly and prepared me for the transplant. I was just 28 years, I was biting my nails and remember being given anaesthesia.

The next thing I remember was working up with tubes, feeling like a log and saw a nurse walking around dressed like an astronaut! I thought Jesus this should not be heaven. I was made to walk two days post transplant. I was shifted to another ward after three days. I started eating well and played pranks and joked with the doctors and nurses at the ward. I remember my first meal vividly, the sponge bath after, kind people around who took care of me like a baby. Priya Jabekaran the transplant coordinator gave me constant emotional support and strength to my loved ones when I was battling between life and death. She takes care of every patient with a lot of attention even post transplants. We’ve become best buddies now!

 

I was in Chennai, a place I’ve never been before but felt loved and cared for, felt good despite the pain. The diet food was yum – grilled chicken, custard meals. My birthday is on December 4th and I was at the hospital then. My sister and I usually celebrate our birthday together as we are twins but she was in Bangalore preparing for my return. But i was in for a surprise; the staff filled me with cards and also ordered a special diet birthday cake for me! All the people i had never met before were there, celebrating with me! It was an awesome birthday, one which I’ll cherish and never forget; 15days and I was back in Bangalore with an Angel’s heart.

There is a God and He’s given us Dr.K.M.Cherian, and through him Frontier Lifeline and because of it, many patients have gotten a new lease of life, including me! Dr.Cherian is a visionary, a man of few words and a pioneer in his field, but very down to earth. He is a wonderful human being".

 

Editors note: Our special thanks to Reena for sharing her story with us and to Priya Jebakaran, Transplant coordinator, Frontier Lifeline for making it possible.


To cite : Shroff S, Navin S. A Transplant Recipient Speaks.... Reena's Heartwarming story. Indian Transplant Newsletter Vol. 9 Issue NO.: 29 (Feb 2010 - Jun 2010).
Available at:
https://www.itnnews.co.in/indian-transplant-newsletter/issue29/A-Transplant-Recipient-Speaks-Reenas-Heartwarming-story-675.htm

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