Re: Cornea Transplant
Well the doctor said that he recommends the transplant. There are only a few doctors who do the newest DYSAK procedure... thus there is a waiting period of 4 to 5 months before he can do the transplant...
He put me on the list for the procedure. He was very kind and reassuring. I told him I had some hesitation and sad feelings because of the fact that someone has to die in order for me to get a cornea transplant... I told him I know thousands of people die every day and it is in no way my fault but it just makes me a bit stressed and sad... He said that he looks at it in a different light... He said to him its much better to see the organs given as a gift from the donor and their families to help others and he marvels at how wonderful that gift is.
He told me that every year they hold a ceremony of memory and thanksgiving at the hospital here where people who have loved ones who have been donors light a candle in memory in honor of their loved ones and people who have received or who have loved ones who have received donor organs of which corneas or considered organs light a candle in thanksgiving... He said its a beautiful moving ceremony. I truly believe he feels this way. He spoke strongly and sincerely about how awesome he thinks organ donotion is. It definitely helps me. I will be seeing him in February just to touch base and he said it would give me a chance to gather my thoughts so I could ask him any questions I might have before we do the transplant. I don't honestly feel like I have any more questions. Dr. Heigle was very good about explaining everything I can expect. He told me there is some small risk of rejection. He said he has done the study for his own transplants and that it is 3.76 chance of rejection. He said that his staff will advise me thoroughly on what to watch for and that in most cases they can use an assortment of medications to halt rejection if we're vigilant. He expalined ad nauseum about the actual process... I will spare yall... LOL
Seriously I believe he is knowledgeable and enthusiastic about what he does and I feel grateful that I will have Dr. Heigel to do this procedure. Thank you all for your prayers. Hugs Elissa Cara's Mom For Always
He put me on the list for the procedure. He was very kind and reassuring. I told him I had some hesitation and sad feelings because of the fact that someone has to die in order for me to get a cornea transplant... I told him I know thousands of people die every day and it is in no way my fault but it just makes me a bit stressed and sad... He said that he looks at it in a different light... He said to him its much better to see the organs given as a gift from the donor and their families to help others and he marvels at how wonderful that gift is.
He told me that every year they hold a ceremony of memory and thanksgiving at the hospital here where people who have loved ones who have been donors light a candle in memory in honor of their loved ones and people who have received or who have loved ones who have received donor organs of which corneas or considered organs light a candle in thanksgiving... He said its a beautiful moving ceremony. I truly believe he feels this way. He spoke strongly and sincerely about how awesome he thinks organ donotion is. It definitely helps me. I will be seeing him in February just to touch base and he said it would give me a chance to gather my thoughts so I could ask him any questions I might have before we do the transplant. I don't honestly feel like I have any more questions. Dr. Heigle was very good about explaining everything I can expect. He told me there is some small risk of rejection. He said he has done the study for his own transplants and that it is 3.76 chance of rejection. He said that his staff will advise me thoroughly on what to watch for and that in most cases they can use an assortment of medications to halt rejection if we're vigilant. He expalined ad nauseum about the actual process... I will spare yall... LOL
Seriously I believe he is knowledgeable and enthusiastic about what he does and I feel grateful that I will have Dr. Heigel to do this procedure. Thank you all for your prayers. Hugs Elissa Cara's Mom For Always
Replies
Elissa, I am glad your Doctor is knowledgeable and is confident in doing the cornea, transplant procedure. I\'ll keep you in my prayers!! xoxoxo Kelly
Elissa, can I say sinething here? I am going to assume you are shaking your head yes (lol). Elissa, Timmy\'s corneas were donated. It has given me such pride and in turn some sense of comfort. I believe Timmy had some mission in life. Given that he died so young, it always amazed me that he touched so many people in his little life. People just smiled when he was around. I think I told you once that the day he was buried the church was filled to the doors and three....yes three priests were on the alter.....priests who had known him and wanted to be a part of his farewell. Every one saw something special in him....but these are memories....the thing that will always be is that he did good in his little life....he loved and was loved....and two people...who would not have been able to see all that they could have will see all they were meant to see. Yes, Elissa, Timmy fulfilled his mission in life and I thank God for the people who entered his life and allowed him to do so. You are giving the donor family the comfort of knowing their loss was not in vain....their loved one made a difference in the life of one very special person....you! Love ya, Kathy
I have read where organ recipients often do feel this way. It\'s so understandable yet just as Kathy said oh, to accept this gift and know that someone\'s else life will continue on is this way is so precious and humbling too, isn\'t it? Glad you are in good hands and please let us know as the day approaches how this is all unfolding for you. To have trust in your doctor and to have your questions answered and the information is vital. Thank you for sharing what is happening in your life at this time and I\'m sending love your way. Joanie
Elissa, I have no words of wisdom but the other women that have commented have touched my heart and I fully understand your feelings. The ceremony sounds beautiful and honoring. Know that I\'m praying for you, sending you strength and so much love. Lynette ~ Matthews mom