I was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy in December 1998.  I could not go up stairs or walk for very far without resting.  I was told that eventually I would have to have a heart transplant.  I went on the internet and found the information very out dated and not very hopeful so I quite looking for answers. 

In 2002 I had a TIA and was put on Coumadin and had a pacemaker, defibrillator, and synchronizer inserted into my chest.  I really did not think about the transplant and thought maybe I would not have to have one but in 2007 everything went downhill fast. 

I started having trouble sleeping, eating, and just doing every day things.  My organs were starting to fail because they were not getting enough blood and oxygen to them. 

I was admitted to the hospital on August 28, 2007 and was put on the transplant list.  I had a balloon pump and could not raise my head over 20o and I knew that I would not leave the hospital without my new heart.  The doctor came in the morning of September 26 and told me he had found me a new heart.   

I finally went into surgery that evening at 9pm and the surgery took 4 hours.  My new heart started beating at 1am on September 27.  I spent 3 days in CVR then on to the 8th Floor where after 4 days and walking several times around the floor, I got to ring the bell to go to the 12th floor.  I only spent one day on the 12th floor and was able to go home. 

It was a remarkable journey and continues to be so and would not have been possible without GOD and my donor.  I thank both of them daily and try to help other patients with their journey.