The Beginning of the End (It’s happened)

I wanted to tell you that I have had a heart transplant. I am doing very well so far with a new lease of life.

I was often ask when I would have the operation, there are a load of factors that come in the decision, (Blood Type, Size and then some compatibility issues). My answer was generally “so when will you pass away?” As it is totally random as to when donors become available, random compatibility also, which means the whole compatibility process is random, however it is possible to work out the chance.

I was listed in early June 2017 a quick and rapid decline in my heart performance meant I was listed as early as possible. There are close to 5 million people in NZ, as we strip the requirements out as above, there was a 0.77% chance of a donor becoming available at any given point, what this means is that a likely donor being available for me was .77 or less than a person per year. So I had a likely long wait ahead, however it has happened.

I greatly appreciate the support I have had, especially from Pauline, Leeanna and my family and friends. I have enjoyed their visits and will be discharged from hospital today for rehab etc in a special facility where we will live for the next phase. The medical staff have been exceptional and I have developed a new little community, a bit like the hard core swimming community.

I will provide updates along the way in the next few weeks, and thank the donor family for their generosity. I do not have any information relating to the donor but the decision to save my life is greatly appreciated the heart is working well.

The Surgeon and I, he was great described the operation as "stormy", more to come in the coming weeks!!!!

We are in day 10, I have now been discharged from hospital and have moved to the rehab center called Hearty Towers within the hospital ground just not a nurse to be seen.

well.information relating to the donor but the decision to save my life is greatly appreciated the heart is working well