Video above: After a double lung transplant Adam Wells visits his donated lung cells to say goodbye. Watch more stories where a stranger saves someone's life, in the full episode here.
I received my new pair of lungs in October 2017 and they saved my life, literally, at the last minute.
I had a condition called Sarcoidosis, which is neither cancer nor tuberculosis-related but a disease that can affect organs, most often the lungs. People rarely have symptoms but in my case, it got complicated. I was diagnosed in 2003, and it was basically a lung fibrosis. I also had bronchitis and pulmonary hypertension of the right ventricle. A few times over the years, I had to be hospitalised due to complications that came with a simple cold I picked up.
More than once I fell into a coma and came close to death.
What that meant for my everyday life was that I was not able to walk the stairs, even a few steps were a struggle at times. Closer to the transplant, I was not even able to get up without oxygen, I became weaker and thinner as the days ticked by. It was a daily struggle to shower, to get dressed and to talk without having to grasp for air. I was depending on other people to help me with everyday simple tasks. Twice a day, I had to use a nebuliser (inhaler) with ventonlin and hypotonic saline to clear my lungs from the constant mucus and spit. I also had to take a range of medication just to stay alive.
As Adam's condition deteriorated he needed help completing basic, everyday tasks. Photo: Supplied Source: Supplied
When it was decided I needed a transplant. The process was daunting.
The first chance of a transplant fell through at the last minute and it was intense and emotional. I needed the transplant and without it I had to come to terms with the reality of death at any moment.
But receiving the final okay for a transplant is an incredible feeling. My wife and I felt a massive relief and joy when it happened. My disease was a heavy burden for the entire family and all of a sudden, there was hope and a potential second chance. This intense feeling could only be topped by the transplant itself. I still get emotional when I think back.
I recovered fairly fast from the surgery and started my rehabilitation program only a few days afterwards. It felt amazing to be able to just breathe freely again.
Since getting my new pair of lungs I have noticed a few changes. People tell me that my laugh sounds different and also my voice. This might have to do with the different capacity of the lungs. I also noticed that I have a stronger craving for sweet things. I have a much higher desire to eat gelato and chase the best there is in Sydney.
The organ transplant means that I am now always dependent on daily medication and regular check ups to see if my lung functionality is normal and to keep track of other things like skin cancers. This is normal as my immune system is permanently weakened. I fully accept this and I just appreciate my second take on life every single day. I never take anything or anyone for granted and I love taking in moments, surroundings and conversations.
I started walking a lot after the transplant and kept setting myself milestones and goals to reach. The next one will be the Bondi to Manly walk in order to raise awareness of the importance to register as organ donor.
I have this drive to never stop and keep exploring the world around me. It is amazing to be alive.
