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Real Stories, Real People   

A Return to Life
Loretta Mather
Cardiac Transplant Recipient

I enjoy spending time with my family. Every moment has a special meaning for me, and now, even more so. Not too long ago, the family all got together for some fun at the Jersey shore. It was a beautiful week and my five kids and seven grandchildren all found a way to be there together at the same time, traveling from as far as California.

We spent time at the beach, laughing, playing in the sand, taking in the warm sun. We had our fair share of ice cream too! For some reason though, I was unusually wiped out by midday. I wasn’t able to join the group for a stroll on the boardwalk or play any of our usual games. I found myself resting and just not feeling quite right. We had one last delicious seafood dinner before leaving the shore, but I didn’t realize at the time that it could have been my last.

We went home and returned to life as normal, but after few days, I found myself in the hospital in Philadelphia. It seemed that my lungs were filling up with fluid, my blood pressure was high, and despite being exhausted and generally not feeling good, I just couldn’t rest well. As you might imagine, the heart failure team prescribed test after test to try to figure out what was going wrong. It turned out that my heart was not functioning well. To top it off, I was told that it was not going to get better, even with the best medication available.

I heard the shocking news that I needed a heart transplant.

What can I say to describe that feeling? I guess that when you don’t have any other options, you just have to go for it. From the time that you find out that you need a transplant to the time that you are put on the waiting list is a trying one. I was in the hospital for the duration, and I was happy to have many visitors to keep my spirits up. My grandson wrote me a wonderful poem. My cousin wrote a great poem as well about the “skateboarding granny.” Someone also made me a special piece of heart jewelry that I cherished. The recent picture of the whole family at the beach that summer remained in my room for me to look at every day.

At last, after every test known to man, I was put on the waiting list for a heart transplant. As I laid there with wires attached to me and IV’s dripping, we collectively gave a sigh of relief that there might be some hope after all. I realized that I wasn’t in good shape and I needed to improve physically before the big procedure. I worked hard at the hospital gym and did as many walking laps as I could every day. Again, I had visitors just about every day to keep me going strong. As extra company, I was given a fish. I had to name him Cardio, of course.

I made many friends in the hospital. The hospital staff was terrific and the other patients were a joy too. Since there were a bunch of us waiting for our transplants together, we spent a lot of time together and made some very special bonds. We watched movies, played dominos, made crafts, and even bowled on the Wii.

I was getting ready for the big day.

As I waited, I wasn’t worried as much as my family. My granddaughter even worried that I might lose my love for her because I was going to have a new heart and it wouldn’t recognize her. That surely wasn’t going to be the case!

On September 16, 2008, I was told that a heart was going to be available for me and to get a good night’s sleep. I said my prayers and was at peace that night. I woke up the next morning with my daughter curling my hair. She wanted to make me pretty for my surgery. It was so sweet of her! So, I finished getting ready and we got the call. My family paraded with me down the hall and towards the prep room. It was time.

Three days later, I was up and walking. The doctors, the nurses, friends and family were all there to support me. There was a lot to learn. I was home not long after that and so very grateful to the family that gave me new life. Just think, I could actually be back in my own house and bed! I was able to see my little Chihuahua, Kazoo. I missed him a lot.

There have been a lot of follow-up visits and procedures since then, but they are getting less frequent now. The Jefferson Translant team follows you very closely after surgery to make sure you are progressing well. It has been just over six months since the big day, and I appreciate everyone’s love and concern and special talents.

I went to the Donor Dash in April. It was a 3k walk and I walked with a smile. I look forward to giving back to the community of friends and families that gave so much to me. I intend to volunteer at special events in the future. I am feeling great and awaiting another wonderful summer filled with precious moments with my family at the beach. Thank you, Dr. Mather, Colleen and all of the Jefferson Cardiac Transplant team for your love and support. I chose a great team and a great hospital!