Allsún Henderson never thought she’d get to meet her nephew when her health began to deteriorate. As she reached her 30s, Allsún’s lung function started to decline quite dramatically. She was spending months in the hospital, and daily tasks like climbing the stairs seemed impossible.
When her lung function reached 12 percent, she was put on 24-hour oxygen, stripping her of her independence. In an interview with Mummy Pages, Allsún opened up about dealing with cystic fibrosis and how her life has changed since her double lung transplant.
“I would spend months in St Vincent's hospital on up to five intravenous antibiotics a day, which also included a huge medical regime of twice daily physiotherapy, nebulizers, and oral medication,” she explained.
Once her 31st birthday rolled around, Allsún was put on the active double lung transplant list as she was in respiratory failure.
“If I wasn't in the hospital I was at home keeping myself as healthy possible waiting to get that call as at that time even climbing the stairs in the house was a huge task.”
Allsún waited 18 months to receive that life-changing call to say that the doctors found a suitable donor, however, the road to her transplant was full of hurdles.
“On two occasions after being called by Newcastle Freeman Hospital in the UK and flying by Air Ambulance the donor's lungs weren't suitable for me,” she revealed.
“This call brings such happiness and sadness all at the same time. Happiness in that you know you may get that second chance a breathe again to continue living.”
However, Allsún explained that the call can be quite bittersweet. You can’t help but feel for the donor and their family, “At the same time some selfless person has sadly passed away and they and their family have made the heroic decision to hopefully save mine. It's such a hugely emotional experience for everybody.”
After years of waiting, Allsún finally had her double young transplant and began a new chapter of her life. “Transplant has absolutely transformed my life. To be able to breathe again and do simple things like go for a walk to the beach blows my mind every day.”
“Transplant has made so many dreams come true for me, my husband and my family,” Allsún shared.
We all know that there are times when life can feel a little bit too intense. We are put under huge pressure to make the most of every day, but Allsún believes that it is okay to take a break, “You can feel huge guilt if you are not using your gift of a second chance to its fullest.”
Allsún hopes her story will help inspire people to become an organ donor. An organ donor can save up to eight lives, “Giving the 'Gift of Life' is the most selfless heroic act anyone could ever do.”
Allsún is still battling with cystic fibrosis, and many other issues like chronic kidney disease and diabetes, but she is determined to enjoy this new lease of life.
Her main goal in life is to keep her body and mind healthy as possible to ensure she is around to watch her little nephew Finley grow up. Allsún says it is due to her transplant that she is now around to meet this new arrival, something she thought that she would never see prior to transplant
Allsún is a keen supporter of Cystic Fibrosis Ireland’s 65 Roses Day taking place on Friday, April 13.
Today is 65 Roses Day. You can support Cystic Fibrosis Ireland by purchasing a purple rose for €2 in shopping centres and Spar stores across the country or by donating online at www.65rosesday.ie.
You can also make a donation by texting 65ROSES to 50300 to donate €2 to Cystic Fibrosis Ireland.
