Last year, Michael Graham of Buckeye Lake received a new lease on life as the recipient of a lung transplant.  A longtime smoker, Michael suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).  Due to the severity of his condition, he was confined to a wheelchair and required to use an oxygen tank.  As his COPD worsened and a transplant became the only option to improve his health, his physician outlined the numerous steps that he would need to take before receiving a new lung.  Among the first commitments that Michael had to make was to attend Pulmonary Rehabilitation at Licking Memorial Hospital (LMH), which he credits with making the transplant possible. 

 

“I would not have received the transplant if not for the caring therapists in the Pulmonary Rehabilitation program at LMH,” Michael said.  “Before being approved for a new lung, I had to put in a lot of hard work to prove that I was physically and mentally eligible for it.  The LMH Pulmonary Rehabilitation staff really helped me establish that drive and tenacity for myself.”

 

Michael spent several months in Pulmonary Rehabilitation to prepare physically for the transplant, which was performed at the Cleveland Clinic on June 2, 2012.  Following a lengthy recovery period, he returned home to continue his rehab at LMH.  Every Tuesday and Thursday, Michael participates in Pulmonary Rehabilitation and the improvement has been noticeable.

 

“When I was in the wheelchair, getting from one room to another was such a chore,” Michael recalled.  “Going to rehabilitation helped me strengthen my legs and get my stamina back.  Once I was up and walking around again, it was hard to keep me down.  People whom I have not seen since the transplant are surprised to see how well I am doing.  It is a great feeling, and I owe a lot to the Pulmonary Rehabilitation therapists.”

 

As an avid wildlife photographer, Michael is especially thankful to have the strength and conditioning for long walks around Buckeye Lake and The Dawes Arboretum in Newark to capture the beauty of nature with his camera.  His ability to enjoy the outdoors, as well as the company of his two children and four grandchildren, is a direct result of his dedicated efforts during rehab sessions, and he is grateful to have the program as a part of his ongoing care. 

 

“I love coming to Pulmonary Rehabilitation at LMH.  The quality of equipment and care that is available right here 

in Licking County is second to none,” said Michael.  The family atmosphere that exists among everyone involved in the program is the best part, though.  It is a real credit to the great staff that they create such a welcoming and friendly environment.  Everyone goes above and beyond their normal responsibilities and the experience provides much more than a typical patient-caregiver relationship.  If I miss a session or two, I know a therapist will call to check on me – not because it is their job, but because they genuinely care about me as a person.”

 

In addition to physical exercise, education is an equally important component of Michael’s care.  As a lung transplant recipient, he had to adopt new routines, such as maintaining a rigorous schedule for taking his medications – which total more than 40 pills per day – and wearing a surgical mask in public to guard against germs and breathing irritants. To assist Michael through the process, the LMH Pulmonary Rehabilitation staff not only equipped him with important information, but also connected him with a fellow lung transplant recipient in the program to utilize as an additional resource and support.  

 

“I smoked cigarettes for almost 40 years, so I do not blame anyone except myself for the condition I was in,” Michael said.  “Someone’s kindness allowed me to have a second chance – I did not do anything to earn it.  I cannot begin to express my appreciation to Pulmonary Rehabilitation at LMH for allowing me to make the most of the opportunity I’ve been given.” 

 

According to the National Institutes of Health, the 12 months immediately following a lung transplant are the most critical because of the high risk of complications.  For Michael, then, reaching the one-year anniversary of his transplant marked a major milestone.  While the gift of a new lung will require him to remain diligent about his health for the rest of his life, the supportive staff of the Pulmonary Rehabilitation program at LMH will be there to assist him every step of the way.