HELEN Miller, from South Anston, is waiting for a lung transplant and is keeping a weekly diary to support The Star's Gift of Life campaign.
The 38-year-old mum-of-two wants readers to know what life is really like on the transplant waiting list.
A training manager before she fell ill, Helen now has so little energy that brushing her hair and cleaning her teeth are exhausting.
SATUR
DAY
IT was my sister-in-law's wedding reception and I went along for a couple of hours. I didn't want everyone staring at me and asking questions but people were kind and left me alone. I had a lovely time.
SUNDAY
MY day of complete rest. Quiet and peaceful.
MONDAY
JOHN'S friend Dan came round to have a chat with me. He is a lovely boy and made me laugh.
TUESDAY
JANET came again today to clean and Sue came round and changed my room around to make it look prettier. I now have a little clothes rail in my room. I'm quite self sufficient in there now. The best thing is I'm in charge of my own television remote!
WEDNESDAY
PHYSIO today. They have discharged me as there is really nothing they can do for me. I have two large elastic bands to work with daily.
THURSDAY
TODAY I went to hospital to see the consultant. I was there for three hours having different tests. Due to my collapse a few weeks ago I have to undergo various heart and breathing tests. I have to come back tomorrow after wearing an oximeter all night which checks my oxygen and pulse levels while I sleep.
FRIDAY
AN early appointment again. I literally just got out of bed, got dressed and was wheeled to the car. No make-up, no wash, no time to brush my hair.
I've been fitted with what looks like a portable ECG heart monitor. I have to wear it for the next week – if I have a funny turn again it records my heart to see if I have an irregular beat.
I have also been given a "non-invasive ventilator". I look like a fighter pilot with a bit mask on. It pushes air into me which is supposed to open my chest and let more oxygen in.
Doctors told me they are finding it difficult to get me a donor match due to my antibodies.
- The Star's Gift of Life campaign is aiming to add the names of 25,000 readers to the Organ Donor Register by August, when the 31st Westfield Health British Transplant Games take place in Sheffield.
Click here to sign up as an organ donor.What do you think? Add your comment below.READ MOREYour letters.
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