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HELEN'S DIARY: 'Wondered if I'd die if I slept'
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 waiting list.
Helen, who was a training manager before she fell ill, now has so little energy that brushing her hair and cleaning her teeth are exhausting.
She explains how her condition has affected her this week.
SATURDAY
STOPPED in all day felt so tired. I had machines on all night to see how much build up of carbon dioxide I am getting.
I was scared looking at the numbers on the machine and wondering if I was going to die if I slept. Due to three hospital visits the previous week, we were all so tired that Saturday was a lazy day.
I sat on the computer and mum did the ironing.
SUNDAY
MORE of the same - sleeping and working on computer.
MONDAY
DAD took the machines back to hospital and waited for the results. I am getting a build up of carbon dioxide if the oxygen flow is high at night. I need to clarify this on my next visit.
TUESDAY
CALENDAR TV phoned and wanted to do a piece on me to be screened that night. The phone call was at 10.30am and they wanted to come at 12 noon. They were a nice crew and I think the TV piece went well. I told everyone that it was on. I hope some of you were able to watch it.
WEDNESDAY
WOKEN by the district nurse at home to give me the flu jab. Her last comment while leaving was 'I hope you don't get the flu now like my husband has'. I don't think she realised what she said. I think it was flippant but the seriousness made me feel sick. I dont think my body could cope with that.
We laughed watching 'The Family' I wonder how many other families are the same because ours is.
THURSDAY
I DIDN'T sleep at all last night as the oxygen was turned down and I was very restless. At 6.30am, I was up watching TV and waiting for John and Dan got up.
I have been laid on the settee all day sleeping on and off. Mum and John keep popping in just to make sure I was OK.
The Star's Gift of Life campaign has added the names of more than 28,000 readers to the Organ Donor Register.
Currently 8,000 people in the UK are waiting for a new kidney, liver, lung or heart. But a shortage of organ donors means hundreds people are dying on the waiting list each year. To sign up as an organ donor log on to thestar.co.uk/donor and click on the link to go to the Organ Donor Register.
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Friday 10 February 2012
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