Hi Katie
I think you are so talented. I am shocked that the CFF office said no. I think personally that exchanging products from homes of others who have CF might be the problem. They have strict rules where if you have cepacia you cannot work for their office. Very strange because I think all germs are contagious but that is their policy.
You are probably more talented than any of their artwork they get. I worked many years ago for them so I think what I said holds true.
I can see you doing those close animation movies or shows. Keep it up because when you have more energy, I am sure that is where you are headed. I would not give away your art for free. never! That is your pride and joy. Unless you are offered to be on TV and get lots of exposure lol
About a transplant, I have a website <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://transplantbuddies.org">http://transplantbuddies.org</a> where others who have had transplant or those who are waiting come on board like here and share their experiences. Check it out. The owners of this CF website helped me get started six years ago.
How a lung transplant is done? I am not a surgeon so I cannot tell you the details of the operation<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> Everybody has a unique experience from what I see. I really believe the stronger you are physcially going into the operation the better you will do (faster recovery) no matter how tired you feel each day, exercise is the best medicine. Eating healthy will help your body too. I think it matters more how you take care of yourself prior to the transplant so you can avoid complications. Getting in touch with your emotions is important. I think if a person is anxious a lot, has little patience or gets angry quickly this can hurt them. So it is good to seek conseling about any issues that you might have about anything. Letting your family and friends who will visit you know the things to say to you that will keep you relaxed. I know for sure that if I was you, I would have someone bring in some of your artwork and hang it on the wall. I would probably make a copy of it so you do not ruin it if it falls on the floor.
Workout and get your chest muscles stronger and build as much stamina as possible so you can come off the vent fast. Sounds crazy when you feel sick or tired but the body can heal and the more you are able to move the faster your recovery will be.
That is the best advice I can give to you from my own experience. I am sure others will offer you their advice as well. It does not matter that you are not listed, getting in shape now will help you lots. As one lungs are in decline the body needs all the other reserves to help keep the lungs in balance and working out even at a snails pace is the only way because you are building endurance. The wait time is not that long these days because of the new UNOS policies but it is better to be prepared in case the wait time for you is longer than expeceted. Nobody can predict the future.
See you on Transplantbuddies.org
Sincerely
Risa