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Index ARTICLE PAGE Index 2
From the Editor 3
Our Thanksgiving Day 4
Letter to the Editor 7
'Beating Heart' Transplants Increases Survival Rates 8
April 2012 AHLTA Stall 9
Use of Smokers' Lungs for Transplant Has Pros, Cons: 11
The 2012 Australian Transplant Games 13
Transplant Rehab Program Timetable (June - Dec) 2012 15
AHLTA Events Calendar 19
Melbourne Hospital In Heart Surgery Breakthrough 20
City2Surf 21
Travel Insurance 21
RIP – Laurie McKay 22
Transplant Rehab Meeting 24
Vitamin D Deficiency Shown To Increase Rejection Rates In Lung Transplant Patients
25
June 2012 AHLTA Stall 27
Application for Membership/Renewal Form 29
AHLTA Committee 2012 30
Stephanie Stenhouse - Phoenix Trader 31
McKay Property & Finance 32
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Biopsy Bugle Biopsy Bugle Biopsy Bugle Biopsy Bugle ....WWWWinterinterinterinter 2012201220122012 From the Editor:From the Editor:From the Editor:From the Editor:
Dear Members, Associates, Carers and Friends of the Australian Heart/Lung Transplants Association, Winter is well upon us (especially here in Canberra where we have been ‘enjoying’ overnight temperatures as low as -6°C!) so I hope that all are maintaining good health and avoiding any ‘lurgies’. Thank you so much to all those who provide material for the Bugle; – however I would really welcome further stories of your lives after transplant. It is encouraging for fellow travellers on the transplant journey to know that they are not alone in their triumphs and challenges! You don’t need to be an author to have your story published; as I can pull a story together from the basic facts if you send them to me. If you prefer to phone me and
give me information that way, call (02) 6251 8929 or 0432 518 443 and I will be happy to chat with you. If you wish to use surface mail, my address is 13/45 Totterdell Street, Belconnen, ACT, 2617. Email contributions can be sent to [email protected] I hope you also continue to access the AHLTA Facebook site as a source of friendship and support and so you need never feel alone or isolated. The closing date for inclusions in the next issue will be Monday, 3rd September, 2012. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Thank you all. Take care and stay well. Lorraine
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Are you receiving your Bugle in the way you wish to? If you want to keep receiving a hard copy. please ensure your correct postal address is recorded with AHLTA, and that you let us know if you change your address. Contact Jim Beverstock, Public Officer & Membership Registrar, by telephone on (02) 4272 4110 or email him on [email protected] If you would rather have it emailed, please send your email address in clear printed lettering to Jim (as above), and where possible would you please include an alternative email too. The reason for this is that the publication needs to be sent out as a bulk email, and we find that addresses such as ‘hotmail’, ‘yahoo’, ‘gmail’and similar will not accept bulk mailings, therefore necessitating that these addresses have to be sent individually – a long, arduous and painstaking process as you would appreciate. The magazine is always available on the AHLTA website also and can be read or downloaded from there: http://www.ahlta.com.au/site/index.cfm under the heading - Biopsy Bugle on the left of the front page.
Thank you for helping us out with this.
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Our Thanksgiving DayOur Thanksgiving DayOur Thanksgiving DayOur Thanksgiving Day
Tears of joy; tears of sadness; sound of laughter; a sense of
care and love; renewing past friendships; creating new
ones; receiving encouragement; providing support – all
these emotions and more were the order of the day at
AHLTA’s 2012 Thanksgiving Service held in the beautiful and
historic little chapel in the grounds of the Sacred Heart
Hospice opposite St Vincent’s.
A warm and enthusiastic group gathered together there in sparkling
sunshine on Saturday, 28th
April. The service was led once again by the
caring and empathic Fr Laurie Christie, who has followed the progress of
so many through the transplant process and their journey through ICU to
their new lives. His gentle humour and realistic approach are appreciated
by all, both during their sometimes arduous journey to healing, and so
often in retrospect.
To the background of inspirational music provided by the beautiful vocal
solos of Paul Sutton, accompanied by our loyal and talented
organist, Laura Stopic all were led in a candle-lighting ceremony
which recognised and remembered the amazing generosity of
the donors whose organs have given a brand new life-start to all
recipients. It was time to reflect on the joyous new life that
came at a time of deep sadness for others who, despite their
all-encompassing grief were able to think
of the welfare of those in need and to
share the gift of life. It was also an
opportunity to reflect on and remember
those who are no longer with us, and
those whose lives ended before they
could receive a transplant.
The beautifully brief and simple, yet moving ceremony was followed by a light lunch in the Seminar
Room of the Hospice. Grateful thanks are due to the members of the Committee who organised this
event, and especially to Joy and Andy Gough for co-ordinating it all. There was plenty of opportunity to
renew old acquaintanceships, and to meet new friends, and to share stories of individual journeys with
their inevitable hills and valleys, obstacles and triumphs.
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During the gathering, our inimitable “Doll Ladies” group represented by
Winifred Garland (left) once again presented a very significant donation
cheque to the organisation. This is of immense value in assisting AHLTA
to carry on its work of helping those who have had transplants, or who
are ‘in the queue’. This came as the result of consistent hard work, and
remarkable generosity in running regular street stalls providing home-
made preserves of all kinds and hand-made crafts for sale. In
recognition of their many years of service to AHLTA, several members
(pictured) were presented with Certificates of Appreciation.
Kathy Tufts received a Life membership which was accepted in her absence, by her husband Paul
(below).
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On this page are some memories of the day. It is
to be hoped you can recognise some faces – and
if you aren’t amongst them – maybe you can join
us next year! (Photos: Thanks to Goughs & Kerslakes)
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PresidentPresidentPresidentPresident’s Report’s Report’s Report’s Report
Our intrepid traveller, President, Kimberley, with her husband, Ben,
is currently enjoying a well-earned holiday in the British Isles and
Portugal, and will be back with us next issue. (Travel safely, Kimbo &
Ben!)
Kimberley Livingstone.
President
DLTx 413
0420 982 258
Letter to the Editor:
Dear AHLTA members, Thank you so much for honouring me with an AHLTA Life Membership at the Annual Thanksgiving Service. I was sorry to miss the service, but I was helping my 94-year-young mother close her house and move in with my sister. Originally I began making preserves for the AHLTA stall as an outlet for one of my interests. Our family couldn't possibly consume all the jams, marmalades and chutneys that I wanted to make! And it seemed like a worthy cause. However, as I learned more about the work of AHLTA through the 'Biopsy Bugle', and met members like Andy and Don, I saw what a difference you make in people's lives. Upon hearing your stories, I came to realise even more deeply, what brave people -- donors, recipients and carers -- you all are, and that our health is a marvellous gift. So, I would have to say, that it is an honour and privilege for me to be able to assist you in a small way. Thanks again for making me a life member of a great organisation! Sincerely, Kathy Tufts
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'Beating Heart' Transplants Increases Survival Rates By SiliconIndia | Wednesday, 11 January 2012, 23:19 Hrs |
Bangalore: Studies have proved that transplanting heart while it is beating can improve the survival
rates.
Usually, in heart transplantations, the heart removed from the donor’s body is placed on ice in a
chest case which resembles a picnic cooler and the blood is replaced with a salt-water solution. If the
heart is not stitched into the recipient’s body within 4 hours, the heart gets damaged and cannot be
transplanted.
But now with the help of a new machine, the heart continues to beat even after its removal. This
machine circulates blood in the removed heart of the donor and keeps it beating in a transparent
plastic case. The metabolism, blood pressure and electrical state of the heart is checked with the help
of a computerized electrical system.
More than 40 patients in the US have participated in the clinical trial testing till now. A 40 year old
lady, De Stefano, has been a part of this trial testing, at the Massachusetts General Hospital. She now
feels more energetic and has also started leg-lifting exercises. According to her the technology is
fascinating and it made so much sense.
The device is made by Andover Company which helps the heart maintain a good condition for more
than four hours, after its removal.
“The moment we take the heart out of the donor’s body it is deteriorating,’’ said Dr. Bruce
Rosengard, surgical director of cardiac transplantation at Massachusetts General Hospital. “We hope
to dramatically increase the number of transplants.’’
‘’Patients who receive beating heart transplants face no known special risks, other than the danger of
infection, rejection, and other problems that all transplant patients are subject to’’ , Rosengard said.
This clinical trial is the biggest heart transplant trial ever in the United States which is intended to
enroll 128 patients.
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APRIL 2012 STALL IN ST VINCENT’S FOYER
Joy Gough sent me the information and photographs from the stall held on Tuesday, 10 April. Thank you
to Andy and Joy Gough and Kimberley Livingstone for once again being on hand to bring information and
merchandise to all those who come through St Vincent’s, and for the raffles which help to raise money
to provide services and assistance to both pre- and post-transplant recipients.
This stall was very quiet following the Easter weekend. However there was a lot of interest in the raffle
donated by Lyn and Bob Greaves.
………And the Winner is …….. Sue Giugni - our Pastoral Care Co-ordinator. Her thank you email said:
“Dear Andy and Joy,
Just want to say what a fabulous raffle I won. Very interesting contents that I will love and use with the
family, handy too with the wedding coming up as my house will be the hub of activity and people.
Such amazing work you do for AHLTA.
Warm best wishes,
Sue”
Sue had never won a raffle, or anything, before, and was delighted to win this.
Stephen Francis Johnson is the man sitting and talking to us. He is from Grafton and waiting for a double
lung transplant.
The family of three is a St Vincent’s pathologist with her two daughters who works with the clinic team
and checks out the biopsies.
Above: Andy & Joy Gough Drawing the
winner of the raffle – Sue Giugni!
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Above: Stephen Francis Johnson talking with President, Kimberley Livingstone &
Vice-President, Andy Gough attending to the Stall.
Left: A St Vincent’s
pathologist (with her two
daughters) discussing
with Andy Gough the
biopsy work she attends
to at St V’s.
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Use of Smokers' Lungs for Transplant Has Pros,
Cons: Study finds tapping such organs is better than leaving patients on waiting list, but there is a
downside By Robert Preidt
TUESDAY, May 29 (HealthDay News) -- Should the lungs of smokers be included in lung transplants? A new study suggests their inclusion may be warranted.
The study found that lung transplant patients who receive smokers' lungs still are more likely to survive than those who refuse such lungs and remain on the transplant waiting list.
The lives of patients who receive smokers' lungs, however, tended to be shorter than those who receive the lungs of non-smokers, the British researchers added. Given the evidence, however, Britain's policy of using smokers' lungs for transplant should be continued, according to the authors of the study published online May 28 in The Lancet.
The issue is not just a British one -- speaking to the Associated Press, Dr. Normam Edelman, chief medical officer for the American Lung Association, said smokers' lungs are also used for transplant in the United States, although he did not have data on how common the practice might be.
But the bottom line from the new study is that "patients awaiting lung transplantation in the U.K. are likely to survive longer if they are willing to accept lungs from any suitable donor, irrespective of smoking history," lead author Dr. Robert Bonser, of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham and the University of Birmingham, said in a journal news release. "Donors with a positive smoking history provide nearly 40 percent of the lungs available for transplantation [in the U.K.] Rejection of this donor-organ resource would increase waiting-list mortality and is ill-advised."
Bonser and his colleagues examined the survival rates for nearly 2,200 adult patients in the United Kingdom awaiting lung transplants between 1999 and 2010. Of the nearly 1,300 lung transplants that took place during that time, about two in every five came from donors with a history of smoking.
Patients who received smokers' lungs were 46 percent more likely to have died three years after transplantation than those who received lungs from non-smokers. However, patients who received smokers' lungs also were 21 percent less likely to die than those who remained on the waiting list.
The researchers also found that including smokers' lungs in the donor pool increased the likelihood of survival by 61 percent for patients with fibrosis and by 40 percent for those with septic lung disease.
"Although lungs from such donors are associated with worse outcomes, the individual probability of survival is greater if they are accepted than if they are declined and the patient chooses to wait for a potential transplant from a donor with a negative smoking history," the authors wrote. "This situation should be fully explained to and discussed with patients who are accepted for lung transplantation."
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One expert in the United States said the study "raises a few issues."
Dr. Len Horovitz, pulmonary specialist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, said that "because many patients may die awaiting transplant, one might argue that a lung damaged by smoking (not severely) would be better than no functioning lung at all. But lungs of smokers may be mild or moderately damaged (COPD), and also carry the risk of lung cancer, especially with post-operative chronic use of immune suppressors. Nevertheless, in a dying patient, the prolongation of life -- however long that may be -- [and] the benefit is clear."
Although these findings have clear implications for the United Kingdom, it "is important to realize that the relation between risk of dying on the waiting list and the benefit of accepting a transplant from a donor with a substantial smoking history can vary by country and center," Dr. Shaf Keshavjee and Dr. Marcelo Cypel of the Toronto Lung Transplant Program of the University Health Network in Canada, wrote in an accompanying commentary in the journal.
SOURCE: Len Horovitz, M.D., pulmonary specialist, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York City; Associated
Press; The Lancet, news release, May 28, 2012
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WALNUTS IN THEWALNUTS IN THEWALNUTS IN THEWALNUTS IN THE CEMETERYCEMETERYCEMETERYCEMETERY
On the outskirts of a small town, there was a big, old WALNUT tree just inside the cemetery fence. One day, two boys, Jerry and Stuey filled up a bucketful of nuts and sat down by the tree, out of sight, and began dividing the nuts. "One for you, one for me, one for you, one for me," said Jerry. Several dropped and rolled down toward the fence. Another boy, Max, came riding along the road on his bicycle. As he passed, he thought he heard voices from inside the cemetery. He slowed down to investigate. Sure enough, Max heard, "One for you, one for me, one for you, one for me..." He just knew what it was. He jumped back on his bike and rode off. Just around the bend he met old man Bill Collins, with a cane, hobbling along. "Come here quick," said Max almost out of breath, "....you won't believe what I heard! Satan and the Lord are down at the cemetery dividing
up the souls!" Old Bill said, "Beat it kid, can't you see it's hard for me to walk?" When Max insisted though, Bill hobbled slowly to the cemetery. Standing by the fence they heard, "One for you, one for me. One for you. One for me." The old man whispered, "Boy, you've been tellin' me the truth. Let's see if we can see the Lord..." Shaking with fear, they peered through the fence, yet were still unable to see anything. Old Bill and Max gripped the wrought iron bars of the fence tighter and tighter as they tried to get a glimpse of the Lord. At last they heard, "One for you, one for me. That's all...now let's go get those nuts by the fence and we'll be done..." They say the old man had the lead for a good half-mile before the kid on the bike passed him.!!!
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THE 2012 AUSTRALIAN TRANSPLANT GAMES
The 2012 Australian Transplant Games to be held in Newcastle, NSW from September 29th to October 6th are fast approaching! Arrangements are in full swing and it looks like we will be having an exciting week of the Transplant Games. Along with many of the usual events, there are several innovations earmarked for these games.
We are introducing a new team event – netball. And we wish to hold a couple of exhibition events where transplant recipient teams are pitted against donor family, living donor and/or supporter teams in volleyball and netball as well as swimming (4x50m) and athletics (4x100m) relays. In order to give everyone a bit of a break, the Wednesday afternoon and evening will be sport free, allowing those who wish to, to go on a tour of the Hunter Valley. We are also looking at holding all the awards and presentations immediately prior to the Gala dinner to allow everyone to mingle and really enjoy the Gala dinner without interruption. For more information and Registration go to: http://www.australiantransplantgames.com Or telephone: +61 (0)2 9922 5400
A Sweet Lesson A Sweet Lesson A Sweet Lesson A Sweet Lesson iiiin Patience.n Patience.n Patience.n Patience.
A NYC Taxi driver wrote: I arrived at the address and honked the horn. After waiting a few minutes I honked again. Since this was going to be my last ride of my shift I thought about just driving away, but instead I put the car in park and walked up to the door and knocked.. 'Just a minute', answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor. After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 90's stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940's movie. By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets.
There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware. 'Would you carry my bag out to the car?' she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman. She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb. She kept thanking me for my kindness. 'It's nothing', I told her.. 'I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother to be treated.' 'Oh, you're such a good boy, she said. When we got in the cab, she gave me an address and then asked, 'Could you drive through downtown?'
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'It's not the shortest way,' I answered quickly. 'Oh, I don't mind,' she said. 'I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a hospice. I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. 'I don't have any family left,' she continued in a soft voice. 'The doctor says I don't have very long.' I quietly reached over and shut off the meter. 'What route would you like me to take?' I asked. For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator. We drove through the neighbourhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds. She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl. Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing. As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, 'I'm tired. Let's go now'. We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico. Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must
have been expecting her. I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair. 'How much do I owe you?' She asked, reaching into her purse. 'Nothing,' I said 'You have to make a living,' she answered. 'There are other passengers,' I responded. Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly. 'You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,' she said. 'Thank you.' I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light.. Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life.. I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost in thought. For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk. What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift? What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away? On a quick review, I don't think that I have done anything more important in my life. We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments. But great moments often catch us unaware - beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one.
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TRANSPLANT REHAB PROGRAM TIMETABLE 2012
DATE DAY TIME TOPIC
25th
June Monday 11.00am – 2.00pm Physical Activity: Becoming More Active
28th June Thursday 11.00am – 2.00pm Intimacy
2nd
July Monday 11.00am – 2.00pm Healthy Eating
5th July Thursday 11.00am – 2.00pm Making the System Work For You
9th
July Monday 11.00am – 2.00pm Building Confidence to Do More
12th July Thursday 11.00am – 2.00pm Managing Anxiety & Coping with Depression
16th
July Monday 11.00am – 2.00pm Getting Ready to Return to Everyday Activities
19th July Thursday 11.00am – 2.00pm Activity Session
23rd
July Monday 11.00am – 2.00pm Redefining the Dream of Life Post Transplant – PT story
26th July Thursday 11.00am – 2.00pm Writing to the Donor Family
30th
July Monday 11.00am – 2.00pm Understanding Transplant
2nd Aug Thursday 11.00am – 2.00pm Coping with Physical Changes
6th
Aug Monday 11.00am – 2.00pm Infection and Rejection
9th Aug Thursday 11.00am – 2.00pm Communicating Your Needs
13th
Aug Monday 11.00am – 2.00pm Transplant Medications
16th Aug Thursday 11.00am – 2.00pm Mindfulness & Stress Management
20th
Aug Monday 11.00am – 2.00pm Physical Activity: Becoming More Active
23rd Aug Thursday 11.00am – 2.00pm Intimacy
27th
Aug Monday 11.00am – 2.00pm Healthy Eating
30th Aug Thursday 11.00am – 2.00pm Making the System Work For You
3rd
Sep Monday 11.00am – 2.00pm Building Confidence to Do More
6th Sep Thursday 11.00am – 2.00pm Managing Anxiety & Coping with Depression
10th
Sep Monday 11.00am – 2.00pm Getting Ready to Return to Everyday Activities
13th Sep Thursday 11.00am – 2.00pm Activity Session
17th
Sep Monday 11.00am – 2.00pm Redefining the Dream of Life Post Transplant – PT story
20th Sep Thursday 11.00am – 2.00pm Writing to the Donor Family
24th
Sep Monday 11.00am – 2.00pm Understanding Transplant
27th Sep Thursday 11.00am – 2.00pm Coping with Physical Changes
1st Oct Monday 11.00am – 2.00pm CLOSED
4th Oct Thursday 11.00am – 2.00pm CPR for Patients, Family & Friends
8th
Oct Monday 11.00am – 2.00pm Infection and Rejection
11th Oct Thursday 11.00am – 2.00pm Communicating Your Needs
15th
Oct Monday 11.00am – 2.00pm Transplant Medications
18th Oct Thursday 11.00am – 2.00pm Mindfulness & Stress Management
22nd
Oct Monday 11.00am – 2.00pm Physical Activity: Becoming More Active
25th Oct Thursday 11.00am – 2.00pm Intimacy
29th
Oct Monday 11.00am – 2.00pm Healthy Eating
1st Nov Thursday 11.00am – 2.00pm Making the System Work For You
5th
Nov Monday 11.00am – 2.00pm Building Confidence to Do More
8th Nov Thursday 11.00am – 2.00pm Managing Anxiety & Coping with Depression
12th
Nov Monday 11.00am – 2.00pm Getting Ready to Return to Everyday Activities
15th Nov Thursday 11.00am – 2.00pm Activity Session
19th
Nov Monday 11.00am – 2.00pm Redefining the Dream of Life Post Transplant – PT story
22nd Nov Thursday 11.00am – 2.00pm Writing to the Donor Family
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DATE DAY TIME TOPIC
26th
Nov Monday 11.00am – 2.00pm Understanding Transplant
29th Nov Thursday 11.00am – 2.00pm Coping with Physical Changes
3rd
Dec Monday 11.00am – 2.00pm Infection and Rejection
6th Dec Thursday 11.00am – 2.00pm Communicating Your Needs
10th
Dec Monday 11.00am – 2.00pm Transplant Medications
13th Dec Thursday 11.00am – 2.00pm Mindfulness & Stress Management
17th
Dec Monday 11.00am – 2.00pm Patient Feedback and Planning for 2013
************************************************************************
Words of WisdomWords of WisdomWords of WisdomWords of Wisdom From theFrom theFrom theFrom the Dalai LamaDalai LamaDalai LamaDalai Lama
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FORREST GUMP GOES TO HEAVEN
The day finally arrived. Forrest Gump dies and goes to Heaven. He is at the Pearly Gates,
met by St. Peter himself. However, the gates are closed, and Forrest approaches the gatekeeper.
St. Peter said, 'Well, Forrest, it is certainly good to see you. We have heard a lot about you. I must tell you, though, that the place is filling up fast, and we have been administering an
entrance examination for everyone. The test is short, but you have to pass it before you can get into Heaven.'
Forrest responds, 'It sure is good to be here, St. Peter, sir. But nobody ever told me about any entrance exam. I sure hope that the test ain't too hard. Life was a big enough test as it
was.'
St. Peter continued, 'Yes, I know, Forrest, but the test is only three questions.
First: What two days of the week begin with the letter T?
Second: How many seconds are there in a year?
Third: What is God's first name?'
Forrest leaves to think the questions over. He returns the next day and sees St. Peter, who waves him up, and says, 'Now that you have had a chance to think the questions over, tell
me your answers.'
Forrest replied, 'Well, the first one -- which two days in the week begins with the letter 'T'? Shucks, that one is easy....That would be Today and Tomorrow.'
The Saint's eyes opened wide and he exclaimed, 'Forrest, that is not what I was thinking,
but you do have a point, and I guess I did not specify, so I will give you credit for that answer.
How about the next one?' asked St. Peter.
'How many seconds in a year? Now that one is harder,' replied Forrest, 'but I thunk and thunk about that, and I guess the
only answer can be twelve.'
Astounded, St. Peter said, 'Twelve? Twelve? Forrest, how in Heaven's name could you come up with twelve seconds in a year?'
Forrest replied, 'Shucks, there's got to be twelve: January 2nd, February 2nd, March 2nd... '
'Hold it,' interrupts St. Peter. 'I see where you are going with this, and I see your point,
though that was not quite what I had in mind....but I will have to give you credit for that one, too. Let us go on with the third and final question.
Can you tell me God's first name'?
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'Sure,' Forrest replied,
'it's Andy.'
'Andy?' exclaimed an exasperated and frustrated St. Peter. 'Ok, I can understand how you came up with your answers to my first two questions, but just how in the world did you come
up with the name Andy as the first name of God?'
'Shucks, that was the easiest one of all,' Forrest replied. 'I learnt it from the song, ANDY WALKS WITH ME, ANDY TALKS WITH ME,
ANDY TELLS ME I AM HIS OWN.'
St. Peter opened the Pearly Gates, and said: 'Run, Forrest, Run.'
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If you live on the Central Coast and are able to assist the “Doll Ladies” on their regular stalls at Gosford, even briefly, please contact Roi on (02) 4325 4835 and
leave your details and she will contact you when help is required.
Day Date Event Location/Time Contact
Tues 26 June Bi-monthly stall St Vincent's Foyer 10.00-3.00 All Welcome
Tues 26 June General Meeting St Vincent’s Hospital, 4pm All Welcome
Tues 28 August Bi-monthly Stall St Vincent’s Foyer, 10am -3pm All Welcome
Tues 28 August General Meeting St Vincent’s Hospital, 4pm All Welcome
Fri 7th September Doll Ladies Stall Gosford Mall from 9.00am All Welcome
Fri 5th October Doll Ladies Stall Manly Corso from 9.00am All Welcome
Sat ? October Bunnings Day Belrose Store from 0730am Helpers needed
Tues 16 October General Meeting St Vincent’s Hospital, 4pm All Welcome
Tues 16 October Bi-monthly Stall St Vincent’s Foyer, 10am -3pm All Welcome
Sat ? October SFS Ferry outing SFS McDougall St,Kirribilli 1.30 pm Louise
Fri 2nd November Doll Ladies Stall Gosford Mall from 9.00am All Welcome
Fri 7th December Doll Ladies Stall Gosford Mall from 9.00am All Welcome
Sun 9th December
AGM & chrissy
party Jerry Manamara's Home Details to come
Thurs 13th December Doll Ladies Stall Manly Corso from 9.00am All Welcome
Sat ? December Bi-monthly stall StVincent's Foyer 10.00-3.00 All Welcome
The above events and dates are subject to change. Please Call Lyn for details on 02 9489 7055 or 0403 344 048
AHLTA Events Calendar - 2012
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Melbourne Hospital In Heart Surgery Breakthrough
By Jeff Waters, staff
A Melbourne hospital has conducted the first successful trial of a treatment which allows surgeons to insert a replaceable heart valve without the need for open heart surgery.
Doctors at the heart unit at Monash Medical Centre have saved the lives of 11 elderly women who were suffering from aortic stenosis, or the degrading and narrowing of their main heart valve.
The women were too frail to undergo the invasive open heart surgery which would be given to younger patients with the same condition.
Instead, a replacement heart valve was inserted on the end of a wire through a small hole in the groin.
Dubbed a "lotus valve", the Israeli-manufactured valve opens up like a flower once inside the heart, and can be easily repositioned.
The trial - which has enjoyed a 100 per cent success rate - promises to help save the lives of senior patients around the world.
Muriel Satchwell, at 86, was one of the women brave enough to agree to take part in the trial.
"I'm not a whinger. I don't particularly like whingers, and I knew I would be in good hands," Mrs Satchwell said.
"And I thought, if I die, I die."
Monash heart director Professor Ian Meredith beat off competition from the likes of Harvard University and the Mayo Clinic for the right to stage the first trials.
He says the prognosis for elderly aortic stenosis patients is usually about the same as people with advanced forms of cancer.
"When you have severe aortic valve narrowing and you become breathless as a consequence of that, more than half the people won't survive 12 months," Professor Meredith said.
"Only about a third will survive two years."
Muriel Satchwell has beaten those odds, and is now fit, healthy and enjoying life.
"I am just delighted to have been a part of it," she said. "I'm just thrilled to bits."
"As I told Professor Meredith, I just feel so privileged."
Professor Meredith says he will now lead a wider, international trial of the device.
"This will have a significant impact on patients all around the world because this is a very common problem in the elderly," he said.
Sixteen facilities in four countries will take part in the new trial
21
For those who wish to participate in this event, you will find all the details online at http://www.city2surf.com.au/ For those who are unable to run or walk the event, but wish to donate to AHLTA and support those who have chosen to make this their fundraising effort, please go to the link
below:http://www.fundraise.city2surf.com.au/events/choose_a_charity/3575?search_type=letter&event=city2surf2012&terms=A&page=3
Tereza Berkemeier, the daughter of Tuhi Callaghan a recent HTx recipient, and her family have chosen to compete and to donate any funds raised to support AHLTA. Our best wishes and thanks to them for this effort. There are others who will be participating who are unknown to us, however we thank them in anticipation, and wish them every success and hope they enjoy the challenge and the sense of achievement obtained from such a herculean task!
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Travel InsuranceTravel InsuranceTravel InsuranceTravel Insurance An often repeated question that arises periodically on Facebook and in other situations, concerns the availability of Travel Insurance for those who have had transplants. So it seems timely to include here some words from an email received from Vice-president, Andy Gough: “I spoke with Sally Bryan of Mooneys Insurance brokers today, who confirmed that Accident & Health Insurance (AHI) will insure we recipients for overseas travel, including cover for our pre-existing conditions, provided that we haven’t had to see a doctor about it for a month prior. This is a great improvement on the usual exclusion of pre-existing conditions and one that we should pass on to all our members. Accident & Health International don’t deal with the public, only through a broker and it seems Mooneys have a good working relationship with them. AHI do provide direct emergency numbers if needed while travelling. Mooneys can provide application forms for travel insurance as required.
22
http://acchealth.com.au/contact_us_contactus.do http://www.mooneys.com.au/minigen/ Kind regards, Andy” Transplant Australia (TA) also has a notice on their website which reads as follows:
• CHARTIS TRAVEL INSURANCE
Transplant Australia has an arrangement with Chartis Travel to offer travel insurance at a discount rate to our members. Of course everyone is assessed on a case by case basis but we have great reports from our members of their successful applications. Please contact the National Office for more information.
[The TA National Office phone number is: (02) 9922 5400 ]
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RIP - LAURIE MCKAY
It has been brought to our attention that Laurie McKay passed away at 9am on the 5th July, 2012. As there are no further details at the time of going to print, we are unable to add any details. Laurie and his wife Carmel, through their business, McKay Property and Finance (advertised at the back of this publication), have been long-time generous supporters of AHLTA through regular donation of a percentage of funds from their lending service through their Healthy Home Loan Appeal. We thank them for their outstanding generosity. We send our warmest and deepest sympathy to Carmel and family at this sad time.
23
I REMEMBER THE
CHEESE OF MY
CHILDHOOD …………
And the bread that we cut with a
knife,
when the children helped with the
housework,
and the men went to work not the
wife.
The cheese never needed an ice
chest,
and the bread was so crusty and hot,
The children were seldom unhappy
and the wife was content with her
lot.
I remember the milk from the billy,
with the yummy cream on the top,
Our dinner came hot from the oven,
and not from the fridge in the shop.
The kids were a lot more contented,
they didn't need money for kicks,
Just a game with our mates in the
paddock,
and sometimes the Saturday flicks.
I remember the shop on the corner,
where a penn'orth of lollies was sold
Do you think I'm a bit too nostalgic,
or is it....I'm just getting old?
I remember when the loo was the
dunny,
and the pan man came in the night,
It wasn't the least bit funny
Going out the back with no light.
The interesting items we perused,
from the newspapers cut into
squares,
and hung on a peg in the outhouse,
it took little to keep us amused.
The clothes were boiled in the
copper,
with plenty of rich foamy suds
But the ironing seemed never ending
as Mum pressed everyone's Duds
I remember the slap on my backside,
and the taste of soap if I swore
anorexia and diets weren't heard of
and we hadn't much choice what we
wore.
Do you think that bruised our ego?
or our initiative was destroyed
We ate what was put on the table
and I think our life was better
enjoyed.
24
Those present at this session on Thursday 31 May were: Tuhi, Paddy, Kay, Kate, Janine, Melinda, Shannon, Leonee, Jessica, Garry, Heather, Rofeine, Betty, Kath, Some of these people are pictured in the accompanying photographs, however, as all names cannot be equated to the correct pictures, you will need to identify yourselves.
25
Vitamin D deficiency shown to increase rejection
rates in lung transplant patients
April 25, 2012 By Nora Plunkett and Anne Dillon in Surgery
(Medical Xpress) -- Vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increase in lung transplant rejection
and infections, according to research conducted at Loyola University Health System (LUHS).
Researchers also found that recipients who remained deficient for one year following the transplant
had a higher mortality rate than those who had normal vitamin D levels. These data were published
in the latest issue of The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation.
“Patients who undergo lung transplants are at risk for rejecting the organ, and two-thirds of these patients are vitamin D deficient,” said Erin Lowery, MD, first author, assistant professor, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine (SSOM). “Given the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in lung transplant patients and the growing evidence that this supplement helps the immune system tolerate the organ, optimal levels of vitamin D are critical for positive outcomes in these patients."
The study evaluated 102 patients who underwent a lung transplant and had vitamin D levels evaluated within 100 days prior to or following surgery. Twenty-one patients had normal vitamin D levels and 81 were deficient. The rejection rate in the deficient group was more than double that of the non-deficient group. Infections also were more frequent in the deficient group than in the non-deficient group (mean 4.01 versus 2.71). In addition, the mortality rate of vitamin D deficient patients one year after transplant was nearly five times higher than those who were not deficient.
Prior to lung transplant, 52 per cent of patients received a vitamin D supplement. An additional evaluation was performed one year after transplant to determine if levels were normal or deficient. Seventy-five patients had normal vitamin D levels and 27 were deficient. In the year after the lung transplant, all patients received a vitamin D supplement.
The health benefits of vitamin D are widespread and range from warding off cancer, osteoporosis, heart disease, diabetes and depression. Until now, researchers could only speculate that vitamin D also improves the health of lung transplant patients.
“This was the first study to explore the impact of vitamin D deficiency in lung transplant patients,” said Pauline Camacho, MD, director of the Loyola University Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Disease Center, Loyola University Health System (LUHS). “We have determined that there are multiple benefits to maintaining normal vitamin D levels in lung transplant patients."
Provided by Loyola University Health System
26
SISTER MARY ANN'S PETROLSISTER MARY ANN'S PETROLSISTER MARY ANN'S PETROLSISTER MARY ANN'S PETROL Sister Mary Ann, who worked for a home health agency, was out making her rounds Sister Mary Ann, who worked for a home health agency, was out making her rounds Sister Mary Ann, who worked for a home health agency, was out making her rounds Sister Mary Ann, who worked for a home health agency, was out making her rounds visiting homebound patients when she ran out of visiting homebound patients when she ran out of visiting homebound patients when she ran out of visiting homebound patients when she ran out of gas. As luck would have it, a petrol gas. As luck would have it, a petrol gas. As luck would have it, a petrol gas. As luck would have it, a petrol station was just a block away.station was just a block away.station was just a block away.station was just a block away. She walked to the station to borrow a petrol can and buy some fuel. The attendant told She walked to the station to borrow a petrol can and buy some fuel. The attendant told She walked to the station to borrow a petrol can and buy some fuel. The attendant told She walked to the station to borrow a petrol can and buy some fuel. The attendant told her that the only petrol can he owned had been loaned out, but she could wait until it was her that the only petrol can he owned had been loaned out, but she could wait until it was her that the only petrol can he owned had been loaned out, but she could wait until it was her that the only petrol can he owned had been loaned out, but she could wait until it was returned.returned.returned.returned. Since Sister Mary Ann was on the way to see a patient, she decided not to wait Since Sister Mary Ann was on the way to see a patient, she decided not to wait Since Sister Mary Ann was on the way to see a patient, she decided not to wait Since Sister Mary Ann was on the way to see a patient, she decided not to wait and walked back to her car.and walked back to her car.and walked back to her car.and walked back to her car. She looked for something in her car that she could fill with fuel and spotted the bedpan She looked for something in her car that she could fill with fuel and spotted the bedpan She looked for something in her car that she could fill with fuel and spotted the bedpan She looked for something in her car that she could fill with fuel and spotted the bedpan she was taking to the patient. Always resourceful, Sister she was taking to the patient. Always resourceful, Sister she was taking to the patient. Always resourceful, Sister she was taking to the patient. Always resourceful, Sister Mary Ann carried the bedpan to Mary Ann carried the bedpan to Mary Ann carried the bedpan to Mary Ann carried the bedpan to the station, filled it with petrol, and carried the full bedpan back to her car.the station, filled it with petrol, and carried the full bedpan back to her car.the station, filled it with petrol, and carried the full bedpan back to her car.the station, filled it with petrol, and carried the full bedpan back to her car. As she was pouring the petrol into her tank, two Baptists watched from across the street. As she was pouring the petrol into her tank, two Baptists watched from across the street. As she was pouring the petrol into her tank, two Baptists watched from across the street. As she was pouring the petrol into her tank, two Baptists watched from across the street. One of them turned to the other and said:One of them turned to the other and said:One of them turned to the other and said:One of them turned to the other and said: “If it sta“If it sta“If it sta“If it starts, I'm turning Catholic!”rts, I'm turning Catholic!”rts, I'm turning Catholic!”rts, I'm turning Catholic!”
GOLFING STORYGOLFING STORYGOLFING STORYGOLFING STORY
A golfer is walking down the road carrying his clubs when he sees an Arab being held up at
gunpoint. He pulls out a wedge and smashes it over the back of the robber's head, knocking
him unconscious.
"You probably saved my life," says the grateful Arab. "I am a member of the Saudi Royal
Family and I have the power and money to give you anything you desire as a reward."
The golfer glances at his golf bag.
"Some new golf clubs would be nice," he says.
Two weeks later, the Sheikh's secretary calls him up.
"We've got your golf clubs," she says, "but the Sheikh would like to apologise to you in
advance: only three of them have swimming pools."
27
June 2012 AHLTA Stall
in St Vincent’s Hospital Foyer For a cold and wet day on Tuesday 26th June we had a most
rewarding time.
Sylvia Asplet kept us company and Tuhi Callaghan was to
come but the weather was too inclement. There is always
next time.
The raffle donated by Bob and Lyn Greaves was won by
Jasmine from Wyong who refers to herself as 'Crazy Lady'.
Her family had a torrid
weekend so we hope
things have improved.
The hand crocheted rug was admired by all as was the knee rug.
All donated items sold during the day and the merchandise also
sold steadily. Many thanks to all who donated these wonderfully
crafted items to help bring our takings to nearly $600 as well as
waving the flag for the AHLTA. Not bad for such a wet day.
Thanks,
Joy
.
28
On a lighter noteOn a lighter noteOn a lighter noteOn a lighter note::::
HOW IS NORMA?
A sweet grandmother telephoned St. Joseph's Hospital. She timidly asked: "Is it possible to speak to someone who can tell me how a patient is doing?" The operator said, "I'll be glad to help, dear. What's the name and room number of the patient?" The grandmother in her weak, tremulous voice said, "Norma Findlay, Room 302." The operator replied: "Let me put you on hold while I check with the nurse's station for that room." After a few minutes, the operator returned to the phone and said: "I have good news. Her nurse just told me that Norma is doing well. Her blood pressure is fine; her blood work just came back normal and her physician, Dr. Cohen, has scheduled her to be discharged tomorrow." The grandmother said: "Thank you. That's wonderful. I was so worried. God bless you for the good news." The operator replied: "You're more than welcome. Is Norma your daughter?" The grandmother said: "No, I'm Norma Findlay in Room 302. No one tells me s--t."
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29
APPLICATION/RENEWAL FOR ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP (Please circle one)
Name:__________________________ Address____________________________ (Street) ______________________________________(Town/suburb) ____________________ (State)_____________(Post Code) Phone _____________ Email: _________________________________ Mobile__________________ Would you like to receive the Bugle and other news by email?
Yes No (Please circle)
Category for Membership: (Please tick)
(a) St. Vincent’s patient who has the possibility of having a transplant. (b) Relative of St. Vincent’s transplant or pre transplant patient (refers category ‘a’). [Tx no……..] (c) Partner of transplant or pre transplant patients (refer category ‘a’). [Tx no……..] (d) Medical or administrative staff associated with St. Vincent’s Cardio Thoracic Transplant Unit (e) Allied professional help attached to the St. Vincent’s Cardio Thoracic Transplant Unit. (f) Heart, lung, heart/lung transplant patient from an Australian hospital other than St. Vincent’s hospital. (g) Heart, lung, heart/lung transplant patient from an overseas hospital. (h) Relative of deceased transplant or pre transplant patient. [Tx no………] (i) Partner of deceased transplant or pre transplant patient. [Tx no………] (j) Administrative, medical and religious staff, other than Transplant Staff, associated with St.Vincent’s. (k) Member of a donor family (l) Person not covered above but interested in transplantation
Membership $10.00 per annum or discounted to $40 for 5 years. The renewal date is 01 November. Any member joining after July 1st will be considered financial until 30th October the following year. The Committee & members thank you for your support.
Declaration: I, the undersigned, subscribe to the aims and objectives of the Australian Heart/Lung Transplants Association. _____ (Please sign) _____ (Date)
Disclaimer: Membership of the Australian Heart/Lung Transplants Association does not endow the individual member with any privileges or rights to any preferential treatment not available to other patients, employees or members of the public in his/her dealings with St.Vincent’s Hospital.
The Australian Heart/Lung Transplants Association Inc. confirms and warrants that any information whatsoever the
applicant divulges or provides to the charity will be kept strictly private and confidential.
The AHLTA will not under any circumstances release or provide any information to any individual, company or entity,
without the express authority of the applicant or unless compelled by law.
Payments may be made by mail or direct to St George Bank: AHLTA A/C No: 027 029 508 BSB:112 879. Please put your “name” + “AHLTA Mship” in the reference line.
30
AHLTA COMMITTEE FOR 2012
PRESIDENT Kimberley Livingstone (Sydney) 0420 982 258
VICE-PRESIDENT Peter Wicks (Canberra) 0429 534 334
VICE PRESIDENT Andy Gough (Sydney) (02) 9999 0987
SECRETARY Lyn Kerslake (Sydney) 0403 344 048
TREASURER Jerry McNamara (Sydney) (02) 9797 5397
CHAIRMAN – AHLTA HOUSE
COMMITTEE (Exec app. member)
Vacant
PUBLIC OFFICER & MEMBERSHIP
REGISTRAR
Jim Beverstock (Illawarra) (02) 4272 4110
PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER Vacant
MAGAZINE EDITOR Lorraine Higgins (Canberra) (02) 6251 8929
COUNTRY/INTERSTATE REPRESENTATIVES
HUNTER REGION NSW Graeme Martyn (02) 4943 1220
NORTHERN NSW Neil Davidson (Sawtell) (02) 6658 4380
NTH/CENTRAL WEST NSW Karen Kennedy (02) 6743 5253
GRIFFITH NSW Kevin Salton (02) 6964 4494
POSTAL ADDRESS
PO Box 309
KINGS CROSS NSW 1340
E-MAIL ADDRESS
(for Biopsy Bugle contributions)
DEADLINE for all Biopsy Bugle material
for next (SPRING) Issue 2012
Monday 3rd September, 2012
31
Phoenix Trading was founded in 1994 by three mothers in South London; Robin, Susie and
Vanessa. The women shared a vision of starting a home-based business selling a product that
they loved—greeting cards!
After having my double lung transplant in August 2011, I was looking at getting back to doing
some form of work – I also have a 14 month old daughter, so I didn’t want to leave her –
Phoenix Trading fitted what I was looking for, I’m a bit of a card-a-holic, and it means I can work
from home for the most part.
We have a lovely range, have a look at my page www.phoenixtrading.com.au/stephstenhouse
and contact me if you have any queries about any of the products. I also have a facebook page –
www.facebook.com/stephscards , and often have weekly and monthly specials. I am happy to
send you a set of catalogues if you would prefer to look at a hard copy, please send your request
to [email protected] If you would like to look at some samples, or perhaps hold a Coffee +
Cards event, please let me know and we can work out something to suit everyone!
From every sale, I have pledged to give AHLTA 10%. The members of AHLTA have been,
and continue to be a wonderful support to me, and I’m looking forward to being about
to give back in any way I can.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY SPECIAL
Purchase 10 cards, get one for free (20
cards - two free, 30 cards – three free
etc, up to five free cards), or purchase
over $100.00 worth of products and
receive 10% off your next order.
COFFEE + CARDS Events!
Why not get a group of friends
together for a casual greeting cards
viewing? All you need to provide is
afternoon or morning tea, and good
company!
I will bring or send you plenty of
samples for to view and order, as
well as a selection of greeting cards
that may be purchased at the event.
Coffee + Cards Events can be booked
for your home or workplace, and can
run for as long or short time as you
wish.
32
McKay McKay McKay McKay
Property Property Property Property
& Finance& Finance& Finance& Finance
McKay Property and Finance is proud to be involved in the Healthy
Home Loan Appeal which supports transplant patients. Our focus, in
addition to providing an excellent quality lending service to our
customers, is to help raise funds for AHLTA – The Australian
Heart/Lung Transplants Association.
AHLTA supports its Members by providing a house where transplant
patients can stay and recover after a transplant operation. AHLTA
receive 10% of the home loan trail commission for the life of the
home loan. This means, every home loan you refer will support
transplant patients for the term of the loan.
Healthy Home Loan Appeal
Call 1300 559 009 www.mckproperty.com.au
www.superfundfinance.com.au The Healthy Home Loan Appeal is operated by McKay Property &
Finance Pty Ltd ACN 098 020 252
Any home loan available through PLAN Australia’s panel of lenders.
This includes up to 30 lenders with over 1000 home loans
