This is a remarkable story. I've never before heard of a lung-transplant recipient taking up piping. Playing the pipes may well help her develop the capacity of her new lungs, though. I have known several serious asthmatics whose condition has improved markedly through playing bagpipes. A couple of them even took up piping on the recommendation of their doctors, but these were 10- or 12-year-old kids. It's tough enough for adults in their forties to take up the great highland bagpipe without the added complications this woman has. More power to her!
Also interesting that she mentions the hazards of fungi inside the pipes, subject of another recent thread.
I worked closely with a fellow whose wife went through heart/lung transplant due to congenital issues. Good to hear more success stories, especially with this twist!
Proudly Duncan [maternal], MacDonald and MacDaniel [paternal].
Yes, Ana and Isa's story is amazing and was an inspiration for my wife who underwent the same process a couple of years ago following her own struggles with CF.
I highly recommend reading the Stenzel twins biography "The Power of Two: A Twin Triumph over Cystic Fibrosis"; more recently they brought their story to the big screen in the documentary film "The Power of Two" -- which tells of their efforts to increase support for organ donation in Japan where there are strong cultural taboos and legal restrictions, resulting in many needless deaths. (There's a poignant scene of a man panhandling on the streets of a Japanese city to raise funds for his son's organ transplant.)
Finally, I encourage everyone to at least consider registering as an organ donor. Donate Life America has some great information, as do similar organizations in the UK, Canada, Australia, and elsewhere. It makes a difference.
Last edited by Tim Little; 22nd March 13 at 08:25 AM.
Originally Posted by dakuda
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