My kids are... well... awesome. I honestly don't know if my thoughts here have universal application because our situation was so unique. My boys actually helped me articulate some things I hope will be useful, apparently more things we *didn't* do than things we *did* do.

YOUTUBE LINK: https://youtu.be/z3HrfsQcg9Y

Transplants are tough on relationships. We screwed up a lot but we also learned a lot. We're still working some things out and I'm no marriage counselor. But we made it through, and I think it's because of some of the things I talk about here.

YOUTUBE LINK: https://youtu.be/x3RE4_-HQTs

It's a lifesaver and a crazy maker, this pill we take. Feeling depressed and elated within the same minute? Crying, then apologetic, then vengeful? Gather 'round and listen to all the nutso things I've said and done while it had its way with me. 

YOUTUBE LINK: https://youtu.be/0kHwztGMNpU

We all plan to win the war against our organ failure and dream about what a healthy life will be like. But planning for the worst-case scenario can leave an unnecessary burden on our loved ones. Here are some humble and simple planning I did for peace of mind "just in case."

YOUTUBE LINK: https://youtu.be/0TTU8IWp1DQ

With an organ shortage and an average of 22 dying every day while on a waiting list, the good news is that 106 people are transplanted every day on average. This episode attempts to tackle the difficult subject of death and making good decisions in light of the current numbers.

YOUTUBE LINK: https://youtu.be/kgU5hrmiOIA 

Nurses work 12-hour shifts. Docs often work in teams. Technicians change. How responsible should you as a patient be to make sure information is accurately communicated between members of their care team? And what recourse is there when something isn't working? This episode pinpoints potential break-downs in the consistency of care, and how to self-advocate when it does.

TWITTER: @mightytxpodcast

YOUTUBE LINK: https://youtu.be/wisBHi7cOJ0

Which pill caused what side-effect to help with the side-effect of which pill? Exactly. Let's talk about using the Scientific Method to get a baseline for meds and how they affect us, organizing mediations, and tracking symptoms vs. side effects. 

YOUTUBE LINK: https://youtu.be/MtFb7R9WpjM

A Total Artificial Heart (TAH) is exactly what it sounds like - it's not an assist device, a pacemaker, or a pump. It's a device that replaces 2/3rds of the heart to bridge a patient to transplant. I lived with one for 9 months. For half of that time, I lived at home. I went to the movies, restaurants, the grocery store, concerts, and even a Renaissance Faire. And yes, it was crazy.

YOUTUBE LINK: https://youtu.be/YN8Rw0ZDX0U

It's normal to be anxious about post-transplant life, despite the fact that we've longed for it since the ordeal began. Here's a head's up, some things I wish I'd known or had figured out earlier than I did.

YOUTUBE LINK: https://youtu.be/srsJo4B5gGI

So yeah, I forgot some things in Episode 10, so this is a continuation of my HVICU Survival Guide.

YOUTUBE LINK: https://youtu.be/JQTyfp7et5k