My heart's day is my second birthday
Tanja, heart transplant since 1995 at the age of 5
My name is Tanja, I am 31 years old and I was born on August 10, 1989 with several congenital heart defects. On the same day, I underwent enterothorax surgery (diaphragmatic hernia). This was followed a few days later by a Fontan open heart operation. Unfortunately, my heart was very weak afterwards. From then on, I was on the "high-urgency list" for a heart transplant and I had to wait.
While I was in the ambulance, I listened to "The Lion King" on my Walkman
In July 1995, I received the redemptive phone call. Fortunately, my parents were with me at all times. I remember my parents waking me up and a short time later I was in the ambulance. My mother accompanied me in the ambulance on the way to the Heart and Diabetes Center in Bad Oeynhausen. My father followed in the car.
While I was in the ambulance, I listened to "The Lion King" on my Walkman and sang along very loudly. After arriving at the hospital, everything happened very quickly. I only remember bits and pieces because I was still small.
After being in hospital for a total of three months, I was finally allowed to go home after a successful heart transplant.
I'm celebrating my 26th Heart Day this year
From that point on, I had to relearn a lot of things. I could no longer sit or walk on my own. With the support of my parents, my big sister and my whole family, I fought my way back into life. The day I got my new heart is like a second birthday for me and is celebrated every year.
Unfortunately, I've had a lot of operations and illnesses in recent years, as the strong medication and weakened immune system make you more vulnerable.
However, my heart is doing very well and this year I am celebrating my 26th Heart Day (that's what I call the day of my heart transplant).
I am infinitely grateful to the person who gave me his heart
Despite everything, I completed my training and learned my dream job. I have been working as a state-approved educator with under-threes in a daycare center for almost 11 years. I live with my partner and, with a few small restrictions, lead a completely normal life. Of course, life as a heart transplant patient is different and involves a few restrictions. You have to do without a lot of things, such as pets or some foods.
However, the heart transplant was the best thing that could have happened to me, because it saved my life. Without this operation, I would not have lived past the age of 5. I am infinitely grateful to the person who gave me his heart and to my parents and all the physicians.