By creator to www.10news.com
PHOENIX, Ariz. (KNXV) — An Arizona physician has lots to be glad about after surviving a double lung transplant.
For greater than 30 years, nephrologist Dr. Berne Yee has served as a kidney transplant specialist, serving to to save lots of numerous lives.
In early January, simply days after receiving his first dose of the Pfizer vaccine, he fell ailing.
“I had chills and lack of style,” Dr. Yee stated.
Yee examined constructive for COVID-19.
“No one else within the household obtained it, so my assumption was that I obtained it from work earlier than I obtained the vaccine,” he stated.
Yee’s well being deteriorated shortly. The virus ravaged his lungs, forcing him onto a ventilator and right into a medically-induced coma for almost a month.
Dr. Ross Bremner described Yee’s lungs as “terrible.”
Dr. Bremner suggested Dr. Yee he had no different choice however to get a life-saving double lung transplant.
“Initially I rejected the notion as a result of I did not understand how sick I used to be,” Yee stated.
It took a sobering warning to persuade Yee his situation was grave.
“If he did not get a lung transplant, he almost certainly would have succumbed to the illness,” Bremner stated.
Yee was instantly positioned within the Norton Lung Transplant Program and positioned on the donor record.
In April, Yee obtained the decision {that a} pair of lungs had been out there for transplant. His spouse Lily was relieved.
“It was scary throughout that course of, however I used to be optimistic,” she stated.
The surgical procedure carried out at St. Joseph’s Hospital was a hit, leaving the transplant physician, turned transplant affected person, with a brand new perspective on these he is handled previously.
“As a result of now I’ve walked of their footwear,” Yee stated.
Yee has retired from medication to concentrate on his restoration however says if he ever returns, he could be rather more compassionate. He stated he is developed a higher appreciation for every breath.
“I believe there might have been some celestial intervention as a result of we have seen individuals simply as sick as I’m [do] not make it,” he stated. “I used to be fairly sick however was in a position to get transplanted and I am right here immediately.”
Yee says he is wanting ahead to the time when he can meet the donor’s household in particular person to thank them for the life-saving reward.
This story was first reported by Marc Thompson on abc15.com.
— to www.10news.com
