A mother with cystic fibrosis was saved by a pioneering heart and double lung transplant, a complicated and rare procedure, at the Prince Charles Hospital in Chermside.
Since birth, Tina Lee, a 39-year-old Yeppoon teacher, has had cystic fibrosis (CF). A genetic disorder that affects the lungs and other organs, CF frequently results in serious health complications. Ms Lee received a second chance at life after undergoing a double lung transplant last 2015, in her early 30s.
In 2023 February, she and her partner, Tom, found out they were expecting their first child years later, they were ecstatic. However, Ms Lee was in critical condition after a severe rejection of her transplanted lungs at 34 weeks into her pregnancy.
Her baby, Henry, was delivered by emergency caesarean section and was admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) right away. But Ms Lee’s health kept getting worse.
The Prince Charles Hospital Takes the Lead
As her condition deteriorated, Ms Lee was moved to The Prince Charles Hospital in Chermside, which is renowned for its proficiency in cardiothoracic care. With limited traditional treatment options available, her case became urgent.
Under the direction of Professor Peter Hopkins, the hospital’s medical staff decided to try tocilizumab, a drug typically used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. This medication had never been tested on cystic fibrosis patients in Australia before. To everyone’s relief, Ms Lee’s condition stabilised within just one day, giving her much-needed time for further treatment.
A Record-Breaking Transplant
In 2024 May, Ms Lee was added to the transplant waiting list. Amazingly, donor organs were available six hours later. She had a heart and double lung transplant at The Prince Charles Hospital, a rare and difficult procedure that went well.
With medical professionals like Professor Hopkins highlighting the impact that prompt donations can have on patients in critical condition, Ms Lee’s story serves as a reminder of the significance of organ donation for critically ill patients.
Chermside Community and Family Support
The Prince Charles Hospital has long been acknowledged by the Chermside community as an essential local centre for cutting-edge medical care. Ms Lee’s experience serves as more evidence of the hospital’s commitment to offering patients state-of-the-art treatment.
Ms Lee attributed her persistent perseverance during her recovery to her baby boy, Henry. Seeing him, she claimed, gave her the willpower to keep going.
A Call for Organ Donors
Ms Lee’s story highlights the continued need for organ donors. Many of the thousands of Australians waiting for transplants depend on the generosity of donors to stay alive, according to DonateLife.
Her story demonstrates the importance of these contributions and the efforts made by institutions such as The Prince Charles Hospital to oversee such life-saving operations.
A Brighter Future
Ms Lee is loving being a mother today and treasures her time spent with her family. She continues to promote organ donation and urge others to do the same.
Stories like Ms Lee’s attest to the commitment of the hospital’s staff and the value of community health resources, demonstrating the exceptional medical care that The Prince Charles Hospital in Chermside continues to provide.
Published 26-Dec-2024