Karen Nichols' Story

Karen Nichols in 2014, traveling and following her own advice -- to "choose joy every day." Historically, I was a very healthy person except for my weight. I never smoked. My only hospital stays were to have my tonsils removed at age five and to give birth to my children. I went out three nights a week and traveled about 30 percent of the time. In August 2010, I had a cold that did not end. I commuted via public transportation and found it difficult to walk more than a block. I had a full physical and was seen by specialists. Test results showed all to be quite well except for my lungs. By late October I was in the emergency room with respiratory failure. Thus began a journey that changed my life. I went on oxygen 24 hours a day. I was diagnosed with nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) related to scleroderma. In February 2011, I was placed on the Inova transplant list and by May, I needed ten liters of oxygen to exercise. Luckily, I received a single lung transplant on May 30, 2011. It has been a true journey. With the help (and gentle encouragement) of the Inova staff, I became more active and now lead a full life. I love to travel and decided I would do a bit more each time. I flew to Oregon and Germany and have gone on four cruises since my transplant. I have seen art exhibits in Washington, Philadelphia and New York. Richmond is next on the list. I can walk more than six miles without getting winded. This past December, I participated in the Kennedy Center’s Messiah Sing Along. My advice? Listen to your doctors Take medication as directed Exercise (no excuses) Eat healthy Follow your heart Enjoy family, friends, and supportive services/groups Give back to the transplant community Encourage others to be organ donors Above all, chose to enjoy every day