Going to Disney World with my family was something I never in a million years thought would happen! At my sickest, I would say to myself that it was one regret…for my kids not to have that magical memory with their mom forever. Well, 3 1/2 years after my lung transplant, Jay and I surprised the kids with a magical trip to Disney World. Outside of aching feet, the entire trip was truly magical and wonderful. Every bit of it. I walked around 10-15 hours a day and went on every attraction that I wanted to go on. It was such a blessing and a miraculous time that I know I will never forget. 
It’s funny how God works because had I not been through all of what I have been through, I definitely don’t think I would have had the capability in this busy and generally unappreciative culture to really enjoy and savor every last minute. I know what it feels like to know you don’t have forever, and I know what it feels like to know that this may be your only opportunity. This allowed me to really enjoy these memories. I feel so full after this experience. I can’t explain it enough to you. ❤
Health-wise, my lungs are doing well. My Pulmonary Function Tests are remaining steady at about 76% lung function. That is seemingly low compared to a normal person, but I am loving this and making it work while not noticing a difference at all! I have not a single complaint about that.
Outside of my lungs, I have developed an autoimmune disease which has caused some significant trouble at times. It began about a year and a half ago where I would all of a sudden get fevers and severe (and I mean SEVERE) swelling and pain around my lung cavity with pain shooting all over my back and arms. I have had spells of this where I have been bed-ridden for weeks at a time, and I have had spells of this where it has just been a week or two of flu-like symptoms and pain. These spells come completely out of nowhere and I have no idea when they will come about or how long they will last. The pain I endure during this time creates great levels of anxiety in me, unfortunately. I have been diagnosed with PTSD, and this causes me to often have anxiety attacks during bouts of pain in my body where I feel like I will die and like I can’t make it anymore. I absolutely HATE when this happens. It is so uncharacteristic of my personality, but I can’t control it when it is happening. Jay is really patient with me and helps me through it. I think that when I feel pain, it makes me feel like I am in the hospital dying and like every day will be my last day. I know that logically my feelings don’t make sense, but if you have ever had an anxiety attack before, you know that it pretty typical.
We don’t really have a plan of action yet. We are handling things with each spell I have of this new autoimmune disease. We aren’t really sure which one I have, but Familial Mediterranean Fever Syndrome and Lupus have been tossed around as the top contenders. The scary thing with this is that all of the medications that I take are meant to eliminate most of my immune system so my body doesn’t notice my lungs as the foreign organs they are and attack them. Well, every time I have an attack or spell of this autoimmune disease, the white blood cells in my body go crazy with all of the inflammation and swelling that I have. So, it is counter-productive and definitely hazardous. With the last 2 week spell I had a month or two ago, we used high levels of steroids to try to stop the attack, and it did seem to alleviate it a bit. We will just keep trying new things to see what works. I guess I am a work in progress.
Please pray for my body to cooperate and that this new disease does not hurt my chances. I believe that God always knows what he is doing, and I will leave it all to Him. I just know the power of prayer, and a little bit of begging never hurt anyone. 🙂
God bless, enjoy the Easter season. I am looking forward to my 4 year lung birthday on June 10th. I have so much to be thankful for. As always, thank you to my donor and her family for sacrificing her organs to give me this extra time, and thank you most of all to God my Savior for all that He has given me.
Melanie Putnam 
So sorry you are having health issues and many prayers for you and your family. Hang in there…my transplant is now 4 yrs old and doing well but mine not as serious as yours. So happy for you and your family that you are able to make these memories. Not on fb anymore so wonderful to get your update. Give Aunt Liz and you and hours my love and have a memorable Easter!!!
ok, girl, your posts are always so amazing and heartfelt! Not to mention, your posts always make my eyes leak! Gosh! I was so excited that you and your 3 fellas were able to take the great trip to Disney and make all of the fantastic memories together! It’s exactly what you are meant to be doing! I will pray for you as you go through the business with the autoimmune stuff and PTSD. You’ve been through so much and your strength is awesome. You are such an inspiration, in both your attitude and the faith in our God! Always proving that through it all God is good and our hope is in Him! Enjoy this Easter season as we remember the true meaning of why we celebrate the blessings we are given in Christ’s death and resurrection! Love and hugs to you! – Deb
Will keep praying for you Melanie, you are an inspiration to us all.
Melanie, I am so glad you were able to have this trip with your family 🙂 You all look so happy. I will continue to pray for you. Love ya girl!
Melanie, I’m so glad you and your family had this opportunity. I continue to pray for you daily, as well as Jay and the boys. You are all an inspiration and true definition of not giving up and keeping the faith. Love ya!
I love it that you are able to live life! Hang in there tough girl!
Meanie, I am so happy you and your family enjoyed your trip to Disney. I can still see their faces on the fb video when you told them of the surprise. I am encouraged by your faith in God and will continue to lift you and your beautiful family in prayer.