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Transplanted: My Cystic Fibrosis Double-Lung Transplant Story
When Allison Watson awoke that day, she knew she was in a hospital bed. That's all. She had no idea how much time had passed since she had seen her family. When she tried to focus, her vision was blurry, and when she tried to wave someone down, she became so exhausted she thought she was dying. Hours later, when Watson was able to communicate, she asked a nurse if the news was good or bad. "It's good news," the nurse replied. "You had your lung transplant four days ago."
About 4,100 people in Canada have cystic fibrosis, and many are living longer today, thanks, in part, to transplants. CF mainly affects the digestive system and lungs, and there is no cure. In this candid memoir, Watson describes living with the disease and her life-altering surgery in 2014. Watson and her sister, Amy, both grew up with CF, and Allison had always believed that Amy would be the one to get a transplant first. The decision to undergo surgery was not easy. Nor was the road to full recovery. In this book, Watson, who cycled across Canada with her brother in 2008 to raise awareness of CF, describes her journey.
- GenresMemoirMedicalNonfiction
232 pages, Paperback
First published April 30, 2019
2 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
Allison Watson
2 books7 followersHello! Thank you for taking time to read or review my book. As a self-published author, it is so exciting to have so much community support. It started as a way to document some of my travel adventures as well as fill my time while I waited for a double-lung transplant and has grown to become something that I will always cherish.
If you would like the e-version, it is available at my blog, blogofalley.blogspot.ca.
If you would like the e-version, it is available at my blog, blogofalley.blogspot.ca.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 8, 2021
It was interesting to learn about living with the disease of Cystic Fibrosis.
but since I have known someone who had a double lung transplant, I was most interested in that experience.
Strength and struggle are definitely a theme through this memoir, and I could so understand her panic attacks, for I don’t know how anyone could get through some of the procedures she went through without having a panic attack.
April 21, 2019
I enjoyed reading Transplanted, and if it could be improved (I should say 'enhanced') in any way it would be to have a little more technical details such as how the lungs are transplanted and some expressions from Allison's family, particularly her partner Isaiah, who stuck with her through it all as to their perspective on Allison's ordeal. On the whole, this is a solid four-star memoir of a particularly risky surgery and the author's determination to survive and thrive thereafter, despite what the future may hold.
July 4, 2019
I loved reading this book. One minute in laughter and the next paragraph near tears.
I am the family member of an organ transplant recipient. And at times is was difficult to read about Allison’s struggles particularly post transplant when she was unable to communicate. I very much appreciated her sharing her story.
Always a very enjoyable read!! Check out her other book wanderlust!!
I am the family member of an organ transplant recipient. And at times is was difficult to read about Allison’s struggles particularly post transplant when she was unable to communicate. I very much appreciated her sharing her story.
Always a very enjoyable read!! Check out her other book wanderlust!!
April 9, 2019
3.5/5 stars
My first exposure to CF was through Claire Wineland. She made such an impact on me that I’ve taken to reading more books about CF, and I’m so glad I have. Allison Watson’s experience with CF is the polar opposite of Claire’s, and I don’t mean that in a critical way. People aren’t supposed to have the same experiences; we’re allowed to look at the same things with different eyes, and Allison Watson’s story is one of a successful double lung transplant and life post-transplant. While Claire never woke up from her transplant, Allison did, and she’s living proof that a transplant doesn’t always end in a tragic death.
Watson is a candid writer, being totally upfront about everything from poop to severe anxiety to frustration and more. She gives a story that can only be incorrectly imagined by people who haven’t gone through it such a vivid image that it’s just impossible to understand how much the human body can withstand. She’s honest and has been through a hell of a ride. It’s incredible.
I’d definitely recommend this for anyone who’s interested in medical stories, CF specifically, or even just a damn good life story.
My first exposure to CF was through Claire Wineland. She made such an impact on me that I’ve taken to reading more books about CF, and I’m so glad I have. Allison Watson’s experience with CF is the polar opposite of Claire’s, and I don’t mean that in a critical way. People aren’t supposed to have the same experiences; we’re allowed to look at the same things with different eyes, and Allison Watson’s story is one of a successful double lung transplant and life post-transplant. While Claire never woke up from her transplant, Allison did, and she’s living proof that a transplant doesn’t always end in a tragic death.
Watson is a candid writer, being totally upfront about everything from poop to severe anxiety to frustration and more. She gives a story that can only be incorrectly imagined by people who haven’t gone through it such a vivid image that it’s just impossible to understand how much the human body can withstand. She’s honest and has been through a hell of a ride. It’s incredible.
I’d definitely recommend this for anyone who’s interested in medical stories, CF specifically, or even just a damn good life story.
April 13, 2019
Well written medical memoir.
I love memoirs written from blogs, diaries and journals. Allison Watson kept a blog in the lead-up to and the aftermath of having a double lung transplant. This was mainly to keep friends and family informed how things were going.
Both the author, and her sister suffer from Cystic Fibrosis, a genetic disease for which there is no cure. I didn't know much about the disease but I heard of someone dying from it many years ago just in his teens. I recently read a memoir where a lady's little girl died when she was just 8 years old from Cystic Fibrosis. This was many years ago, written 40 years after her death. So I picked Allison Watson's book to read to see if there is something they can do now for this disease all these years later-would Allison be healed?
This was certainly no picnic, she tells it just as it was, the struggles, the little bits of very slow progress, the hurdles. There's so much more to it than you think- it's not just get new lungs and a few days later you're as good as new. She couldn't eat or drink for ages after- muscles in her mouth to re-educate etc. after having nasogastric tube for so long, the risk of aspirating food and water into lungs etc.
This was very well written and translated well from the author's blog-it was never repetitive-today I was this, today I did that, etc. Very well put together and kept me reading.
I love memoirs written from blogs, diaries and journals. Allison Watson kept a blog in the lead-up to and the aftermath of having a double lung transplant. This was mainly to keep friends and family informed how things were going.
Both the author, and her sister suffer from Cystic Fibrosis, a genetic disease for which there is no cure. I didn't know much about the disease but I heard of someone dying from it many years ago just in his teens. I recently read a memoir where a lady's little girl died when she was just 8 years old from Cystic Fibrosis. This was many years ago, written 40 years after her death. So I picked Allison Watson's book to read to see if there is something they can do now for this disease all these years later-would Allison be healed?
This was certainly no picnic, she tells it just as it was, the struggles, the little bits of very slow progress, the hurdles. There's so much more to it than you think- it's not just get new lungs and a few days later you're as good as new. She couldn't eat or drink for ages after- muscles in her mouth to re-educate etc. after having nasogastric tube for so long, the risk of aspirating food and water into lungs etc.
This was very well written and translated well from the author's blog-it was never repetitive-today I was this, today I did that, etc. Very well put together and kept me reading.
May 23, 2019
Most amazing book about the strength and struggles one human goes through. I was brought to tears and laughed out loud the next paragraph.
November 18, 2023
Wow what a read! Author is a great story teller. Really was interesting to read about a lung transplant since eventually I will need one.
October 3, 2019
Wow...the strength and ambition that Allison Watson has is incredible. In her book ‘Transplated’ she talks about her life living with CF and the many obstacles and triumphs she experienced during her double lung transplant. I couldn’t put the book down. Allison is a definition of inspiration!! Buy this book, read this book! You won’t regret it!
August 28, 2022
In this autobiography, Allison Watson retails her astounding life story of suffering from cystic fibrosis (CF), a serious disorder that mainly affects the lungs and digestive system. Allison recounts her journey of living and thriving with the life-threatening disease and the double lung transplant that changed her life.
The book was engaging, and the beginning almost felt like reading a thriller. Even though the timeline spanned across several years of Allion’s life, it was fairly easy to keep track of. This book was pretty slow-paced with many flashbacks to anecdotes of endeavours which she embarked on prior throughout her life. Readers come along on Allison’s journey of self-discovery as she navigates the new landscape of physical and mental recovery processes.
This book was very thought-provoking. I admire the way she handled facing judgement from having a hidden illness. Allison depicts her struggles in an authentic and somewhat sarcastic way. Although, at first, Allison struggles to accept the reality of her declining condition, she never lost her spark of determination even when facing setbacks. Her family was always there to support her through it all, and I wish that the book could have focused a little more on their part of her story.
I usually love detailed descriptions of settings and people, however, in some chapters, I did find it a bit excessive. Nonetheless, the author’s writing style seemed very genuine. It almost felt like reading someone's personal diary. I loved how she didn’t only highlight the positive parts of her journey but also talked about the raw and tough parts as well. The book was also very informative with first-hand explanations of a patient's view of hospital life and medical procedures. The book was a gentle reminder that you never know what someone else is going through.
I recommend this book to anyone looking for a wholesome and inspiring read.
I rate this book 🌟 3.5 / 5 stars 🌟
The book was engaging, and the beginning almost felt like reading a thriller. Even though the timeline spanned across several years of Allion’s life, it was fairly easy to keep track of. This book was pretty slow-paced with many flashbacks to anecdotes of endeavours which she embarked on prior throughout her life. Readers come along on Allison’s journey of self-discovery as she navigates the new landscape of physical and mental recovery processes.
This book was very thought-provoking. I admire the way she handled facing judgement from having a hidden illness. Allison depicts her struggles in an authentic and somewhat sarcastic way. Although, at first, Allison struggles to accept the reality of her declining condition, she never lost her spark of determination even when facing setbacks. Her family was always there to support her through it all, and I wish that the book could have focused a little more on their part of her story.
I usually love detailed descriptions of settings and people, however, in some chapters, I did find it a bit excessive. Nonetheless, the author’s writing style seemed very genuine. It almost felt like reading someone's personal diary. I loved how she didn’t only highlight the positive parts of her journey but also talked about the raw and tough parts as well. The book was also very informative with first-hand explanations of a patient's view of hospital life and medical procedures. The book was a gentle reminder that you never know what someone else is going through.
I recommend this book to anyone looking for a wholesome and inspiring read.
I rate this book 🌟 3.5 / 5 stars 🌟
June 28, 2023
Hidayah:
In this autobiography, Allison Watson retails her astounding life story of suffering from cystic fibrosis (CF), a serious disorder that mainly affects the lungs and digestive system. Allison recounts her journey of living and thriving with the life-threatening disease and the double lung transplant that changed her life.
The book was engaging, and the beginning almost felt like reading a thriller. Even though the timeline spanned across several years of Allion’s life, it was fairly easy to keep track of. This book was pretty slow-paced with many flashbacks to anecdotes of endeavours which she embarked on prior throughout her life. Readers come along on Allison’s journey of self-discovery as she navigates the new landscape of physical and mental recovery processes.
This book was very thought-provoking. I admire the way she handled facing judgement from having a hidden illness. Allison depicts her struggles in an authentic and somewhat sarcastic way. Although, at first, Allison struggles to accept the reality of her declining condition, she never lost her spark of determination even when facing setbacks. Her family was always there to support her through it all, and I wish that the book could have focused a little more on their part of her story.
I usually love detailed descriptions of settings and people, however, in some chapters, I did find it a bit excessive. Nonetheless, the author’s writing style seemed very genuine. It almost felt like reading someone's personal diary. I loved how she didn’t only highlight the positive parts of her journey but also talked about the raw and tough parts as well. The book was also very informative with first-hand explanations of a patient's view of hospital life and medical procedures. The book was a gentle reminder that you never know what someone else is going through.
I recommend this book to anyone looking for a wholesome and inspiring read.
I rate this book 🌟 3.5 / 5 stars 🌟
In this autobiography, Allison Watson retails her astounding life story of suffering from cystic fibrosis (CF), a serious disorder that mainly affects the lungs and digestive system. Allison recounts her journey of living and thriving with the life-threatening disease and the double lung transplant that changed her life.
The book was engaging, and the beginning almost felt like reading a thriller. Even though the timeline spanned across several years of Allion’s life, it was fairly easy to keep track of. This book was pretty slow-paced with many flashbacks to anecdotes of endeavours which she embarked on prior throughout her life. Readers come along on Allison’s journey of self-discovery as she navigates the new landscape of physical and mental recovery processes.
This book was very thought-provoking. I admire the way she handled facing judgement from having a hidden illness. Allison depicts her struggles in an authentic and somewhat sarcastic way. Although, at first, Allison struggles to accept the reality of her declining condition, she never lost her spark of determination even when facing setbacks. Her family was always there to support her through it all, and I wish that the book could have focused a little more on their part of her story.
I usually love detailed descriptions of settings and people, however, in some chapters, I did find it a bit excessive. Nonetheless, the author’s writing style seemed very genuine. It almost felt like reading someone's personal diary. I loved how she didn’t only highlight the positive parts of her journey but also talked about the raw and tough parts as well. The book was also very informative with first-hand explanations of a patient's view of hospital life and medical procedures. The book was a gentle reminder that you never know what someone else is going through.
I recommend this book to anyone looking for a wholesome and inspiring read.
I rate this book 🌟 3.5 / 5 stars 🌟
May 6, 2019
Alison Watson’s memoir Transplanted reads like a thriller. Allison was born on the east coast of Canada. Both Allison and her younger sister have cystic fibrosis. They have one unaffected younger brother. She grew up in a family that travelled frequently, inspiring in her a love of travelling. They also enjoyed hiking and cycling. Life was, I would say, pretty routine for Allison Watson, up until her Cystic Fibrosis required her to make the tough decision of undergoing a double lung transplant. For Allison, this would mean moving to Toronto for a minimum of two years, and in that time, she had to get sick enough to be a candidate for a transplant , and yet, well enough to survive the surgery and recover. She decided to accept the offer for the transplant, and she moved to Toronto with her boyfriend Isaiah. Isaiah was truly an amazing support for Allison, as were her family and friends. She took up pottery while waiting for her "call", Getting her hands all dirty with the clay really provided a necessary distraction. Once Allison received the call to come into hospital immediately her lungs arrived, that is when the book began to read like a thriller and I could not put it down. Her recovery could best be described like a rollercoaster ride: up and down, and up and down. I was totally vested in her recovery. I do not want to have spoilers in my review, so I will just say that Allison’s recovery was beyond contemplation. I was amazed. She is truly an inspiration. You have to read Transplanted to believe it. I thank #netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read #Transplanted. 5 stars!
May 6, 2019
Copy provided by Nimbus Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
The book, Transplanted, blew me away.
I met the author, Allison Watson at the Nimbus Spring Preview at the end of April 2019. I felt a vibe from her that I sensed that she was (is) a very kind person, and I couldn’t wait to read her novel. Something that I want to reiterate is that Allison mentioned at the event, is that people may shy away from the book because it sounds sad. It is NOT sad. Some parts may make you cry, yes; but this is a very personal story of hope and resilience. I sincerely wish that if you are at all interested, please give this book a try! ❤️ #indigoemployee #gifted #hope
The book, Transplanted, blew me away.
I met the author, Allison Watson at the Nimbus Spring Preview at the end of April 2019. I felt a vibe from her that I sensed that she was (is) a very kind person, and I couldn’t wait to read her novel. Something that I want to reiterate is that Allison mentioned at the event, is that people may shy away from the book because it sounds sad. It is NOT sad. Some parts may make you cry, yes; but this is a very personal story of hope and resilience. I sincerely wish that if you are at all interested, please give this book a try! ❤️ #indigoemployee #gifted #hope
June 9, 2019
What a wonderful refreshing memoir! The writing just flows so easily and the warmth of Allison’s spirit shines through the piece.
As someone who struggles with health issues myself, I am just in awe of her courage and dertermination. It feels like she faced every conceivable obstacle in her course of recovery and still managed to triumph.
I really enjoyed her easy, breezy writing style and it is a quick read because one simply can’t put it down. Very impressive!
As someone who struggles with health issues myself, I am just in awe of her courage and dertermination. It feels like she faced every conceivable obstacle in her course of recovery and still managed to triumph.
I really enjoyed her easy, breezy writing style and it is a quick read because one simply can’t put it down. Very impressive!
June 11, 2019
I found this novel very moving and inspiring! Not only did Allison Watson deal with cystic fibrosis but she also had a double lung transplant and endured chemo treatment for post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder(PTLD) Her resilience and strength are phenomenal! I am incredibly happy that the author is doing well. I learned so much about cystic fibrosis, double lung transplants and PTLD. Thank you Allison for sharing your story!
May 30, 2021
This was such a fantastic read! Tears, laughter, more tears, more laughter… it was a journey!
My mother was a transplant recipient so some of the story was quite familiar to me. I’ve never spent time around other transplant recipients or their families, so I never knew that other people went through the same things that we went through.
Thank you for sharing your story Allison.
My mother was a transplant recipient so some of the story was quite familiar to me. I’ve never spent time around other transplant recipients or their families, so I never knew that other people went through the same things that we went through.
Thank you for sharing your story Allison.
December 31, 2021
I experienced so many emotions while reading this book. Allison has the circumstances align so she received a double lung transplant that extended her life; so many others do not. Thought a lot about Vanessa while reading this.
June 8, 2019
i dont have cf but my oxygen levels or my lung functions are at 28 per cent .it gave me alot of insight on transplant and what i would be going through .great read .thank you allison .
June 10, 2019
Such an amazing and inspiring book!!!
June 11, 2019
Incredible that Allison was able to share her story with everyone.
December 29, 2024
Felt like the right time to read this book.
June 2, 2019
I whipped through this book in just two days. It is a heart-racing page-turner that makes you hold your breath as you read about Allison Watson's struggles to breathe with cystic fibrosis. Her strength is inspiring.
March 6, 2024
So nice to see a recount from a patient’s point of view! Beautifully written! Love the simplicity and honesty of the author. Helped me realize that the emotional part of being a patient is often overlooked in today’s medical world. Loved how strong she is and how easy going and simple she views life! So inspiring!
April 6, 2019
I love reading real-life stories of people who deal with medical problems and how they make it through. So, Canadian cystic fibrosis patient Allison Watson’s double lung transplant and recovery was right up my street.
Based on Allison’s blog-posts, it’s a bit like reading her diary rather than reading literature.
She takes us along on every step of the journey - every invasive test, every slog on the hospital treadmill, every readmission and anxiety attack.
I found it fascinating medically - nothing sugar-coated about this - and quite inspirational.
I felt like Allison became a friend and I was her cheerleader on the journey.
I’d really recommend it to the other health autobiography addicts out there.
Based on Allison’s blog-posts, it’s a bit like reading her diary rather than reading literature.
She takes us along on every step of the journey - every invasive test, every slog on the hospital treadmill, every readmission and anxiety attack.
I found it fascinating medically - nothing sugar-coated about this - and quite inspirational.
I felt like Allison became a friend and I was her cheerleader on the journey.
I’d really recommend it to the other health autobiography addicts out there.
April 10, 2019
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you NetGalley.
i love reading medical stories such as this one. this read like a diary or journal, which is fine with me.
i'm in awe of her strength. definitely read this book.
i love reading medical stories such as this one. this read like a diary or journal, which is fine with me.
i'm in awe of her strength. definitely read this book.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews