CRYSTAL HEART (MaleXMale)

Chapter 3

Eric Maxwell

Next, I wake up with mum cry while hugging me. I have back to the same white sterile room like five years ago when I had heart bypass surgery. My mind still hard to process anything. My parents are wearing protective masks and gowns as measures to make sure that they do not bring in bacteria and infections. I also smell antiseptic scent lingering around them.

Does that mean the operation is successful? I grab off oxygen mask that lead me to cough nonstop. Dad immediately put the mask again and hastily press the red button on the wall. Not long after the group of doctors come in. Dad and Mum are waiting outside.

Like usual, the doctor touch and press here and there, disregard my feeling yet ask me a lot of questions. I want to ask them but doesn't have any opportunity. As usual, I just act docile, letting them do their work without any interference.

When I can open my eyes again, seeing all the important people around me burst in tears already answered all my questions. The doctor called my parents in. Mum still latched on Dad body, waiting the doctor give their analysis.

"Congratulations, up until now the heart seems compatible with him." The head doctor tells my parents.

"If that's so, why he thrashed when removed the oxygen mask." Mum asks.

"That was because he first time inhaling the oxygen on his own after transplanted. We will guide him bit by bit inhaling the oxygen." The doctor explains with a satisfying smile.

"We will keep monitoring him closely for two weeks to see the real result. If there no any compilation or rejection sign, he can discharged after three days and need through some rehabilitation program afterward." The head doctor gives a brief explanation to my parents.

Hopefully not, I pray inwardly. I don't want to feel that throbbing pain anymore. It's a pain in the ass to wait another donor. And, I am not the only person in waiting list. I only had a little luck as the person himself dedicated his heart to me. I don't mind the rough therapy or strict diet as long I have more than fifty percent to live as a normal person.

I wished to free my family member from this sadness even in brief of time. Although, they were having perfect bodies but still suffered because me. This guiltiness only can wash away when they can smile wholeheartedly.

Two weeks later, I already discharged from the hospital and my parents decide moved to suburb area. The purer the air, the better for my heart. They care me like a fragile baby. Brother inherited our old house and planned to live there with her wife to be.

According to a doctor, I can start my little adventure now. The heart was showing a great compatibility with me. I just need to avoid any stress during this healing process. Doctor not a god, so they can't guarantee how long I can alive or when the heart shows the sign of rejection. They only halted the death process for a while. But, their effort really means a lot to me and myself. At least my current condition better than previously.

After the surgery, I had regular follow up visit with the doctor and a few pills to take. The doctor often did the blood and urine test on me to check the level of antirejection medicine in my body system. There also a few more tests I need to go through during this phase.

I also compulsory to attend cardiac rehabilitation. During cardiac rehab, I learnt about how to live more heat-hearty lifestyle and exercise safely to strengthen the muscles and heart. Aside that, the counseling session is important too. The counseling really helps me overcome the feeling of sadness and guilt.

Honestly, I can avoid from thinking about the heart in my chest belong to a dead person. It was like I had robbed him from die with perfect set of body. Doctor said these though is normal for all transplant recipients. That's why they suggested us to take counseling.