Secret Harbour father back in the swim after heart transplant

FOR Secret Harbour father Brett Driessen, it is a huge understatement to say he got his life back after a heart transplant.

The 43-year-old said words could not describe how good it was to be alive and to do all the things he used to enjoy, like swimming.

Mr Driessen immigrated from South Africa four years ago.

He believed he was fit and healthy.

However, about 18 months ago, Mr Driessen felt unwell and had flu-like symptoms and swollen joints. After three days he went to see his GP.

An ECG showed chronic heart failure, which was confirmed by an echo chardiogram.

Mr Driessen was told he needed a heart transplant.

He was warned the wait time for a donor heart could be longer than usual because he was 193cm tall. Medical staff would have to do a size match as well as a tissue match.

Mr Driessen waited five months before he received a heart transplant at Fiona Stanley Hospital.

“I naturally have a positive outlook on life,” he said.

“But when you’re physically not capable of doing things, it can wear you down.

“To be back doing the things I love – I am so appreciative.”

DonateLife Week

DonateLife Week is from July 30 to August 6.

Residents can make their decision count by joining the Australian Organ Donor Register at donatelife.gov.au.

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