Double lung recipient Helene Campbell suffers setback in recovery

Hélène Campbell, the young Ottawa woman who underwent a double lung transplant in Toronto on April 7, has suffered a setback in her recovery, but her spirits remain high, her family says.

Campbell’s mother, Manon, posted an update on her daughter’s website, alungstory.ca, on Wednesday morning – which marks Hélène’s 21st birthday.

After being taken off a ventilator last Saturday, Campbell began experiencing problems breathing, her mom revealed.

“Unfortunately, breathing became very difficult for her on Sunday evening,” she posted. “To minimize her exertion, the team re-inserted the breathing tube and her breathing is again assisted by the ventilator.”

Campbell is receiving steroids to combat the early onset of rejection and is also being treated for a lung infection at Toronto General Hospital.

“Because of the potential complications of having a breathing tube for a long period of time, they have decided to perform a tracheotomy,” she added.

Her double transplant became necessary after she was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and her condition worsened.

Campbell’s mom said her daughter was celebrating her birthday in good spirits Wednesday.

“Hélène continues to participate very actively in her care. We witnessed some of her first dance moves, bobbing her head and shoulders to the tune of “Walking on Broken Glass” by Annie Lennox today.

“Despite the challenges, Hélène still manages to make us and the nursing staff laugh.”

Campbell’s story made international headlines earlier this year after pop star Justin Bieber endorsed her campaign to promote organ donation.

She also made an appearance on the talk show Ellen via Skype, and has gained a legion of followers on Twitter.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today