Henry Ford Health preforms the first COVID-related double lung transplant in Michigan

DETROIT – Doctors at Henry Ford Hospital performed the first double lung transplant in Michigan, which was linked to COVID-19.

“It simply came to our notice then. I was getting sick so fast, “said Jackie Dennis.

Special education teacher Jackie Dennis was diagnosed with COVID in November last year.

“He went there with typical COVID symptoms. He had a cough, fever, shortness of breath, headache and nausea, “said Dr. Lisa Allenspach.

Dennis was pregnant too. She gave birth to a baby girl, whom she named Mia Rose. After giving birth, COVID quickly took over his lungs and body and made it difficult for him to breathe.

The doctors put Dennis on a respirator.

“ECMO is a heart-lung machine that we use to supply oxygen to the blood in the hope that the lungs will recover from a bad infection like COVID,” said Dr. Victor Coba.

Doctors said Dennis needed a double lung transplant. She was transplanted to Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit on January 16. That was just seven weeks after her daughter was born.

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“I am just amazed. I feel pretty normal. I build my strength, I walk around. Things are a little difficult, maybe taking too many steps up and down the stairs. In general, I can do whatever I want, except that I’m still taking Mia, “Dennis said.

Dennis said she is grateful for friends and family. He wants to thank the family who lost a loved one to save his life.

“If they ever wanted to meet us or hear anything about us. I would be totally open to that. I would tell them I’m so sorry. But I’m very grateful, “said Dennis.

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