Life After a Quadruple Organ Transplant: Jasmine Jones’ Story

Jasmine Jones faced shocking news when doctors decided to replace four of her organs simultaneously. Living with cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease affecting lungs and other organs, had already taken a toll on her life. At 28, Jones, from Chicago’s South Side, felt detached. “I was still on autopilot,” she reflected. “It wasn’t until I was readying for surgery that I realized ‘Wow, it’s happening,’ yet I felt calm and grateful.”

In January, doctors at University of Chicago Medicine conducted a rare quadruple organ transplant on Jones over 36 hours. She received a new right lung, left lung, kidney, and liver from a single donor. This marked Illinois’ first known procedure of its kind and one of only six in the United States, as stated by UChicago Medicine referencing data from the United Network for Organ Sharing. Dr. Rolf Barth, a transplant surgeon, noted the rarity of such operations.

Five months post-surgery, Jones is back home, stating she feels “pretty good.” She spent six weeks hospitalized following the operation, and additional time in rehab at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. It was only recently she learned how uncommon her transplant had been. “I was like, ‘Oh my God,'” Jones said. “My mom was relieved not knowing beforehand.”

The Journey with Cystic Fibrosis

Diagnosed at five months old, Jones grew up managing cystic fibrosis, which produces thick mucus, leading to respiratory and digestive issues. Her health deteriorated over the past decade, developing diabetes and other complications. These challenges forced her out of Columbia College Chicago and into a wheelchair.

Despite finding work as a preschool assistant, Jones’ condition worsened with fatigue, lung infections, and fluid retention. “I spent most days struggling to get out of bed,” she shared.

A turning point came when her mother found her unconscious. Doctors initially suggested a liver transplant. Jones hesitated, but after months of hospital visits, she finally accepted. It soon became evident her kidneys and lungs were critically damaged. Medications required for cystic fibrosis failed to improve her lung function.

Dr. Pablo Sanchez of UChicago Medicine decided a combined organ transplant offered the best outcome. “Her lung condition was dire,” Sanchez explained, leading to the decision for the quadruple transplant.

Fast-Paced Developments

In December, doctors asked Jones to await her transplants in the hospital, but she delayed for a family Christmas photo, fearing it could be her last memory with loved ones. The following day, she felt worse and sought hospital care. Within a week, she was matched with a donor, skipping the years-long wait common for many.

Before surgery, Jones arranged for a chaplain to comfort her mother, Patricia Smith, who had requested solitude during the surgery. The chaplain’s presence became essential support for Smith as she grappled with the day’s uncertainties.

The Massive Operation

A team of 40 medical professionals executed the transplants. The procedure began with Dr. Sanchez removing Jones’ lungs, cleansing her chest and airway, and then positioning new lungs. During this, a machine cycled blood for vital functions. The donated organs were preserved using perfusion machines.

After the lung operation, Jones underwent a liver transplant. Post-liver operation, she recuperated briefly in intensive care before receiving a new kidney. Jones recovered over several weeks, benefiting from connections built with her care team.

A New Beginning

Returning home in March, Jones adjusted to life outside hospital care. Doctors reassured her the new organs would not be affected by cystic fibrosis, though her pancreas remains under watch. Lifelong medication is necessary to prevent organ rejection. Reunited with her family and pets, Jones was emotional.

Her doctors expressed optimism over her recovery. “She’s young, and within months regained a normal life,” Sanchez explained. Multi-organ transplants have advanced with improved survival as highlighted by Dr. Barth.

Grateful to her donor and care team, Jones contemplates the donor’s family, thankful for the opportunity to restart her life. Energized and healthy, she plans a return to work and exploration of new interests. “I’m eager for this chapter,” Jones expressed, ready to explore what the future holds.