From two transplants to the summit of Mont Ventoux

First, Arjan received a new liver and then new lungs. Last June, he cycled up Mont Ventoux with his pulmonologist, Dr. Tji Gan from UMC Groningen. 'Cycling the Transplantoux with Dr. Gan brought things full circle for me,' says Arjan.

Arjan has PSC, an autoimmune disease that causes scarring in the bile ducts and liver. Because of the disease, his abdomen swelled and he retained a lot of fluid. 'I couldn't get rid of the waste products in my body. Only a liver transplant could save my life. Fortunately, a donor liver was available quickly.'

From cycling to pulmonary fibrosis

After the transplant, Arjan started cycling. In 2014, he climbed Kilimanjaro in Tanzania with fellow patients. A year later, he cycled the Elfstedentocht and in 2019, Mont Ventoux. In 2021, he was asked to climb Mont Ventoux again. At this event, the Transplantoux, a transplant recipient cycles up the mountain together with a buddy, such as a doctor or nurse.

For the Transplantoux, Arjan had to undergo a medical test. Pulmonologist Tji Gan saw that something was wrong with his lungs. Arjan turned out to have pulmonary fibrosis. “With pulmonary fibrosis, scars form in the lungs,” explains Dr. Gan. “Breathing becomes more difficult, as if there is a tight corset around your chest. The disease cannot be cured, but medication can slow its progression.” In the winter of 2022, Arjan could no longer manage without supplemental oxygen. To stay alive, he urgently needed donor lungs.

Second transplant

Within three weeks of the screening, there was a donor. Exceptionally fast, as most people wait about two years. Arjan was not emotional or afraid. “I am always level-headed: it had to happen to stay alive. A few days after the transplant, I listened to the song Just another day in paradise by Phil Collins. Only then did it sink in that I had been given another chance. That still makes me emotional.”

Transplantoux with his doctor

After the second transplant, Arjan went up Mont Ventoux again. This time together with Dr. Gan. For both of them, it was special: without Dr. Gan, the pulmonary fibrosis would not have been discovered.

The climb up the mountain was challenging and tough for the duo. There was a lot of wind and after 3.5 hours of cycling, Arjan began to struggle. 'I wondered what I had gotten myself into. But I didn't give up. When I saw fellow patients at the top, I got extra energy and goosebumps.' Dr. Gan did not have to help him as a doctor; he mainly encouraged Arjan. Together they reached the summit.

Celebrating life

Arjan is very grateful to both of his donors. 'Twice I was terminally ill and twice my life was saved. The dates of my transplants are more important to me than my birthday. Every year on the day of my liver transplant, I take my family out to dinner.'

As a tribute to his donors, Arjan lives as healthily as possible. He exercises a lot, gets enough rest, and tries to avoid stress. Sometimes he drinks a non-alcoholic beer or a glass of wine. 'I like to celebrate life, but I only drink on special occasions. I pick out the pearls and enjoy them.'

New challenges

Arjan has cycled up Mont Ventoux twice in recent years. Next year, he will grant that experience to fellow patients, but he continues to train with his cycling club. 'Maybe I'll do the Amstel Gold Race or the 4 Mijl van Groningen. It's not about speed, but about the experience and honoring my donors. It remains special that thanks to them, I can live again and cycle such distances.'

Dr. Gan also continues to cycle. He often challenges patients to participate in the Transplantoux. 'It gives confidence when a doctor says that such an effort is possible again after a transplant. As a pulmonologist, and certainly as a transplant doctor, you have to be positive and believe in opportunities. It seems special to me to guide someone to the top again.'