Mr. Cal Ming tends to avoid doing anything that makes him uncomfortable.

He has questioned doctors at every step of his treatment and sometimes made decisions contrary to their recommendation. So active is the role he takes in knowing what is being done to his body that he has catheterisations done under local anaesthesia when at Pittsburgh Presbyterian Hospital.

This means that he remains awake and alert while doctors make an incision on the side of his neck and insert a catheter (small tubing) through his jugular vein and into the top right chamber of his heart. “I watch what they are doing on a monitor they set up right in front of me,” he said. “The staff know me and know that’s what makes me comfortable. And I ask questions too.”

This particular procedure is done to get five small pieces of heart tissue for the lab to biopsy.

Mr. Ming recalled that he was able to give one surgeon a tip on how to get the instrument through when he saw he was having a bit of difficulty.

“I told him that the other doctor does a small twisting motion at that juncture.

“He said: ‘Okay, I’ll try that’ which he did, and it worked.” Some believe that taking such an active role in his treatment has been key to his longevity. The latest US statistics show that 60 percent of heart transplant patients live beyond ten years.

Mr. Ming pointed out that the 12 patients in his group that died, all fell victim to infection.

“In every case it was that their body was unable to fight off an infection,” he said. “I have never had an infection since the operation. I know it sounds amazing but I haven’t had a single one,” he said.

Believing that this is God’s will Mr. Ming also gives credit to his wife. “My wife is really serious about this. She is incredible. Our house is so clean you can eat off the floor. She keeps it spotless. I am serious.”

He said he also takes extreme care to stay clear of infected people.

“Especially during flu season, I stay away from people who have a cold or the flu. And I wash my hands constantly. This is very important,” he said.

“I know it also makes a big difference that a lot of people pray for me every day. I know there is one group of ladies who pray for me every single day and I know that’s also how I’ve been able to do so well.”