Doug Turley

Hello, my name is Doug Turley and I would like to introduce myself. I live in Nashville, Tennessee with the love of my life, Bonnie. I have a daughter who recently graduated from West Virginia University.

My own Alpha-1 story begins with a diagnosis of emphysema in the early 90s. I used inhalers for the next couple of years but the treatment was not helping – I was getting much worse. While preparing for hernia surgery the surgeon looked at my records and was surprised that a 41 year old man had the kind of lung problems I was having. He asked if he could order a blood test. So in 1997 I was finally diagnosed with Alpha-1. In 2003, my lung disease had progressed to the point that I decided to go ahead with a lung transplant. I got my new lungs at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.

Before I developed lung problems I managed several different businesses – a bakery, grocery, restaurant, clothing store and pharmacy. I became an AlphaNet Coordinator in 2000 and although the success of my transplant would allow me to return to my former career, I have chosen to stay with AlphaNet. When I am not working I like books, movies, music and computers. In fact, I have become sort of the informal troubleshooter for any AlphaNet Coordinator with computer problems. I also have a toy poodle that I enjoy grooming.

I enjoy being able to share my experiences and having a lung transplant is a big part of that. I can help people with Alpha-1 who only see a bleak future realize that there are many things they can do to make their lives better. I can reassure them and I like being there for them.