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ROCHESTER, Minn. — A retired firefighter who needed a double lung transplant to survive is making big strides. Walt Lindahl was living with severe lung disease doctors believe was tied to his time as a paid on-call Bemidji firefighter.

"There were days when we weren't sure that one year was going to come," wife Amy Lindahl said. Walt and Amy Lindahl went back to Mayo Clinic in Rochester for a check-up, post double lung transplant. "X-rays, pulmonary function tests, visit with a nurse, visit with a physician and labs and we just kind of go through everything make sure everything looks good.



Everything's progressing as it as it should be. So we got a positive outlook and everything that they ran it did looks great," Walt Lindahl said. Walt Lindahl has come a long way since WCCO met him last year .

His health was deteriorating, and the Lindahls were living near the hospital waiting for the life-saving transplant. "For the first time in probably two years I really feel like I'm getting my life back and what an awesome feeling," Walt Lindahl said. He's out of a wheelchair and no longer needs his walker.

"Being able to move around and get outside, feel the sun and the fresh air again is, it's amazing, what that does for you mentally and physically," Walt Lindahl said. He knows he's here because of his lifesavers, including transplant surgeon Dr. Sahar Saddoughi.

The two saw each other again during the recent visit to Mayo Clinic. "There was a while there. I didn't think I was goi.

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