15.03.19 – Liver-versary

Ahh! A moment of euphoria seeing myself on TV! I was on ‘The One Show’ last week talking about my experience with organ donation, how great I feel and honoured to have been given a second chance of life. It was also my first liver transplant anniversary last weekend, so I celebrated it as a joint birthday event by having dinner and drinks with friends and family. A few days later, I find myself back in hospital with severe abdominal pain and fever. 🤦🏻‍♀️.

Wednesday morning, (first day of annual leave) I woke up at 09:11 in agony. I thought it was just the usual stomach pain I get daily. I took some pain relief which didn’t help, so took another tablet. Whilst shouting and swearing in agony around my flat, I managed to get some breakfast together, but struggled to stomach it. I just lay in bed in agony, feeling feverish and not knowing what to do with myself. I’ve never had to call an ambulance before, but there was no way I’d be able to get to the hospital myself. The ambulance crew arrived, checked my vital signs and confirmed that I had an infection. So back to the hospital I went, in through A&E and after a few hours, back up to the liver ward.

I had been to the hospital on Monday to visit a friend and to speak in front of professionals, friends and liver patients for the launch of BLYS (Birmingham Liver Youth Support). Myself, patients and professionals got together to launch a group to support young patients with liver disease between the ages of 16-25

We aim to support younger patients who need advice and support with Liver Disease. We all felt that we had no one else to talk to who had experienced life with liver disease. During clinics, there were rarely any younger patients, so we all felt out of place without anyone else with similar experiences. We have an Instagram page if anyone is interested in finding out what we are about.

During this hospital admission, they think that it’s the bile duct playing up again, just what they thought was the case in December. They have done all tests they can think of, so have to repeat them to find evidence of the bile reflux they believe is the problem. 🤷🏻‍♀️. I’m on IV antibiotics, feeling tired but ok, and able to go back home between drug rounds.

I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I’ll be home in time for my birthday on Tues. I’ve already spent a few birthdays in hospital, so hoping I’ll be out for this one. 🤞🏼😫

Click here to sign up to organ donation! It is equally important to discuss your wishes with your family, so that they support your decision. Thank you!

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