This day one year ago I received the best Christmas gift I could have hoped for, a liver transplant. Going through all kinds of emotions right now, happy to be alive and healthy again, yet sad for my donor and his family... Christmas time will never be the same for both families, albeit for very different reasons.
They don't say a picture is worth a thousand words for nothing. It's safe to say I look and feel like a different person!
Anyone waiting for a transplant, hang in there, it really does get better.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
I’ve just had my first liversary. Mine was the best Christmas present I ever had also. It’s such a precious gift. You look so well take care and have a very happy Christmas!
I feel fantastic Lynne, thank you for asking. The only complaint (if you can call it that) I have at the moment is some fatigue but I was getting much more of it and several other issues before the transplant anyway. This could be due to the immunosuppressants, body not fully recovered or both.
If your condition shows no sign of improving, you should insist on a transplant. You will not believe the difference it will make, I still don't at times.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas too and good health in the new year x
Great news, your looking well. have a great Xmas. David
It's lovely waking up to all these nice messages. Thank you so much everyone!
Bless you for posting that 🤗 all the very best to you and yours
Thank you for your post, it has come at exactly the right time for my husband and I. He is currently in hospital and desperately in need of a transplant. We are just waiting for a bed to become available at Kings and then of course a compatible donor but we have no idea how long that will take. The doctors won't let him come home before the transplant because he is too I'll so we are spending this Christmas in the hospital. We are very anxious at the moment but your message has given me hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you so much, wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a fantastic 2018 xx
in reply to
Hi Swinka
Thank you for the kind wishes. The main reason I uploaded that picture was to give hope to others like you and your husband who are waiting on a new lease of life.
I also had my procedure carried out at King's. Their transplant teams are outstanding so rest assured you're in good hands. I was on the waiting list for just 5 weeks after being initially told the average wait for my blood group would be 4-6 months. There are people who have had their call in days but there are others on this forum who have been waiting for several months, even years. One thing is certain; if a suitable liver becomes available, they will call right away.
I know these are extremely testing times for both of you but be strong until the day comes. Whatever bond you have, it will be rock solid after this. I could never repay my wife for her efforts during those harrowing times and we're now closer than we've ever been because of it.
I am delighted to read your posts. I am currently being ‘worked up’ for Transplant please God I am successful I feel so unwell like a different person inside my body & mind. It’s horrible- I’m so afraid too.
I am 6 weeks post transplant. I received a miracle from my angel donor and family. I am forever grateful for the gift of life. I am doing well and am so blessed to be feeling this well. Unfortunately, though we live presently in an area that is in the middle of a flu epidemic. It is scary. I wear a mask when I leave home to go to clinic for labs. I don't go out very often and don't see my 7 grandchildren very often and always they wear a mask and I wear mine as well. The lack of immune system makes it difficult. However, I feel so fortunate to be doing this well and for my gift. Never ever lose hope and faith. Its so hard in the beginning and I had my low points as well. But my faith and never giving up carries me through any bad days. Yes I still have bad days but I refuse to surrender. Keep Hope in your future.
Hi I haven't been on here for awhile so I'm hoping maybe you have had your transplant by now, I'm just waiting for the test results from my son to see if he is a match and if so surgery will be booked in 3 weeks. I'm so excited and can't wait to resume my life only being sober this time. I look forward to the beach and a long awaited roadtrip to anywhere in my country this summer.
Wow you look amazing and the difference is phenomenal !!! I can't imagine how much better you must feel and it's so lovely to hear such positive words xx like you say for the other family you can't imagine their hurt but from their unfortunate loss a life has been gained and part of that person lives on x
Our son was conceived and consequently born after the transplant. Without it, he wouldn't be here as my libido was non existent for several months before the surgery so I'd say 2 lives have been gained from the life-changing gift I was given x
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What a difference a year makes
I would like to wish everyone of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 
1st year 
