Liver Transplantees - Say Hello

This is really for those of you who have been fortunate enough to have received a life changing Liver Transplant.

I personally had my transplant on the 1st October 2016.

I, as for most people, was so humbled and gratefully for everyone's support and help all through the whole life saving experience. Two years on and things continue to improve. I happened to return to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, yesterday for my 6-monthly checkup. Having some time on my hands, I decided to go back to where it all began, just to say hello. I ventured up onto Ward 726 (nice panoramic view of Birmingham from this ward). Memories came flooding back, and I was able to talk and chat with some of the nursing staff.

The sad thing was, these guys work extremely hard, and at the time we are all so grateful. One of the nursing staff told me that very few people ever come back once they walk out of those ward doors. It turns out that the staff get a real big kick out of seeing us when one of their ex-patients pops in to say hello. It kind of makes it all seem worth while to see us fit and healthy once more. It gives them so much job satisfaction, and makes them feel appreciated. I for one shall be sending ward 726 a Christmas card this year, and over the coming months they'll hopefully be seeing a lot more of me, as I've put in to become a volunteer adviser on the ward and offer advice during the transplant assessment days too.

So, next time your in clinic having your routine appointment, regardless of which transplant centre your at, why not pop along to the ward and say hello. You'll be surprised by the amount of smiles you can make happen on all the ward staff faces.

[Hidden]

Hi Richard - how the heck do you remember the ward no? I had my transplant at QEHB too - in August this year, but blowed if I can remember the Ward number 😂, and I can only bring to mind a few faces from there. The staff changed virtually every day!

But it’s a good point - I will venture up there next Monday - if I can remember - my memory is seriously shot from all the HE. In the past we have always been in a rush to get our train - poor excuse and bad planning on my part 😢

Miles

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[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hi Miles, I took a selfie of myself at the time, I think I was four days post opp. My bed number (29) was in the picture so at least I could remember. When I walked on the ward for the first time in two years, the first thing I remembered is that physio nurse that made us get out of bed on the third day and walk up that corridor. I thought I was doing great just walking to the bathroom, but that first walk up the ward corridor was like walking a marathon. By day five I was going off the ward and down to W.H.Smiths in the foyer, and having to take out a second mortgage just to buy a packet of crisps. I was so proud making that walk though.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Lol, richard, I remember that walk too but they had to wait until about day 5, man was I out of breath, I think I collapsed on the bed when I “made-it home” 😁. I never got off that floor until I went home, day 12 - I remember that! I was still hurting like hell!

Miles

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[chugalong in reply to Hidden]

If I remember rightly after bringing me round, removing tubes, did offer to wash big green one and I could keep it if I wanted ( eeek no) tooth paste and brush sit up and what felt like just a few hours was walking down the corridor and back with no oxygen. Must say the nurse who attended me when I came round was so fantastic and gentle and in conversation used to volunteer in her holidays in needy countries which I thought was so so great.

[chugalong]

Bet that was such a great feeling. Have thought of it many times but never got up the courage. A real great idea and will work on it.

[Gordon99]

I agree wholeheartedly with you Richard. It is such a rewarding experience, for yourself and the staff to show your appreciation and gratitude.

I received my transplant in September 2017 in Edinburgh Royal Infirmany. Since then I’ve visited the ward with gifts for the staff on two occasions. They were so happy to see me doing well and were very welcoming. I didn’t stay long as I’m conscious of how busy they are and left feeling wonderful after seeing how they were so happy to see me, and because I was able to say how grateful I am. I have twice also visited Monklands General in Airdrie, ward 10, as they looked after me pre & post transplant and had an equally good response from staff there.

[Hidden]

Great idea and had not thought of that one. One of the lovely nurses said to me, ‘don’t take this the wrong way but it would be nice not to see you up here again’. So it would be great to see her in a non-medical context and say hello. Couldn’t agree more about the shops, took the first trip out of the bubble to WH Smith, less crippling than M&S but could have wiped out the debt of a small developing country to buy an ice cream. As painful as the journey there.

[Hidden]

Hi

Well done, My Transplant was in March and back for my 3 month check up early December late November.

I will try and call in ward 726 and say hello

David

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Thanks for sharing this positive post Richard

[Queens32]

Hello, I had a transplant on 29th March last year, unfortunately I have been back in to ward 727 about 6 times since with ongoing bile duct issues. I had my transplant due to an accidental paracetamol overdose (over a relatively long period of time, I was taking two products daily not realising paracetamol was in one of them, and as my liver was failing and I was in more and more pain, I was going then taking more of the pain relief (alka seltzer) which was doing more and more damage. I ended up in an induced coma with an emergency transplant found within 48 hours so am incredibly fortunate to have made it as prognosis was at one point very bleak. I’m still struggling a lot with fatigue and the ongoing problems with my ducts, you start wondering what is normal, will it get better etc and so just to find others who have had a transplant and are doing well is sometimes all you need to keep your spirits up on a bad day. I hope your recovery is going well x

[DENRO]

Richard64. I had my transplant on 6th Oct 2016 (Liver Cancer) and must have been at the QE the same time, albeit for a few days. I was taken to theatre at 2.10am and was met by Theatre Sister Lisa, and when I said to her that she is working rather late, she held my hand in both hers and said in a soft voice, 'I have come in especially for you'. I will never forget that experience .

I will be forever in debt to the wonderful medical team, doctors, surgeons, nurses and staff for the new life they have given me. I cannot remember the ward number I was on but I do remember the wonderful nurses who were always there to help, even when they were removing my catheter, wires other pipework from me.... I am up for helping to raise funds for the Liver Department, even offering the services of the male voice choir I sing in for a concert.