One year anniversary

[smp071266]

This time last year I was just out of theatre after a successful transplant operation. It has been a long, painful and, at times, very distressing road which I would not have been able to travel without my wonderful family and friends. The care and attention I received in Edinburgh was, and continues to be, second to none.

My thoughts go out most of all to the wonderful, selfless family of the donor. They will be grieving today and my heart goes out to them.

I thought I could handle it by myself and didn’t confide in anyone about my problem with alcohol. They found out a very hard way when they had to privately fund an air ambulance to bring me home from a Spanish hospital, when I was admitted having fallen into a coma. I had been off alcohol for one full year prior but the damage had already been done.

Sorry for the long post but I’m lying here in my bed with tonsillitis of all things, and my friend messaged me to wish me a happy anniversary!

I just want to say that there is help out there if you are struggling - speak to your GP or confide in a friend if you can’t speak to family. Don’t leave it too late please.

Sarah

[1football]

Congratulations Sarah what a wonderful achievement hope you continue in good health.

Huw

[smp071266 in reply to 1football]

Thank you for your good wishes - I hope you are well too

[Pizamkazdw]

Congratulations Sarah for beating the demon and for being in good health

[smp071266 in reply to Pizamkazdw]

Thank you Pizamkazdw. I hope you’re keeping well.

[Hidden]

Great news on your one year anniversary Sarah 🙂🙃🙂 I hope your tonsillitis clears up soon.

Elaine 🌻

[smp071266 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Elaine - bloody tonsils who needs them !

[alfredthegreat]

Congratulations Sarah on your anniversary and all the very best for all the years to come. Alf

[smp071266 in reply to alfredthegreat]

Thank you Alf - I wish you all the best too in your recovery.

[Will3]

Congratulations Sarah, mine coming up soon. Wise words about sharing the problem and getting help. I walked in your shoes.

All the best

Will

[smp071266 in reply to Will3]

Thanks Will - it is very daunting seeking help for something with such a stigma attached, but it’s the best way forward.

[Radnor]

Been a long tough journey for you, but wonderful that you are now safe . After what you have been through in some ways getting tonsillitis could be seen as a plus - something ordinary that lots of people get? I know its rotten for you but after what you have been through is a massive move forward. I have low tolerance of people who judge those who have cirrhosis from alcohol, i have NASH but alcohol dependence is an illness. So many people are totally unaware of all the other causes of cirrhosis. Depression also still has a stigma attached. Those who love you and support you are there for you, None of these judgmental people are needed or wanted. Hazelx

[smp071266 in reply to Radnor]

How very true Hazel. I wish you good health for the future. Take care. S

[Smyally]

Congratulations Sarah on your 1st Liverversary. May you have many more. You have been on quite a journey and have been very brave to come through. There will always be a few bumps in the road like getting tonsillitis (our suppressed immune systems), but by looking after yourself you can get through anything. Take care x

[smp071266 in reply to Smyally]

Thanks Smyally. I had a read at your previous posts and my god you’ve been through it all. I really hope you are well and stay that way. I think you’ve had quite enough to contend with. Sarah

[Hidden]

Hi Sarah,

A lovely message. Hope the tonsillitis resolves soonest.

Mary

[smp071266]

Thank you Mary. It has given me an excuse to stay in bed and not have to drive in the snow to work. Last week I ended up sideways on a dual carriageway 😬 sarah

[Hidden]

Really well done, I reach my first year in march.

I feel great but really resent getting ill with normal things!

Look onward and upwards

David

[smp071266 in reply to Hidden]

Yes thanks David - wanted to be jumping about doing cartwheels 🤸‍♀️ (actually no - I couldn’t do that before the op but you know what I mean !!)