It’s been a while...

[nickiwj]

Hi everyone.

I haven’t been on here for quite a while. I first joined this group 3 years ago when I was listed for my transplant. The forum provides so much support and love to people who understand what people are going through and been through which is what it’s all about.

I had my liver transplant in Jan 2017 which literally saved my life. I was prioritised on the waiting list, admitted to hospital for a week and was told I had hours left to live when I received my precious gift from my donor angel. I was in icu for 2 weeks then a further 3 weeks on the ward.

Over the 3 years I’ve been on here, we have sadly lost amazing people/friends on this site who haven’t been so lucky either waiting for their transplant or had their transplant and it just didn’t work out for various reasons 😥

Anyways, I think it’s fine to have opinions and banter but remember....it nice to be kind to each other and life really is too short for upset.

Hello to members that know/remember me and I’ll try and log on more regularly.

Stay well and to those who are still waiting for their transplant, don’t give up hope just stay as fit and healthy as you can because it really does make all the difference to when that call happens and your recovery.

Love and hugs to everyone. Nicki x

[Kate50]

Hi Nicki, how are you keeping, hope you are well, and so true what you say, everyone joins forums for some sort of support/advice, and I find it very uncomfortable to read some comments that are made so I can imagine how hurtful it is to the people they are aimed at definitely not needed on a support forum, if you can’t think of something nice to say then don’t say anything at all, good advice from my granny 😊

[Hidden]

Hi Nicki,

Thank you for sharing this post and your news.

We are really pleased to read that you have recovered well from your transplant and hope that you can visit the forum more regularly, your positivity is needed!

Take care and welcome back,

Trust1

[Hidden]

Hello Nicki and welcome back, I'm not sure if we are aloud to say this anymore these days, but from your picture, you are looking well-fit.

The past two days have been rather turbulent on here, but hopefully we can now all move on and continue to offer support, advice, friendship. You've been on quite a journey. May I ask please where did you have your transplant carried out? Not that it really matters as all transplant centres are all centres of excellence. It's just that if it was at the QE then maybe one day our paths may cross.

I am so glad your back with us, and that this is such great news. It's as if a dark cloud has been lifted from this forum.

Well done.

[nickiwj]

Hi Richard. It’s been a bumpy ride and had my ups and downs since transplant and had to go back in for a very large hernia operation last sept. More drains and more staples but although I was in hospital for 6 days, having a large operation being “well” was a much better experience with hospital recovery and back at home.

I had my tx at the Royal Free who were amazing on every level and continue to look after me now. I’ve just managed a 6 month appt which was a huge milestone in my recovery.

This forum is great for people newly diagnosed with various liver conditions, pre transplant and post transplant and long may it continue x

[Hidden]

I'm so glad your now on the mend. May I ask please, how did you get on with your PIP claim? It would appear to be very much a postcode lottery and I've heard of some really horror stories. Some (like me) just gave up, while others need to jump through hoops to get anywhere.

One of the often over looked aspects of having a liver transplant is the emotion roller-coaster journey a person goes on. I know when I was on the ward, on my second day I felt so emotional to the point of tears. A grown man of 63-years balling his eyes out, and feeling so guilty and unworthy. It took me over 8-months to get my head around it all.

How are you coping? It's often good to share with others who have experience the same, and who fully understand.

[SteveM99]

What a great post - uplifting and a breath of fresh air.

A good reminder to be good to each other, think of each other, and enjoy life without getting bogged down in the nitty gritty (if possible)