Spent some real quality time with the lovely Eilish this afternoon on Todd ward where we chatted all about our experiences to date and how fortunate we both are to be receiving the care we are both getting here and above all else the amazing donars and their families with what they have had to go through.
I think I've just found my new BFFL xx
Look at you two enjoying yourselves!! Haven’t you got some recovering to do instead of all this socialising!!!
Great to see the two of you looking so well, and fantastic to be able to share the start of your new journeys together!!
You’re certainly making us all smile lots out here!! Andy.
Wow, you both look so wonderful! I'm very, very happy for you. Seven was indeed your lucky 🍀 number!!
The Lord works in mysterious ways. I truly believe that your donors are on the other side looking out for you both now.
Into the joy of the Lord, thence confessing
Death in disguise is His Angel of Blessing~author unknown
May you continue to get stronger in the days and weeks that follow. xx
And, mannnnn, ye took that much outta me I’m gonna have some explaining to do when hubby swings by later Maxey coz I’m fit for no dancing with HIM tonight lol....amazing afternoon, everyone should have a n
Maxey shaped friend in their life folks great craic xxx love n light
Words cannot describe how happy seeing this picture makes me im so happy for both of you and its so nice to meet a new friend and give each other much needed support . Dont over do things love and huggs to both of you xx🐼🐻
I’ve slept all afternoon lol, it’s great feeling to be up and about but a little effort takes a lot outta ye still, I’ll pop by briefly later to introduce dear hubby though Maxey n let him meet the face behind the name
I bet you get tiered easily after all youve been through .each day i imagine means more progress.its great youve found each other it just shows how powerful this forum is the support it gives is fantastic .your a long way from home in ireland .i think the picture of you and maxey has made everyone on the forum very happy .im looking out for a picture of you both in the special liver transplant T shirts maybe .best wishes .judy xxx🐱
How wonderful, its great that we can all share our experiences, but even better face to face. So happy for you both, but don't over do it!!
Maybe you could keep an eye out for Geraldine, her husband is in LITU. I'm hoping she has some family or friends with her, as I think she is also over from NI?? It must be awful to have all that worry without your people around.
Wishing you both well.
Wass x
Hi Wass, I have been stalking the boards AND the halls in Todd looking out for Geraldine and /or news of Dannythedog to no avail, she will,update as and when she can but they know they are in my thoughts and prayers and those of ALL on here, we are all behind you Danny and Geraldine n co...I think Danny is still in LITU b7t he remains in all our hearts and they continue their fight xxx
That's great news, I'm glad you are doing a great job of offering each other support. Defo agree DD in all our hearts and minds. So stressful for poor Geraldine.
Although, please remember you must concentrate on getting yourself well. Don't wear yourself out!!
Take care, and wishing you continued good recovery. X
You both look like you are two weeks into a luxury cruise! You are my heroes! xx
Haha so true - looks great 👍. Think I can even see the sea through the window!!
I make allowances here, you are just after surgery yourself, but please, porthole, not window! 
I hope you are feeling as Smiley as this pair!
OK ms pedantic 😁. Suitably corrected. 😁
just keepin your seat warm til you get better and start correctin everyone else...
I wish, might Look It but sure as hell don’t FEEL it but the little pain I’m in I ssooooworth it and Maxey has his wee green button beside him n I keep telling him don’t be afraid to use it that’s what it’s there for, pain relief ...on that note though hugely amusing as darling hunny Johnnie Mc has spend his evening this last week post visiting doing EXACTLY THAT...Cruise holiday shopping for 6/12 months down the line ...fate I tell ye FATE 😍😂💕 love my hubby ❤️💕❤️😍😘💕
That's what makes the picture so beautiful, we understand that you have both been through so much. But you're putting your sunny side up as always. It is beautiful. You'll have 6/12 months to just enjoy feeling better than before. Then... send us a picture on the cruise... si I can see if there's port holes, French Windows, or what on a cruise ship! xx
Thrilled for you both. Please post frequent updates whenever you can.
When you are both up to it, i’ve Loads of questions! Promise that’s not a threat! 🤝
Ask aaway braveheart, I’m on n off the forums but will catch up when I can xxx Maxey in a lot more pain than me so shout n we will help all we can
Thank you and your starter for 10:
Where do they make the incisions, is it in your back or abdomen?
How long did surgery take?
Do they need to open chest wall?
If you’ve suffered from ascities, do they replace veins?
How many stitches? Do they dissolve or need removed?
How painful is it? Immediately after? 24/48 hrs later and what is pain relief?
How quickly can you walk? Did you need a urinary catheter?
How long in hospital?
When did you feel able to shower?
I’ve lots more but see how you feel about answering those. It’s very kind of you to offer to accept questions but if in hindsight you don’t want to I completely understand. Stay well 😘
Me personally
Opened down front of chest below sternum chest bone to above belly button, cut to left hand side and larger to rhs to remove organ obviously
2. Walked into theatre 8.30 am in ICU 3.30pm awake, smiling talking at 6.30 PM same day
3. Am assuming my incision doen the front is the opening of the chest wall ..its like a heart surgery scar ..down the middle
4.i only had mild ascites which defined with medication and wasnt present at time of transplant
5..lol dont actually KNOW how many stitches...a lot I assume but very discreet in my case and I think dissolvable..surgical drains and dressing removed day 5 post op, wound and drain site lovely clean dry and intact no swelling or ooze so main "Lexus" type scar as they call it remained uncovered from day
5. Pain under control from the minute I woke BUT its up to you to ask if you need top up if you do, some people had drivers in to control one pain relief I didnt, type and dosage is particulat to individual so cant comment further, was a dull ache but I have a very high pain threshold and I kept on top of pain relief and from day 9 only on paracetamol tablets, iv drugs withdrawn as I didnt need them personally after 8 days n oral liquid painkillers after 9..my pain was ALWAYS bearable but I DID ask for it when I felt it come on rather than wait til I was in agony..that is key ..pain relief is different in dosage and type with ever patient
6. Catheter in my personal case out day 3 post op, first pee in commode side of bed, then Zimmer frame to toilet and walking freely next day to loo ..you are encouraged to mobilise as much as possible from about day 3 or 4 depending on pain levels and if you can the better for you as it shifts wind pains which were MY worst symptom....the little bit you can do to help yourself every day is a great positive step in the right direction in my opinion and makes you feel you have a small degree of control in your own recovery....BUT dont rush, take it slow n at your own pace, everyone is different, I was in the best physical health of my life pre surgery as I did a walk every day which deffo made it easier on me, but others cant be that lucky and no way is the right ir wrong way
7. Wash in basin side of bed day 3 with help no showering til day 5 and drain removal and wound check.... by which stage I was able to do it myself with little help drying lower body
8. Currently day 11 post op, I'm being discharged to my local hospital for continued care tomoro back to Belfast, might be 2 days might be 2 weeks don't know what future holds but I feel bloody fantastic
BUT PLEASE NOTE THIS IS JUST MY PERSONAL CASE ..every single one of us on here will tell you a different story and as I say, bo right or wrong, just personal circumstances
Hope this helps
Eilish
That has been so helpful and I completely understand everyone is different but it’s so difficult when you don’t know anything at all.
My journey starts in earnest after Christmas when I get transferred to st James in Leeds from my local hospital.
I’ve a tonne more questions but that’s plenty to think about until you’re back home again.
You are a very special lady for taking time to help me when you are still recovering. Thank you
Alicia x
Hi Alicia
As soon as I'm able I will give you my full account of events. It differs greatly from Bbsmom in that I was not in that great health when transplanted and am experiencing a much longer healing process 6 days in.
Morning Maxey
Sorry to read your having a bit of a rough ride! Remember it's still only your 6th day and like Eilish said we all recovery at different speeds! Try and hang on in there as time and patients is a great healer!
Maybe this time next week you might even be skate boarding down the corridors 🤣🤣🤣! Well maybe not but dreams can possibly speed up your recovery.....
Sending you another warm hug too!
Just remember to keep positive thoughts and a little smile at those pretty nurses can get your pillows puffed up.....well maybe !
Love and hugs Trish x
Take care of yourself, in our thoughts constantly.
Well Eilish
I must say you answered all those questions brilliantly , and like you say everyones recovery path will differ!
I'm going to keep this note as brief as possible as your fingers must be tired out replying to all those wonderful messages above.
I do hope your journey back to Belfast is a comfortable one and I like many on here I look forward to hearing from you for many years to come! 😁
Here's a warm hug for your journey !
Loads of love Trish ❤
Awh Trish, like everything else in my life. I just fo my best. Thsts all we can do...but thank you fir your lovely kind words xxx hopefully the morning will bring news of my "escape" I just of course ..I will miss everyone here n feel a bit cruel deserting Maxey when he still needs a friend but he is a great guy and, God willing with his pain controlled, he will cone on a little more every days ..n I've "got his number sussed" as we say in Belfast...but for ENTIRELY different reasons usually lol xx ..so I'm only a text away
It's such a beautiful delight to see two people brought together in friendship after both receiving such wonderful gifts of life ! ❤
Now enjoy those biccies 🍪and tea ☕together😊
Love Trish x
Lol, Trish, poor Johnnie Mc darling hubby has to bring me a Costa or M n S cuppa up every visiting time, I wanna one Big, hot and strong.....n that’s just ma tea ...not my MEN lol ❤️😊
Lovely to see you both looking so good and well.
It's raised many smiles on the forum and lifted many spirits too I'm sure.
My very best wishes for your continued recoveries
Alf.
Love ya Alf xxx
Hi
It's so nice seeing the two of you, you both made me smile, you are both an inspiration to us all !! Now remember, rest up as well!! No causing any trouble. Love and hugs to you both and your families. Lynne 🤗🤗🤗🤗 xxxx
Duly noted, I’m all talk I’m up n down n then I realise...oppppsss...THATS RIGHT ...I had MAJOR surgery less than 2 weeks ago...lol...n then I go for a sleep when Is quiet xx..I try not to tire Maxey out as I know how I felt the first week so I give him regular breaks from doses of me lol xx
Hi Max and Eilish
As others say, it really does make you smile - that wonderful piccie. So nice to see you both so happy! A great occasion indeed 😁👍😁👍
Miles
Thanks pet xxx
What a lovely picture to see you both there and look so well. Great wish you both all the very best . I was also on Todd Ward.
You look amazing . Wonderful photo❣
Max and Eilish,
It's great to see a new friendship develop in the face of adversity.
Your recoveries will be all the quicker for that.
You both look great, so healthy😊😊😊
Just carry on the way you are, and you will both be home before you know it.
David
You both look so happy it’s so infectious well done xx Jaycee
Spreading joy love light and positivity, one person at a time that’s us that is xxxx
What a great way to start a day!
Wonderful picture and you both look so well
Brings a lump in to my throat, I remember it all so well
All the best on you on going recovery
David
As I say, Maxey will hopefully do in a week to someone else in a week or 10 days what I did for him, spreading a little cheer along the way, like pass the positivity parcel ...one patient at a time xxxx
I was on Todd ward 5 years ago today having had my transplant on the 4th. I was out by the 14th. Now only visiting Kings once a year. What an amazing place.
Hi Joe. It really is an amazing place. How are you now 5 years post op ?
I can't tell you how much better my life life is. I was 42 when I had the transplant, and I was very very ill. After transplant I just went from strength to strength. Back to work within 6 months, and a sponsored 25 mile bike ride within a year. the following year I managed a 65 mile ride.
I can now enjoy seeing my kids grow up, working and all the good things in life. Looking back I'd been unwell for many years before transplant. Now I live a normal life.
So brilliant to see you supporting eachother.
Warm wishes
Trust1
Thanks. The forum has been an amazing asset to me much of the time. The support, well, incredible really.
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