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Liver transplant - Let's support each other
Transplants | Last Active: 11 hours ago | Replies (1623)Comment receiving replies
Hi everyone 🙂 my transplant was 4 years ago on Nov 16 (overshare warning, just in case...I don't want to take up anyone's time...never posted on really anything before support wise) ~ i'm turning 40 this year...my transplant was a little unusual. I went from healthy to complete liver failure and kidney failure in 3 weeks time. I was at the time defending my Phd proposal...and somehow passed that, went to a meeting with my dad driving to convince my mentor and head of student affairs to let me continue that semester only to go directly to the ER on campus right after. 4 months later I was discharged, 7 surgeries, a transplant, and a month on life support later. I know i'm young for an adult to go through this. my kidneys recovered initially but lately they are acting up again. Since my transplant I'm in and out of the hospital about every 2-3 months. My pancreas is now causing the main issues. I'll never forget what one of my dr.s said the day I agreed to a transplant in ICU - the reality is you aren't getting cured. you are trading one disease for another. So when I got off of official medical leave from my school I completely restarted my PhD dissertation to be on liver transplantation. I figure if it's going to eventually get me, I want to know as much about it as I can. I'm not really sure what to expect here....I've accepted my cycle of in and out of the hospital. What shamefully I'm struggling with is writing a letter to my donor's family. I just don't know what to say to them that would make them think I deserved a longer chance than someone else. soooo...yea ...hello...this is me. our hospital has zero options for transplant support and the longer time passes the more I realize I need to be able to talk to other people that have been through this. <3
Replies to "Hi everyone :) my transplant was 4 years ago on Nov 16 (overshare warning, just in..."
Leahd@
You are sooo in the right place. The people here will inspire you. If you read some of our stories, worries, and yes triumphs you will quickly see you are deserving of all that can be given. The best part is that you are young to have this life knowledge and that will enable you to encourage those behind you. You are admired by those ahead. Keep sharing!
@leahd I found writing that letter to be one of the most difficult things I ever did. I did it though and about a year later I heard back from my donor's parents. I had a guideline that had been given to me before I left the hospital. If I still have it around I will scan it in and attach it to a later message.
Please do not feel that you are less deserving than someone else. I felt that too somewhat because I was two days short of 69 when I had my transplant. I thought that maybe it should have gone to someone younger. It didn't so I am here, and healthy, and my son and daughter celebrate that. I am so very happy that I will have more years with them.
JK
@leahd, I have been off line and I want to check in with you now that I am back to my laptop! First and foremost-It is not even possible to overshare. Your background is your story and it is a remarkable testimony to your strength and determination to rise above the difficulties that have surrounded you. Do you know what an inspiration that you are? Even if you don't hear a response, I can assure that your example is helping to lift someone who is enduring a similar journey.
I would enjoy hearing from you and chatting with you. I also find that is is helpful to be able to talk to others who have been thru this, and who are going thru this. How are you doing as you approach an anniversary? Do you do anything to celebrate - dinner, new outfit, day off to pamper yourself?
Connect
@leahd, Welcome to Connect. I am happy that you have felt comfortable to share your transplant story here. Mayo Connect is a safe place where you can share your experiences with others, and give and receive support. You can ask and answer others, or you can read along. I am a liver and kidney recipient I transplanted 10 years ago at age 60. I am interested in hearing more about you.
This must have been a frightening period of your life. Do you know what caused the liver and kidney failure? or why it was so sudden?
Here is a transplant discussion - Writing to Your Donor's Family. - You will see what some members have to say about letters to their donor and I invite you to join in the conversation As you read the responses, I encourage you to be open for ideas that others have discussed before you. Go ahead and ask a question or make a comment. Please do not let yourself feel guilty about delaying your letter. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/writing-to-your-donors-family/