Thank you for your reply, @rosemarya. I was diagnosed with liver disease related to my ulcerative colitis, in March 2021. It felt sudden, but looking back I felt "off" for 1.5 years beforehand though my blood work was ok. I had my liver transplant in late October, 2021, so it's been about 7 months. I was very sick and MELD was high (32) so I was prioritized once on the wait list. 2021 lasted forever but looking back it was short and intense. Currently I feel VERY well, no huge complications except one recent hospitalization for dehydration related to the stomach flu. My primary issues are around getting re-conditioned and also, coping with horrible back aches which I had pre-transplant (I had a big fall a year ago due to the second of four episodes of hepatic encephalopathy) and are about 10x worse now.

I have a very loving family and family of friends which has gotten me through this. While I was widowed at 41 and I miss my husband even more with all of this, I have a lovely partner who has helped me so much and we've grown closer. So I am a lucky unlucky person.

I'm a social worker. I had to leave my full time job of 10 years due to the duration of my illness. I am planning to try some kind of work, part time in the fall at a community clinic, I am still nervous because of my back and weakness, and also being interrupted by some complication. I have to apply for a new job. Another concern is health insurance and my disability benefits --I'm afraid of having health insurance that won't cover everything, and I'm afraid that I'll never be able to work full time again. I'm 54 and it feels too soon to say, oh well. Financially or emotionally.

I think it was you, @rosemarya , who is from KY. I'm from Louisville, KY though I haven't lived there for many years. Kate