Welcome to
my lovely liver
Do you want to know what it’s like to have a liver transplant?
From the illness that first caused it, the lead up to it, the operation, life in critical care and the liver ward, to finally being allowed home, recovery and ‘normal life’ again.
And also how the whole process affects your family.
If so, you are in the right place!!!
I had my two transplants in 2015 so if you would like to know more about all that was happening during that time, then please click on my Archives posts at the bottom on the right, particularly for January, February and April. You will also find there links to my two daughters’ blogs who took over for me while I was extremely ill. They also make very interesting reading.
When you have browsed my website and you have any comments or questions, please do not hesitate to complete the contact form. I look forward to hearing from you 😃
mylovelyliver 
Hi, this website/blogs are brilliant. My mum has started of with NASH last year, has now developed to cirrhosis and HCC. Is starting to go through tests to see if see is fit enough for transplant.x
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Hello.
I am sorry to hear that your mum is suffering with these horrible conditions. But I am glad you have found and are reading my blog. It was my intention to try and help people through the entire transplant process, as it is a very scary thing to go through when you know nothing about it. So if you or your mum have any worries or questions about anything at all, get in touch with me, and I will do my very best to help you.
Hope to speak to you again soon.
Valerie.
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Hello val firstly that photo is the best i have seen of you in a long time , now my question is I shall be 79 this month is there any age limit on the transplant , i would like to know before i say any thing to my family . Thankyou .
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Hello Keith.
Do you mean an age limit to become an Organ Donor?
They say there is no upper age limit.
Thanks for considering. A family one day will be very grateful.
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Hello Pinny and thank you ever so much for this!
I have just been diagnosed with PBC after extreme tiredness and itching. You go to the GP for an itch and within two weeks find your Liver failing. I have not stopped crying as this was the time for me to start making a new future at 43 and putting some very difficult years behind me. I just screamed “Another bloody knock back!” I just found out Thursday gone and still have many tests and am feeling really sorry for myself. I’ve been single for many years, walked out of a professional job that nearly killed me and set up my own business, it was this that I thought was making me drained. In my mind I was planning climbing Ben Nevis, meeting someone nice and living for me after many years being a single parent. It would now be my time! Well, so I thought.
I think my family are frustrated at my attitude in that although ordinarily I’m a fighter; I seem to have mentally given myself some form of …….sentence. (I will not commit that word to print)
Your story feels like the way I would take things, tears, swearing and then pulling through. You are an inspiration and I wish you good health and happiness for the future. As a mum too, I can only imagine where you head was but glad you are on the mend and seem well. Jo x
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Just wanted to say go you! Just been diagnosed with Pbc. Have a baby and wonderful family I’m terrified of leaving behind. You give me hope of a life after.
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Hello. Thank you for your kind comments. It’s people just like you that I am really hoping to help. It certainly is a tough illness to live with, but as you can see it can be done 🙂 I really don’t think I would still be here today if it wasn’t for the amazing strength passed on to me from my late mum and also because of my two daughters, so I really hope your baby and the rest of your family will help you through your journey too. If you would like to ask anything, now or in the future, please don’t hesitate to get in touch again.
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Just a note to give hope to everyone. I had my liver transplant 7 months ago and what a difference! I was very ill beforehand and wondered how on earth I was going to carry on. Liver disease has the most awful symptoms but I was very lucky and 3 days after going on the transplant list I had the operation. I still get very tired and haven’t got my stamina back yet but they say 12 months and I’m alive and kicking! Birmingham Liver Transplant Unit have been fantastic along with my family. I treasure every day now and it’s given me so much to think about – so many emotions. If I can do it at 67 years old so can anyone!!
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Im really pleased your own transplant journey went so well.
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Very interested to read this it sounds an identical story to myself I had PSC that was close to finishing off my liver and had a 2 day notice of the transplant I was 67 at the time of the operation and now almost 3 years later I genuinely feel 15 years younger I would say it took me 2 years to feel totally back to normal though I do get the odd day when I need a day off work Most of all the high regard that i have for the whole team at QE2 is beyond words that I can write here
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W
l met Val for the first time a couple of days ago in the JR in Oxford, I was in for a small procedure. What a brave and inspirational lady she is. I would not open up to complete strangers but she was easy to talk to and I learnt a great deal. She looks really good too. Thanks Val.
Steve Moon
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Hello.
I am glad that you managed to have a read of my blog 😀
Thank you for your kind comments. It was nice to talk to you too.
I hope everything turns out well for you.
Please let me know how you get on in Birmingham.
Hope to speak to you soon.
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Well done Valerie, I present a Monday evening programme on North Cotswold Community Radio which is based in Chipping Campden. My Laid Back Music Show supports local community events and projects. This an invite to come in on a future Monday programme to talk more about your transplant and your charity walk. Have interviewed people before and this coming Monday I will be chatting with a Director from Gloucestershire & Warwickshire Railway. Would love to chat with you, I have left my email address. Best wishes
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Hello.
I haven’t been able to find your email address?
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Hi Val my email address is :-
paullewington@live.co.uk
Would be great if we can set up an interview for a Monday evening.
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I am 4 months post transplant and trying to get back to some sort of normality. What an amazing read and thanks for sharing. I hope to get back to work within the year if this virus ever goes away. I still attend Edinburgh Royal every 3 weeks what an amazing bunch of people who i can never thank enough for saving my life as im only 42 and hope to see many more sunny days. Thank so much for sharing your story just amazing.
Take care x
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Hello.
Thank you for your kind comments.
I have sent you an email.
🙂
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