Liver
The Call
I don't know if everybody here has had that miraculous call yet, so I thought I would enlighten some heavy hearts.
I am almost three years post liver transplant. It was December of 2023. Christmas day. I was too sick to roll myself over. I was messing myself from not making it to the toilet. I was a tragic mess. Things didn't seem to be going my way. Ring ring!! The phone. The voice on the other end must have said something good. Next thing you know, I was on a jet to Colorado. My prayers had been answered.
My mother and I got to UCHealth in Aurora. I got prepped for surgery. Just had to wait for the donor to go then I could live on. Turns out, this wasn't my time. The donor had passed but not in time for me. The organ was a no go. I flew back home crestfallen. I had no hope left in my dying body.
I did get my liver the following month. Not a moment too soon. This might seem like a tragic story, but I just wanted you all to know that the disappointments happen, but the miracles do too. We are all a part of similar stories. We don't need to let every disappointment throw us down a pit of despair. We must keep a spark of hope. Even if it is tiny. A tiny spark can create a huge flame.
Keeping hope alive is tough but just remember that God never gives us more than we can handle. If you have not received that call yet, don't give up. Take it from one who didn't receive that Christmas' miracle.
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I can't imagine what it must have felt like that very first time when the surgery was a no go. You are so incredibly strong! Thank you for sharing!!
What a roller coaster! Congratulations. I was briefly listed earlier this year when I found out I needed a new liver due to AIH. My brother went behind the scenes and contacted my transplant center, went down there for all the testing, found out he was a match and became my donor. I had my new half-liver five months after my diagnosis.
I was disgustingly lucky. I remember how daunting those few months of being listed and waiting with no end in sight felt. I can’t imagine the strength so many people like you have to summon to get through such a long wait being so ill - and facing such uncertainty. I think about it and feel guilt for my situation all the time.
I’m so happy for you and I find your story so very admirable. I hope it reaches more people who need to hear your story right now. Thanks for sharing, and I hope your health and life is nothing but amazing now and for the rest of your long life!