Five Short Weeks Ago…

The following is a wonderful telling by Megan Murray, a non-direct living liver donor, on her experience just five weeks ago. She selflessness and love come through here. For those who are applying to our cause of feel the need to help others in need of a liver transplant, Megan has offered her contact information to us to pass on to you. Should you have questions, please feel free to reach out to us at kissesforcaius@gmail.com, and we will forward you her contact information. 

Five short weeks ago, I donated 64% of my liver to a member of my husband's family who had end-stage liver failure.

I could do this confidently because of the network of other donors who provided guidance, support, and words of wisdom about the entire process. Of course, the amazing team at UHN also helped.

Our family had been moving through this process for some time. Watching someone we loved get sicker and sicker as we waited for the necessary testing to approve a transplant. This takes a toll on everyone involved. From the moment I heard the words liver failure and O blood type, I knew deep down this is something I wanted to explore further.

For me, this wasn't just a gift for the individual but, for our whole family. It was the gift of more time with our beloved family member.  I never considered the profound impact it would have on me and the non-tangible gifts I would also receive.

On December 20th, we received word that UHN would now accept applications for a living donor for our family member. On December 27th, I finished and submitted my application. December 28th, I got the call that I had been selected for work-up.

Time was of the essence here, so all my testing was completed on January 18th. (Blood work, chest XRAY, CAT Scan, ECG and MRI)

On January 23rd, we had approval and booked surgery for February 14th

Between selection and approval, I spent a lot of time speaking with previous donors. They gave details about the procedure, what helped them in the recovery process and what to expect. To my surprise, they all ended with the same sentence, "If I could do it again, I would." I thought this was the most curious statement, but as I sit here 5 weeks into recovery, I wish I could do this again to save a little one's life.

Speaking with previous donors gave me the confidence and excitement to take this on. It also provided my husband, parents, and everyone involved with the details and reassurances they were looking for.  We also gained insights into the support we needed to take this on. 

We had little time to prepare, and I have two children under 3, so many things needed to happen. Luckily, friends and family helped out with the majority of these items: Stocking our fridge with pre-made meals, organizing support for my husband the week I would be in the hospital, setting up a cleaning service for the six weeks following surgery, and purchasing the list of things the other donors recommend I bring to the hospital.

 Surgery and Recovery

 Everyone I  interacted with at the hospital was amazing. I was treated like gold.

On the day of surgery, I felt calm and very confident in my choice. The surgery lasted 6 hours and was a success. In the recovery room, I even had a visit from my family member's surgeon, who provided me with an update on how things were going.

For the first 24 hours, I had some nausea from the anesthesia and the pain meds. Previous donors who experienced this recommended getting off the strong pain meds, and it worked! By hour 36, I was feeling much better and could go for my first walk later that day. I was motivated to get moving, as it helps with recovery. I was released on day 5 with a smile on my face and a very small post-surgery skip in my step.

The first few days home, I was exhausted and still had no appetite. I kept moving each day a little more and continued to feel stronger. By day 9, I was taking a few work calls and fielding some emails; by day 14, I was back to work full-time from bed. (This was my choice.) By week 3, I felt like myself again, energy-wise.

My most prominent symptoms post-discharge were tiredness and some back pain, both of which decreased each day the more I moved. (carefully and slowly, of course)

Despite the very temporary discomfort, I am fine. This process has given me much more than I could have ever imagined. I, too, have a renewed lease on life.

So often, I hear of unfortunate things happening to good people and wish I could do something to help; in this situation, I could, and I chose to do just that.

The gift of helping someone has brought me so much joy and a sense of pride. Watching my husband's family breathe easily for the first time in a year and a half, make plans for the future, and hear the sound of laughter that has returned to the recipient is one of the most incredible things I have ever witnessed. Health is wealth, and our family has never been closer. We have been given back time and, in return, received so much love and support from our entire community.

I am truthfully a grateful donor.

—Megan Murray