"Assessment for a possible liver transplant"

Almost three years ago I was first diagnosed with an autoimmune liver disease, which has since been confirmed as Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis, leading to the development of Cirrhosis. My consultant at Inverclyde Hospital recently referred me to the Liver Transplant Unit at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for a five day assessment, to determine whether I should be placed on the list to receive a liver transplant.

I was apprehensive about the whole process, but needn’t have worried - all the staff were very friendly, helpful and reassuring throughout the week. Everything was explained clearly at all stages, and my husband was encouraged to get involved in the discussions right from the beginning.

Part of the process involved allowing medical students to examine me, and I was happy to be able to make a small contribution to their training. Thankfully the team concluded that my liver condition can continue to be controlled by medication, diet and lifestyle management, at least for the foreseeable future.

The prospect of needing a liver transplant at some point in the future still concerns me, but I can now approach the whole subject with a level of confidence and calmness which I certainly didn’t have before my assessment! Thank you so much to everyone on the transplant team and to the staff of ward 206.