Unexpected detours

    It has been a very weird couple of months. During that time, I managed to go from perfectly healthy to death's doorstep. I somehow was exposed to an as yet unknown/unnamed mystery virus that managed to kill my liver very quickly, resulting in Acute Liver Failure (or End Stage Liver Disease). As part of the disease, I also developed hepatic encephalopathy - which is a build-up of toxins in the brain due to liver malfunction. Symptoms include an inability to concentrate and impaired cognitive function. At some points I could not remember my address or what year it was. Once I tried to eat a little single serve butter packet, whole, plastic and all (Stacy stopped me, which is a win, I guess... could have been delicious, now we'll never know).  It was pretty grim and dark. I wasn't able to email folks and let them know what was happening, I couldn't work my phone for some stretches of the time, other times I couldn't even read a magazine at some points. So, I wasn't even able to email folks and let them know what was happening. It all happened so fast. 

    All of this meant I needed an emergency liver transplant. I was in the hospital from 13 - 19 Sept, and again 23 Sept - 6 Oct, I received the transplant on the 29th. The surgery is massive - both very long and very invasive - like a C-section on mega-steroids. My scar runs from the center of the chest almost to the belly button, then takes a 90deg turn under my right rib cage all the way to the side (see drawing). I was in the ICU for 2 days after, on a ventilator etc..  And of course, all of this was way worse for my partner. To have to watch my swift downward spiral, keep me from eating butter packets, and listen to the doctors say we just have to wait for a healthy donor liver and hope one shows up fast enough. She's been a rock, and is the best partner-caretaker-emotional-support-animal anyone could dream of. 

    It’s a long road to full recovery, but so far everything is going in the right direction. Being healthy and relatively fit before I got sick means I’m in a good place to recover quickly. Plus, the NZ healthcare system is AMAZING. 

    But one week later I was released from the hospital and now I'm home and recovering and feeling much more myself. I'm weak, and slow,  but getting stronger every day. The toxins are cleared out of my brain and I'm myself again  (no longer tempted by butter packets). We are coming to terms with everything that has happened - it was all so fast, I feel like I have whiplash.

     So, give the folks that matter a hug (if safe) and tell them you love them. Also have a think about being an organ donor. My donor saved a number of lives with their donation. And take care of yourselves. You never know what weird corner you are going to turn next.