(Click here to read about PBC in our Liver Disease Guide)

My name is Carol Ann, and I am married with three sons and three grandchildren, and I am a nurse. I was diagnosed with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) in 2009; I was put on medication and was told to live a healthy life and my PBC would probably never affect me. I had annual checkups with my consultant and life was good. I travelled every year, even going to Vietnam twice.

In December 2016 I had a FibroScan – a non-invasive diagnostic device which measures liver scarring or fibrosis – which confirmed that I had cirrhosis of the liver and was referred to St. Vincent’s University Hospital (SVUH), Dublin. Life carried on quite normally following this referral.

However, in 2018, while I was at work one day, I noticed I was going yellow. I had also been more fatigued and had lost a little weight, but the jaundice prompted me to make an appointment for St. Vincent’s Private Hospital. I was admitted and, to my shock, within a few days the doctors were discussing assessing me for a liver transplant. I felt I was catapulted out of my normal life to one of blood tests, scans etc – and uncertainty. It was very frightening for me and my family, and all the time I was getting sicker and sicker.

In May 2018 I was listed for a liver transplant, and during the following months I experienced extreme pruritus (persistent itchy skin) and burning hands and feet, which prevented me from sleeping. In September 2018, I received my transplant. I spent six weeks in hospital and had many setbacks. That was my life for the next few months.

I received a second transplant in May 2019, due to my PBC, but, happily, I was home within two weeks. I have had some setbacks since then and it has been a challenging journey but every year, I feel better and better, and I am very happy with my ‘new normal’.

I have learned how to kayak and have kayaked in Lake Garda. I do salsa dancing (wish I was 30 years younger) and pilates. I have met the most amazing people who have been on their own transplant journey. We meet up regularly and laugh and chat a lot, and as we say, “we get each other”.

I am very lucky to have a good supportive family and friends without whom I would not be here today. I also have three beautiful grandchildren.

None of this would have been possible without the amazing staff of SVUH who go above and beyond to help us stay alive and I will be forever grateful.

Most importantly to my donors and their families, no words can express my gratitude for the gifts I have received. Every day you are in my thoughts and prayers. You hold a very special place in my heart, and I promise to live the best life that I can and THANK YOU for my gift of life.