A Patient Story: Trish

 

"My liver transplant was quite the miracle on Christmas Day, 2006. I am convinced it is because of prayers and the expertise of the UW Health transplant team that I received this Christmas miracle. I'm thankful to my friends, co-workers and Sisters of Perpetual Adoration and priests for their continuing prayers during my ordeal.

 

"I was very ill and had gone through testing for a transplant. My lab numbers placed me high on the transplant waiting list.

 

"I live more than two hours drive from Madison. The day a liver became available for me the transplant team tried to get in touch with me but had a hard time tracking me down because I was at the emergency room in Madison.

 

"We had just gotten our cell phones and were quite unfamiliar with them. Luckily my husband checked his phone while I was in the ER and realized he had missed a call. I told him to call it back and when he did, he reached the transplant coordinator. She said we had to get to Madison as quickly as possible. She had been trying to reach us all day at home and told me they had a liver for me! We told her we were in Madison in the ER, so she sent a team there and in about 15 minutes we proceeded with my new lease on life.

 

"Having a transplant is a very scary thing to face, especially the fear of the unknown. Quite truthfully, it was not as bad as I envisioned! Not good, but not as bad. The hospital staff in the ICU and on the transplant floor is wonderful. I thought many times, 'How do they do this day after day?'

 

"They are angels, for sure. My doctors were caring and understanding. My after-transplant coordinator and her colleagues are patient and understanding, and help me with all my fears and questions. I am completely happy with the care I received at UW Hospital in Madison.

 

"I cannot thank everyone enough for their unending support, care, cards and calls, and for my husband who was, and is, my rock. I'm so grateful for my new lease on life!"