I'm in the process of transferring all my data from the PC, to my iMac. Pictures, songs, videos and all my documents. Anyway, whilst doing this, I came across a bunch of emails and comments written to me during my whole liver donor process. Sooo, I thought I would share them here! These are in no random order, mostly cut and pasted from emails.
Q - Hey Channy! I know you signed your donor card so why donate at all? Especially for someone you never met?
A - Why? Because I can and someone needs it now! Besides, the liver will regenerate itself. A few months of inconvenience for me has made a monumental change in someone Elses life.
Q - Why did you keep everything a secret till the last minute?
A - I only told a few choice people to begin with. I really didn't want to be the focus of conversations nor did I want to be the center of attention at gatherings. I knew some people would get it, others wouldn't. Those who I felt needed to know...knew!
Q - What was in it for you? How much do they pay for a good liver?
A - No pay, as a matter of fact, it's a huge financial hit! That said, I was lucky to have some benefits at work that paid me while I was off, not full salary mind you, but enough to keep me going. What I got out of it was knowing I helped someone in need! Other than that, I know I'm obscenely healthy and have a gazillion test results to prove it!
Q - Would you do it again? Any regrets??
A - Hmmm, if you would have asked me that the first week after the surgery, I might be a little hesitant...but yes I would! This whole journey has introduced me to some fantastic people, made me more aware of the plight of those waiting for for a donor and has taught me some valuable lessons in compassion and goodwill! Regrets?? Ya, apparently they don't give sponge baths anymore!!
Q - Wow...just wondering what your family thought of all this.
A - My family was very supportive of my decision. Mom was a little worried, as Moms usually are, but supportive! I'm lucky actually because my uncle is a liver recipient so he met up with my Mom and brother at the hospital on the day of the surgery...that helped a lot.
Q - Liver? You can't live without that! C'mon Chanman, how can you donate part of your liver? Don't you need that to survive? Best wishes to you buddy!
A - You're right, you can't live without your liver. In my case, they only took 65% of the liver, the remaining liver still functions and regenerates itself back to almost normal size after about 8 weeks. The section they transplant will also regenerate and grow inside the recipient.
Q - Are you out of your freakin' mind!? This is a major surgery! Weren't you afraid something bad might happen to you?
A - The odds of something bad happening to a donor are 100 times less than something bad happening to someone waiting for an organ. The staff at TGH are the best in the world! The human body is a fascinating world within itself. No wife, children or girlfriend to consider. That made the decision mine and mine alone. There are times I still can't believe this happened!
Q - Hey man, do you know who got it? (liver) Are ya gonna meet the guy?
A - I donated anonymously, so I have no idea who got it other than it was a male. At first they told me I might be donating to a younger adult female, but I'm guessing someone was a better match, in greater need or was sicker and he got the liver. It's based on a MELD score. (MELD = Model For End Stage Liver Disease. It's based on a mathematical equation to calculate a patients likelihood of dying within 3 months from their liver disease. Under MELD, the sickest patient gets the transplant. Scores range from 6-40 I think, The higher the score, the sicker the patient) I'm not sure I'd want to meet or know my recipient....I'd like to know that he is, and continues to do well, I did get a Thank-you card from him & that was enough. I know it went to someone who really needed it. Maybe someday I will meet him.
Q - I hear you're off for a few months, don't go stir crazy on me dude! What's daily life like without liver? Keeping busy? Need any books or movies?
A - I still have liver...just a little less is all. Well, the first few weeks at home I had to follow a grueling exercise regime. This included a vigorous sit, followed by a brisk nap! Actually, the most exercise I did was walking. Other than that I watched horrible TV shows like Jon & Kate and all their kids, Dog the Bounty Hunter and his family of mullet wearing bondsmen and a bunch of other shows on A&E. Daytime television sucks!
Q - Way to go Channy, I commend you on what you have done. Just don't become one of those preachy organ donor guys ok?
A - Preachy organ donor guys? Never was! That being said, I do advocate signing your donor card. Besides, once you're gone you don't really need your organs anymore....so sign it!
Q - You are a hero, I could never even think of doing something like this.
A - I'm no hero, a 'hero' rescues people from burning buildings or fixes people when they are hurt and dying. I just did an exciting thing is all. The doctors, surgeons and nurses are the real heroes here. As I've said in the past, I merely supplied a needed part.
Q - You wore stockings and liked them? what are ya, a homo? You donated anonimously yet you have a blog full of pictures? Your blog sucks!
A - The stockings ARE cool! With the proper skirt and shoes I look hot! I'll send you pictures if you like. Sorry the blog isn't to your liking.
**(And from the same guy came this comment)**
Q - Q-Your donor pin isn't so special, they can be bout at the hospital for like $3.00...loser.
A - They CAN be bought for $3.00, but mine was free!! Your spelling sucks!
Q - Just wondering, did they let you use a computer or an ipod while in hospital and just what is on your ipod.
A - I did have my laptop with me, but for the most part was in no shape to use it. The ipod was loaded with Sting, some Cybermonkey, old 80's stuff, some classic rock, Keb Mo and of course..Nash The Slash. I also discovered Pomplamoose whilst recovering.
Q - How ya doing Channy?
A - Doing great! Thanks for asking!
Q - Did the anesthetic make ya sick? How was the actual surgery?
A - I was lucky, I didn't get sick at all, although Im sure I was close more than a couple of times. The surgery went ok, minimal bleeding and no complications.
Shameless Plug Made Up Question
Q - Read any good books lately Channy?
A - Funny you should ask! There is a rather fine book published that is quite a nice read! The title is "Beside The Quiet Voices", by soon-to-be-famous author Christine Robinson. The book can be ordered here. As a matter of fact, you should order several copies to give as gifts for your friends!
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