His mother being a match thrilled a man who had been denied liver surgery six times.
March’s 12-hour operation at North London’s Royal Free Hospital (RFH) provided Connor Meyrick 65% of his mother Michelle’s liver.
The hospital’s first live liver transplant in five years has revitalised the 27-year-old. And the couple is currently recuperating at their family home in Swindon, Wiltshire.
Mr. Meyrick stated, ‘It feels incredible to finally be able to plan after such a long time, and I’ve already booked tickets for a concert in Liverpool, a performance by comedian Jimmy Carr, and an excursion to the Newbury Races.
Who knows, I may eventually be able to travel abroad again shortly.
Mr. Meyrick discovered at the age of 17 that he was born with Caroli’s syndrome, an uncommon genetic disorder that often necessitates a liver transplant to prevent fatal complications, following hospital treatment for severe acne.
After three years on the transplant list, he has called liver rejection “extremely difficult to handle.”
He stated, “As the years passed, the symptoms worsened.”
My skin was yellow and I had severe exhaustion, itching, migraines, and acne due to jaundice.
Being on the list restricted me from travelling because I had to be within two hours of the hospital.
I had to work part-time and do desk work until I was unable to work at all.
Ms. Meyrick was ‘eager’ to investigate the possibility of a live liver transplant when it was suggested in September of last year, as she shared the same blood type as her son and was, therefore, a suitable candidate.
“I would have done anything for Connor,” said the 54-year-old HR professional.
‘He was concerned about sending me through a major operation, and I had to convince him that this was the best course of action for everyone and that if the situation were reversed, he would have done it for me.
Knowing that I will be able to release him without fretting about his proximity to a hospital is everything.
Mr. Meyrick said, “I want to thank my family, especially my mother.”
Professor Joerg-Matthias Pollok, Mr. Meyrick’s surgeon, stated, ‘I’m thrilled we were able to assist Connor.
‘There are numerous additional logistical considerations for live liver donation. As you must always consider the potentially significant risks to the donor and do everything possible to avoid them.
However, patients like Connor should have access to live liver donation.
Ms. Meyrick intends to return to work once she has fully recovered, and Mr. Meyrick’s former liver – which had swollen to more than double the average size due to his condition – has been preserved so it can be used as a teaching tool at a university.
