Bill Naylor
Life can still be difficult even after a transplant.
While liver transplants are always life-saving, the reality is that not all your health problems go away and medication and careful monitoring is vital.
Bill Naylor was diagnosed with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) in 1996 at the age of 60 having lived with Crohn’s disease since 1972.
Fatigue and itching in Bill’s lower legs gave him a great deal of discomfort and, in 2000, following an ERCP (which combines an endoscopy (a flexible telescope) with x-rays). It was confirmed that there were severe constrictions in Bill’s bile ducts – an extreme symptom of PSC.
Within a year he had a liver transplant which had to be done using a special technique, called “Roux-en-Y” which utilises a loop of small bowel to link to the new bile duct.
Despite the transplant, not all Bill’s symptoms were relieved and further problems followed, caused by bacterial infections in the bile duct.
A year of tests followed and ultimately a second operation was performed which involved lengthening the “loop” in Bill’s new bile duct. He was told he was just one of five in over 2000 transplants with this complication.
The operation was a success and three years later there was an unmissable event: “The transplant has enabled me to see the birth of my first grandson and be able to attend Harry’s Christening party,” says Bill.
“One of the most important things to remember is that someone who has had a transplant can never be discharged or come off their medication. The collaboration within the NHS to meet my rather complex needs has been wonderful and their support together with that of my family, is essential to my wellbeing.”
Further information on PSC