Mandy Ambert’s journey to discovering her life-threatening health condition began with routine blood tests following a festive Christmas. Feeling under the weather post-holiday indulgence, the mother of two sought medical advice. Initially attributing her symptoms to the Christmas period, Mandy decided to go teetotal for four months to give her liver a break. However, upon a repeat blood test, she received unexpected news – her liver was showing signs of distress beyond what she had anticipated.
Delving deeper into Mandy’s case, doctors identified an autoimmune component in her condition, leading to the diagnosis of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), a liver disease notorious for causing liver failure. Following routine annual cancer screening, a startling discovery was made – a tumour was found on her liver. This sparked a chain of events that eventually led Mandy to be placed on an urgent liver transplant list. The seriousness of her situation was underscored by her consultant’s stark statement that her liver had become a “tumour-making machine”.
Despite the severity of her diagnosis, Mandy had been asymptomatic, which she acknowledges as a stroke of luck. Surrounded by fellow transplant patients experiencing debilitating symptoms of liver disease, Mandy felt a sense of gratitude for her relatively healthy state. This contrast in experiences fuelled her determination to raise awareness about organ donation and the critical need for early detection of liver diseases.
After a four-month wait on the organ donor list, Mandy received a unique opportunity – a liver from a donor who had recently undergone a transplant, only to tragically suffer brain death. This unprecedented situation posed uncertainties regarding the transplant procedure, but Mandy’s resolve to seize the chance for a healthy liver prevailed. The successful transplant marked a turning point in Mandy’s health journey, emphasising the significance of organ donation in saving lives.
Post-surgery, Mandy continues to advocate for organ donation awareness and regular health checks to detect liver diseases early. With liver cancer incidences on the rise in the UK, Mandy’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of proactive healthcare measures. Grateful for the care she received from healthcare professionals, Mandy cherishes each day and appreciates life’s simple pleasures, fostering a positive outlook on her journey towards recovery.
In the aftermath of her life-changing experience, Mandy has found solace in connecting with others affected by organ transplantation. Engaging in activities like the Transplant Games and spearheading initiatives like the Golfing Society ‘Mulligans’, Mandy amplifies the message of organ donation and the transformative impact it can have. Her resilience and advocacy reflect a profound appreciation for the gift of life and the potential for hope and renewal that organ donation embodies.
As Mandy continues her path towards restored health and wellbeing, her story stands as a beacon of resilience, compassion, and unwavering gratitude. Her advocacy efforts shine a light on the critical importance of organ donation and early disease detection, inspiring others to embrace life’s blessings and champion the cause of saving lives through organ transplantation.