As people around the globe commemorates World Liver Day today, 19 April, liver transplant recipient, Natasha Chinasamy reflects on the life-changing experience she encountered when she was 13 years old.
“I was diagnosed with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis at the age of 13, a disease that causes the liver to degenerate over time. This meant taking tons of medication over the years to slow down the effects and as there is no cure, a liver transplant was inevitable,” said the 33-year-old.
By the age of 25, Chinasamy’s liver had completely degenerated and she fell ill and in desperate need for an urgent transplant.
Chinasamy, who had her transplant done in Johannesburg when she was 25, shed some light on the symptoms she experienced before being diagnosed.
“I had itchy skin, yellow eyes, extreme fatigue, weight loss, darkened skin, numerous digestive and stomach ailments, bone degeneration, confusion and blackouts,” she said.
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“It was very overwhelming and terrifying at such a young age to be faced with a life or death ultimatum. It was either I have a transplant or my liver would fail and I would die. I was panicked but with the support of family and friends I remained patient and optimistic that there is a chance to overcome my illness,” said Chinasamy.
Speaking about the obstacles she faced while studying, she said, “I often found it difficult to stay awake and concentrate as I faced extreme fatigue. I was very itchy all the time and would often not leave the house due to this. My diet was constrained by the doctors. I was told not to eat a lot of protein and fibre as my body battled to process these food groups.”
“For me, the transplant meant a new lease on life. I am now able to live as a healthy individual and am not constrained by an illness. If I had not had the transplant I wouldn’t be here today,” said Chinasamy.
“I encourage other people to be donors because being a donor literally saves lives and one donor can save up to 9 lives. I am able to live a better quality life. The sky’s the limit, there’s nothing I cannot do now,” she added.
She encourages people who are going through the similar struggle to not lose hope. “We have amazing doctors in this country and a complete recovery is possible,” said Chinasamy.
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