Naomi

What is your age and gender?

15 years old , female :)

What is your liver condition?

I have Auto Immune Liver Disease with Bile Duct and Gall Bladder damage

How old were you when you was diagnosed?

I was 12 when I was diagnosed but I had been ill since I was 11

How did you feel?

I was glad to get a diagnosis so that they could finally start treating me and making me feel better, but I was also worried about how it might affect me in the future

How were you told?

The doctor and nurse came to my bedside and told me. The nurse stayed with me and we looked at some CLDF leaflets, the leaflets really helped me understand! :)

How does it affect you?

It affects me in lots of ways but luckily I haven't needed a transplant, hopefully I won't ever need one! I get really tired, I pick up lots of flu's/ bugs because of my low immune system, also some of the medication has given me weakened ligaments so I have spinal and ankle problems

Are you on any medicines?

Yes...Prednisilone, Azothioprine, Ursodeoxycholic Acid, Vitamin D & Calcium

How often do you go to appointments?

I see a consultant in my local hospital every 3 months, a specialist from Cardiff Children's Hospital every 6 months, I go to BCH every year or so, and I see another doctor from Cardiff every few months as well

How are you treated there?

They treat me really nicely. All the doctors and nurses are so kind and lovely. I was in hospital before Christmas last year so I got to put up the tree and the decorations on the ward! :)

What are the good and bad things about having a liver condition?

Umm, the good things are: it teaches you to put things into perspective. It is also good for making people around you realise that you shouldn't moan about 'the little things in life.'
The bad things are: missing out on sports, getting ill a lot and missing out on the school skiing trip because I'm ill :(

Does anything worry you about having a liver condition?

Umm yes, the future and also I don't like worrying my parent's and friends by being ill

Have you got any messages for other young people with a liver condition?

Always take your medication and listen to the doctors. They know what they're talking about! :)