Candece

What is your age and gender?

15

What is your liver condition?

Auto Immune Liver Disease

How old were you when you was diagnosed?

I was first diagnosed when I was 12 years old

How did you feel?

When I was diagnosed I didn't really feel anything because it was so sudden, I went from being a gymnast to lying in a hospital bed. I was sent from our local hospital to St James Hospital which was a big shock (even though I don't remember it vividly because I was dosed up on so much medicine). When I arrived they did a few tests to make sure that I had got auto immune liver disease.

How were you told?

When they were sure, there was nothing else to do but to tell me. It may sound a bit harsh but they just came out and told my mum and I, but it needed to be done as I needed to be put on medication immediately.

How does it affect you?

At first it didn't affect me at all, it just sort of went over my head but after all the medicine had worn off and the pains had gone away I just felt really confused and everything felt really surreal.

Are you on any medicines?

I was put on Prednisolone, Azaithoroprine, and Ursodeoxycholic acid (which I am still on today but on a smaller dose).

How often do you go to appointments?

At first I went to my local hospital every week to have blood test done but now that things have settled down I go every 3 months. When I go I have a blood test, occasionally an ultrasound and a biopsy once a year.

How are you treated there?

I find that the doctors and nurses talk to me and explain everything. I do feel comfortable at hospital now as I’ve spent quite a bit of time there I know everybody now.

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

There are a few bad things about having liver disease like not being able to always go out with your friends and being tired most of the time but there are many good things too. I like that (and I know it sounds vain but) you get lots of perks, for example I went to London to cook food in a professional kitchen and its all thanks to Children's Liver Disease Foundation. The best thing is that you get to make lots of new friends and they understand your illness.

Does anything worry you about having a liver condition?

The only thing that worries me about my illness is the possible thought of a transplant, but on the other hand I know a transplant would make me feel better.

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

The one bit of advice I would give is talk to whoever you feel comfortable with which is also something that I have learnt