In 2003, I was diagnosed with an uncommon liver disease, Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis. I also have Ulcerative Colitis. Since the diagnosis, I have been seeing specialists at Lahey Hospital in Burlington, MA every six months to monitor my health with the knowledge that eventually I would need a liver transplant to ‘cure’ this disease. In March of 2013, Logan and I attended “Liver Camp” – a two day extravaganza about liver transplantation. At that time, it was determined it was too early to be listed for a transplant. In October 2013, I had an episode requiring an a visit to the ER, the ICU and 4 days in the hospital for monitoring and recovery. That was the ‘qualifying event’ my doctor’s needed to know I would be better off with a new liver. On November 8th, 2013 I was placed on the active liver transplant list.
I view this whole thing as pragmatically and scientifically as possible – it’s my engineering nature.
The Derek Janiak Hepatobiliary Forum 
“D”, I am here for you whenever, 24/7, I am a car, plane away, just let me know. Love Aunt Barb.
Hi Derek, that is quite a pose you are striking there, I love it…. the updated thinker maybe? I have checked in from time to time to see how you & Logan are doing… I just sent her a note and commented that you two are entertaining under any circumstances, gotta love a good attitude and an even better sense of humor!
Thinking of you both,
Love, Daria XO
PS… re: humor and videos, have you seen the u tube “lizard on acid”… it’s full of “language” but the more we watch it the more we laugh, it’s so ridiculous!
Hello, Derek… nice to hear you on NHPR, and I’m very glad to hear you’re doing well. Heard your ode to the liver, though, and I’ve gotta say… don’t quit the day job. It might make it onto the Sunday evening folk show, but that’s about it.
Cheers,
Dave