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My Story of a liver transplant
by
Margaret Archibald, Ballymoney
Chairperson of The Ballymoney Group of The Northern Ireland Transplant Association
Margaret Archibald (holding the flowers) and some of the Ballymoney Group
"The Gift of Life"
I first became ill in October 1986. I was very sick and lost a lot of weight. All my tests were normal
 By March 1987 I became jaundiced which lasted three years. I was told I had Primary Biliary Cirrhosis and with care I could last for 15-20 years. I was in and out of hospital until October 1989 when I was told I needed a liver transplant.
I went to King's College Hospital in London in January 1990 until my transplant on 18th March 1990. The operation lasted seven and a quarter hours. I was walking about in two days and came home to Northern Ireland in less than four weeks on 13th April 1990.
Once home my husband and I felt there was something I must do.
 After an invitation to The Salvation Army I realised that I wanted to give my life to the Lord and, do you know, life has been great!!
 I also spend time with friends at craft classes and attending Pipe Band competitions all over Great Britain with my husband James.
I'm a busy housewife, mother and grandmother with a renewed zest for life. Every day brings another challenge for which I thank God. Taking my anti-rejection tablets seems a fair price for continued health and happiness shared with my loving family.
Life does not have to slow down after a transplant. It just gets busier and better!
I run the Ballymoney Branch of The Northern Ireland Transplant Association so I can help others going through the same experience. I meet folk involved with liver problems and transplants and give them hope and support. (see photo above)
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