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Liver transplant a success

A Red Deer couple’s liver transplant surgery was a success.Ethel Lariviere donated a portion of her liver to her husband Randy as planned on July 7 at the University of Alberta Hospital.

A Red Deer couple’s liver transplant surgery was a success.

Ethel Lariviere donated a portion of her liver to her husband Randy as planned on July 7 at the University of Alberta Hospital.

Randy, 55, was on the transplant list for over four years after he was infected with hepatitis C during a kidney operation.

“We did have a few bumps on the road, but the surgery was definitely successful by all means because, of course, his body hasn’t rejected it. We’re both doing well,” Ethel, 47, said this week.

After the surgeries, Randy suffered a blood infection and Ethel faced high potassium levels.

He was on the operating table for 13 hours and she was in surgery for eight hours.

“I’m getting better day by day. And I just can’t wait for Randy to get better and stronger.”

But Ethel said she couldn’t lie — the first two weeks after the surgery hurt. She said an epidural did help her with the pain for a few days following surgery.

Randy was in severe pain and is still weak and requires a walker.

They still require medication for the pain.

“I’m really happy we did it. I have no regrets. This is one step closer to Randy getting better. He needed to have a liver transplant. The next step is now will be the hepatitis C treatment.”

The couple is waiting to find out if a pharmaceutical company through the University of Alberta’s Hepatitis Support Program will help cover the treatment’s drug costs.

Ethel got out of hospital on July 13 and Randy was released on July 25. They are living at the outpatient residence at the U of A hospital because Randy must remain in Edmonton for three months while the chance of rejection is high.

The couple will celebrate their ninth wedding anniversary on Thursday.

szielinski@www.reddeeradvocate.com