Ian's Liver Transplant Journey

10/31/2026

I can't believe it's almost been 10 months since everything happened! This year has been moving both fast and slow at the same time. Most things are still looking well, thankfully, and we're just dealing with an unusually low white blood cell count.

I'll be getting a bone marrow biopsy in the next few weeks to determine the cause, which will likely decide if I'll also be getting my Spleen removed. This would be another intense surgery, as it's roughly 3 times the size it should be due to my original liver diagnosis. With that recovery process being similar to the liver transplant, including a few months of recovery, I think it is much more reasonable knowing what to expect.

Regardless of what happens, I'm immensely grateful for everything. With being in great hands, both medically and with my family and friends' support, I know I'll be able to get through things no matter what!

08/23/2026

My alma mater, Carthage College, has posted in its biannual magazine, the Carthaginian, about my liver transplant story! Both Nina and I met at Carthage, where I was a student working in Residence Life for her as a staff member, which is what eventually led to the transplant being possible in the first place. I'm honored to be featured and proud to have been a Carthage student, where I made the many wonderful connections I still have today.

08/07/2026

It was a busy week last week! I had an operation to get some stents placed into my liver ducts to help it process things a bit better. A couple of days after returning home, I unfortunately developed a fever, which led me back to the hospital for a few more days to make sure that nothing was infected and all was OK. Luckily, nothing came of it, and I've been doing well since.

In a few weeks, I'll be getting the stents removed to see how things function on their own. That, along with a few scans to make sure all is well, will bring me up to just over 7 months post-transplant, which is crazy to think of how fast time has been going. I'm thankful everything has been manageable so far and that I'm still able to enjoy the Summer!

06/27/2026

I've learned that I need to be more careful regarding catching any colds and getting sick. A brief, small fever last Friday resulted in an unfortunate visit to my local hospital, where they transported me back to Northwestern in Chicago for a half-week stay. Luckily, it's a much easier visit when I'm fully independent, unlike just after the transplant. There were no infections or issues the doctors found in their tests, meaning everything is still fine. Many of the nurses had remembered me and came to visit, which I'm not so sure is a good or bad thing. As always, I'm thankful for all of the support and for still being in good health.

06/14/2026

Wow, I can't believe it's been 5 months since the transplant. It feels surreal to even think that it happened and that it was only so many months ago. I'm fortunate to still be in good health with all tests going well so far. I've had to make some changes in my lifestyle, but they're all for the better, and I'm glad to have made them and to be keeping up on them. Thank you again to everyone for all of your support and love over the past few months; it's been an extremely motivating factor in my recovery!

04/08/2026

It's been just over a full week now that I've returned to my apartment! It feels like I time-traveled a bit coming back after a few months, but I'm glad to be back in the groove of things, including working in-person. Having so much time with family was a blessing, and I'm already missing them. Luckily, I have a few visits lined up, and I'm only an hour's drive away.

I can't believe it's coming up to almost 3 months since the transplant. Much has changed - my diet, my exercise, and my motivation - all in a positive way. I plan to continue living my best and even challenge myself further as I ultimately recover!

03/15/2026

It's been officially 2 months since the transplant, and if you had told me how much better I feel, I wouldn't have believed you! At some point, a couple of weeks ago, all of my symptoms and concerns went away, and I'm left feeling amazing. The doctors think that the liver finally grew to the size it needed to be to function properly, and things have been great since.

Comparing myself now to before the transplant, it's a world of a difference in the best way possible. All of the issues I had gotten used to with my liver disease, everything that I had just accepted as a normal part of life, are gone. It's truly amazing how much better I feel compared to then, and it's only been 2 months since everything happened. I'm ecstatic to think about what the future holds, and I'm incredibly thankful for everyone who's helped me get to this point. Thank you!

02/27/2026

Good news! I've returned home recently after my recent hospital stay and have been feeling better than before. It was a long week, but after some tests and treatments, I'm heading in the right direction. Looking forward to relaxing at home once again and even trying to return to work remotely next week!

02/20/2026

Sometimes with one step forward, you unfortunately take two steps back. This past Wednesday, I was readmitted to Northwestern in Chicago following concerns of constant swelling due to fluid build up. I will likely be here for at least the remainder of the weekend with hopes of identifying some solutions to what's happening thanks to some quick tests and procedures by their transplant team.

While not the news I wanted to hear, I'm grateful to tackle these problems head-on instead of letting them fester into something worse. Thankfully, being more healed makes this stay much easier compared to the last, and I have high hopes of coming out stronger than ever.

Without a doubt, it is only adding to my recovery process and medical payments. If you have the means to share my post or fundraiser here at https://helphopelive.org/campaign/26795/, your time would be incredibly appreciated. Each day is still a better day, and I hope to continue that trend once I leave the hospital!

Help Ian M Privett's friends and family raise money for medical expenses associated with Liver Transplant. Donate today.

02/07/2026

After 23 days and a brief readmittance to the hospital following an ER visit, I have finally returned home!! With frequent blood tests at my local outpatient center and the occasional visit back to Chicago for check-ups, I'm back with my family and couldn't be happier.

While this isn't close to the end of the recovery process, I'm ecstatic to reach this milestone in it. Your love and support helped me get through these tough times and kept me motivated to push through some of the roadblocks. I cannot express how thankful I am to have so many people cheering me on; it has truly made a world of difference.

To anyone who would like to help support further or read more about my experience so far, please visit https://helphopelive.org/campaign/26795/ to see my medical fundraising campaign page. Donations to the HelpHopeLive campaign are tax-deductible and will only cover medical and related expenses. Thank you to everyone who has contributed and for sharing!