My name is Meghan and I am a 29 year old from Baltimore, MD. I work as a marketing executive for a global affiliate marketing company, and in my spare time enjoy traveling, reading, shopping, playing with my dog and spending time with friends and family. Growing up I had a fairly normal and typical childhood. I lived in the suburbs outside of Baltimore with my mom, dad and younger brother, was active in dance and softball, and was generally healthy.
When I was 19 years old, I was studying at the University of Maryland when I started to develop abdominal pain and severe itchiness. I spent most of my college years going to different doctors trying to figure out the cause. Finally, at 22 I met a doctor at Johns Hopkins who determined the issue was caused by my liver. Around this time, my younger brother was 19 and started developing similar symptoms. For whatever reason, his liver disease had progressed much faster and he was in liver failure with liver cancer. He was listed for liver transplant and thanks to the generosity of one of my dad’s previous co-workers, received a living donor liver transplant at the age of 21.
I continued to be monitored by my hepatology team, and while numerous genetic tests were done to try to figure out the cause of our liver disease, there was never a match. In August of 2019 it was determined that it was time for me to be listed for liver transplant. Numerous people kindly reached out about being tested to be my donor. My uncle was the first person to undergo testing, and surprisingly he was a perfect match! It is very rare for the first person to be tested to be a match.
On December 10 2019, I received the amazing gift of a second chance at life thanks to my uncle donating a part of his liver to me. Overall surgery and recovery went very well for the both of us. I spent 2 weeks in the hospital and was able to go home on December 24th, just in time for Christmas. Unfortunately, 2 days later I developed an infection and had to be re-admitted to the hospital. Because my brother had gone through transplant before me, I was aware that transplant recovery is a process full of ups and downs along the way.
Once I was released from the hospital, I continued to recover and adjust to my new post-transplant life. This included taking a large number of medications multiple times a day to avoid rejection and infections, monitoring my vitals every day, and getting blood work multiple times a week. I gradually built up to walking more often and getting out of the house more frequently. I was able to return to work at the end of February 2020 on a part-time basis, working up to full-time over the following months. I am incredibly lucky to work for a company that has been so supportive throughout my entire transplant process, and makes the health of their employees a priority.
Post-transplant I became a Donate Life Ambassador to help educate others on organ donation and encourage them to register to be an organ donor. I’ve found that there are still many myths and misconceptions around organ donation and it is not discussed nearly enough, especially within my age group. Almost 114,000 people in the United States are currently on the waiting list for a life-saving organ transplant, and on average 20 people die a day every day from the lack of available organs for transplant. I’m one of the lucky ones who received a transplant, and am inspired to help make the waiting list smaller and smaller until it is eventually 0.
I’ve been using Instagram as a platform to share my transplant story and educate others on what it is like being an immunocompromised person during the COVID-19 pandemic. I think it is helpful to see that while someone may look “young and healthy” this may not always be the case, and to put a face to the people whose lives can be saved from following social-distancing measures and flattening the curve of the spread of coronavirus. Throughout my transplant and now the COVID-19 pandemic, I’m often asked how I remain so positive given the circumstances. My answer is pretty simple – I do what I can to protect myself and keep myself safe, but don’t worry over the things that are out of my control. I would offer the same advice to anyone who is feeling anxious during this time of unprecedented illness and uncertainty; do the things that have been recommended – wash your hands, stay inside as much as possible, practice social-distancing – but don’t let the thought of contracting the coronavirus consume you. Take comfort in knowing you are doing everything you can to protect yourself and others, and use this time to practice self-care, pick up a new hobby, or do something you enjoy.
Struggling to find the right gift for that person on your list? Look no further! I’ve curated this gift guide specifically for men. Everything on these lists are either something myself, my brother, my dad or guy friends own and love, or something that I am buying for someone this year.
Personalized Whiskey Barrel – Handmade in Virginia, this miniature oak barrel ages spirits to peak flavor, just like the full-sized versions in professional distilleries but ten times faster. The personalization is a unique touch.
YETI Tundra 45 Cooler – I honestly don’t know much about what makes this cooler so special, I just know every guy has or wants one.
Urban Map Glass – These glasses feature an intricate city map that includes street names and coordinates and is a great way to commemorate your guy’s current city or hometown.
Wireless Charging Station Dock – Provides one place to charge all of his devices at once, saving space and avoiding clutter (a win win)!
WeatherTech Car Mats – These durable mats will help keep his car clean. They have both universal floor mats and ones that are specific to car makes and models.
Anker PowerCore Portable Charger– I love this portable charger; it’s compact and easy to carry with you, but also powerful in that it can fully charge an iPhone three and a half times.
Crocs – Let’s face it: they may be ugly, but they sure are comfortable. Almost every guy I know owns a pair and is obsessed with them.
Patagonia Quarter Zip Pullover – You can’t go wrong with Patagonia, or a quarter zip. It’s comfy, can be dressed up or down, and appeals to guys with almost any type of style.
Ray-Ban Wayfarer Polarized Sunglasses – This classic style looks good on everyone, and the polarization adds extra clarity. The guys in my family always go for polarized sunglasses.
Monogrammed Slim Leather Wallet – Every guy deserves a nice, quality leather wallet, and the monogrammed initials add a nice personalized touch.
Patterned Crew Socks – Socks are always needed, and I love buying the guys in my life crew socks that have a subtle, fun pattern so that they feel personal but still professional.
Ultimate Ears Boom 3 Bluetooth Speaker – Not only does this speaker have amazing 360 degree sound capabilities, but it’s also waterproof, can float and even be submerged for up to 30 minutes.
I hope you enjoy this gift guide and find it useful when shopping for gifts for your friends, boyfriend, husband, brother, dad etc. Leave a comment and let me know if there’s an item on this list that you also love, or if there’s something I’m missing! Happy Holidays!
This post may contain affiliate links and I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. You can read my full disclaimer here.
Struggling to find the right gift for that person on your list? Look no further! I’ve curated this gift guide specifically for women. Everything on these lists are either something I own and love, something I’ve gifted to a friend or family member and they love, or something that I am buying/is on my list this year.
Anthropologie Aleksi Faux Fur Throw Blanket– It may seem like a hefty price tag for a blanket, but this blanket is so luxe and will last for years. Its perfect for snuggling up on the couch around the holidays!
Pura Smart Fragrance Diffuser – These have been all over Instagram lately, but I’ve had mine for over a year and am still obsessed. My link gives you $12 off your first order of $50+. I recommend the Nest scents Holiday and Birchwood Pine.
All Along You Were Blooming by Morgan Harper Nichols – I feel in love with MHN’s poetry and artwork on Instagram, and had to buy her book as soon as it came out. It’s a go-to gift I give to my girlfriends and they all love it too.
Judith Bright Uno Chain Bracelet – Another gift I’ve given to a few friends and they’ve loved, these dainty bracelets are so cute with a little gemstone accent. You can go classic with a pearl, or personalize it with her birthstone or favorite color. My link gives you $10 off any purchase!
Revision Skincare Brightening Face Wash – I’ve seen the difference that using medical-grade skincare products can make, and this facewash is my favorite. It’s pretty affordable and a bottle lasts for months.
LoopyCase – better than a popsocket in my opinion, as the loop makes it easier to carry your phone when your hands are full of other items and less likely to drop it!
Judith Bright Set of 5 Hammered Bands – These cute rings can be stacked with other rings, each other or worn on their own. You can even choose mixed-metal sets to go with all of your jewelry. Again, my link gives you $10 off any purchase!
Capri Blue Iridescent Jar Candle – Unanimously a favorite scent of women. Candles may seem like a cliche gift, but no one will complain about receiving this one.
Revlon One-Step Volumizer Hair Dryer – Another highly talked about item that I also recommend; I’ve had this dryer for over two years and it’s still my go-to. It truly makes styling so much quicker and easier.
Polene Bag: No1 Mini – I first saw this bag on Camille while watching Emily in Paris and loved it. It’s on my list this year!
Aerie Good Vibes Oversized Sweatshirt – I love an oversized sweatshirt and have so many of these because they’re super soft and comfy. Perfect for lounging around the house, but also cute enough to pair with some leggings to go out and run errands.
J.Crew Chateau Parka in Italian Stadium-Cloth Wool – Another item that is on the pricier side but worth it for the quality; I’ve had this coat for a few years and it has held up nicely. It keeps you nice and warm while still looking stylish and cute.
Mapiful Print – Get a print of a city that means a lot to her, or of the stars in the sky on the day a special event took place. Using my link will get you $10 off your purchase!
Live in Love by Lauren Akins – I read through this book so quickly because I really enjoyed looking into the lives and relationship of one of my favorite celebrity couples. I found it to be so inspirational and relatable, and have recommended it to friends and family.
KITSCH Satin Pillowcase – Since switching to satin pillowcases, I have really noticed an improvement in my skin and hair. Highly recommend!
I hope you enjoy this gift guide and find it useful when shopping for gifts for your friends, girlfriend, wife, sister, mom etc. Leave a comment and let me know if there’s an item on this list that you also love, or if there’s something I’m missing! Happy Holidays!
This post may contain affiliate links and I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. You can read my full disclaimer here.
Preparing for transplant surgery (or any long hospital stay) can be very stressful, including figuring out what to bring with you!
As a chronic over-packer, I really struggled with what to pack for my transplant hospital stay. I knew I was going to be in the hospital for at least 2 weeks, and thought I should anticipate for the stay to be even longer. I scoured the internet and Pinterest for a packing list, but couldn’t find anything! I ended up packing 3 bags full of things – most which I didn’t even touch during my entire hospital stay. Below you will find my 11 recommended items to pack for your transplant hospital stay. These are the items I actually used during my stay, and they can all fit in a backpack, so you don’t make your family and friends drag multiple bags around the hospital like I did! Stick around to the end for a few extra items/tips that may be useful as well.
1. Cozy blanket
My top recommendation is bringing a cozy blanket with you. Hospital blankets are notoriously thin, and hospitals are notoriously cold. I had at least one cozy blanket on my bed at all times, and everyone who came in my room commented on how much they loved it and how comfy I looked. It really did make a huge difference. I suggest bringing a blanket that you like, but not your favorite/nicest/most expensive – there is a chance of it getting a little messy between the blood draws, drains, etc.
Chapstick was something I hadn’t even thought about, and I am SO glad my best friend Lindsay gifted me some in a basket she gave me before transplant. After being under anesthesia and on a ventilator for hours, your lips will be chapped. You probably won’t think about it the first few days, but when you become more alert, you will notice it and you will want chapstick. Trust me.
This is most useful when leaving the hospital, but can also come in handy during your stay if you are extra cold. Oversized flannels or button-up shirts are great because they are open in the front for easy access, and the sleeves roll up for IVs. They’re easy to put on and don’t require any stretching or extra movements that might be uncomfortable post transplant. I wore mine to the hospital on surgery day so it was one less thing to actually “pack” in my bag.
This is something I did not pack, but really wish I had. I single-handedly, consistently ran the transplant floor out of disposable heating pads, and the nurses would have to try to grab some from other units. I’m normally a stomach sleeper, and sleeping on my back in the not-so-comfortable hospital bed caused me a lot of back pain, which the heating pads helped relieve. Had I just packed my own, I wouldn’t have had to worry about the disposable ones running out of heat, or the floor running out of heating packs!
Entertainment will be a necessity to make your hospital stay a little more enjoyable. I made sure to download some books and movies onto my iPad before transplant. My transplant occurred around the holidays, so I actually ended up watching Hallmark and Lifetime Christmas movies on TV more than anything else, but normally there isn’t much to a selection to choose from on hospital TV. Some hospitals even charge for TV usage, so it’s best to come prepared! You’ll be glad to have something to watch/read to help take your mind off things when you don’t have visitors.
I lived in my robe during my transplant stay. You won’t find a picture of me without it! It kept me warm, was oversized enough for easy IV access, open in the front for incision/drain access, and helped cover me up in the exposing hospital gown.
If you have long hair, these are especially crucial. I knew I wouldn’t be /washing/brushing my hair for a while, so it was going to be greasy. I knew I was also going to be spending a lot of time in bed, and didn’t want my hair becoming a giant rat’s nest. It was great to have my hair up and out of the way, and I made sure my scrunchies and headbands were soft enough to be comfortable to sleep in. They really did help with my hair not getting as knotted as I was dreading!
See my scrunchie and headband recommendations here.
8. Glasses
This won’t be relevant to everyone, but it will be very important for those who wear glasses/contacts. I personally wear my contacts the majority of the time, but this wasn’t possible in the hospital. You can’t wear them during surgery, you won’t feel like putting them in post-surgery, and you’ll be sleeping so often that contacts just won’t be practical. As much as I hate wearing my glasses, they were all I wore in the hospital. I wouldn’t have been able to see without them!
Another lifesaver during my hospital stay was my 10 ft. iPhone charger. Most of the plugs by your bed will be in use for medical supplies, and you will be spending the majority of time in bed. You won’t want to plug your phone in across the room and constantly go back and forth. An extra long phone charger will stretch to your bed and make it easy to use your phone while it is charging.
Yes, they will give you grippy socks at the hospital. But for someone with small feet like me, they are always way too big and slide off. I brought my own grippy socks that I wore and it was much more comfortable and safer having socks that actually fit. You will definitely need socks with grips for whenever you are up and walking to avoid slips and falls.
Another item I lived in while in the hospital was large sweatpants and pajama pants. They should be larger than your normal size so they are loose around your stomach – you will be swollen and won’t want anything tight. Sweatpants/pajama pants will also keep you warm and unexposed in the hospital gown. I wore one pair to the hospital and brought another in my bag – every few days my mom would take a pair home to wash and then bring them back.
While those are my top 11 packing tips for items you will find most useful or might not have thought of, I have a few bonus items below of things you should remember to bring with you or extras that might be nice to have:
Cellphone – this is a pretty obvious one (do you ever go anywhere without it?) so I didn’t include it on the list, but don’t forget to bring it with you!
ID and Insurance Cards – another obvious one that you will need and can’t forget to have on you when you get to the hospital.
Slippers with a hard, grippy bottom – these are what I wore to/from the hospital because they were easy to slip on but also wouldn’t allow me to slip and fall.
Contact lense case/solution – if you wear your contacts to the hospital on surgery day, you will need to take them out prior to going to the OR.
Toiletries – these really aren’t necessary as the hospital will provide you with soap, lotion, a toothbrush and toothpaste, etc., but if you really want to use a specific product you can bring it with you. I personally packed a bunch of toiletries and even make-up (LOL) but never touched any of it during my hospital stay.
Books/magazines – if you prefer them to reading on a tablet
Headphones – I never used them, as I had a private room, but if you will be sharing a room or want to try to drown out some of the noisiness of the hospital, they could be useful.
Large underwear – I personally went commando under my sweatpants while in the hospital (might be TMI, but keeping it honest…). I was so swollen that underwear just was not comfortable for me, but if you can’t imagine going without it, make sure you bring extra large pairs that won’t feel tight!
Snacks – I didn’t pack any, but was so grateful to have friends and family bring me lots of snacks throughout my stay. Hospital food gets old, and your taste buds will be affected by all of the medication you are. You will crave certain things and despise others, so its nice to have lots of options of things to eat and drink. Some hospitals may be picky about allowing you to have outside food; mine personally didn’t care (unless I was NPO of course!).
Gifts/food for nurses and staff – I put together gift baskets for the nurses and staff on the transplant floor prior to transplant, and had my family bring them/give them out. I made a whole blog post on what I included in these which you can read here. My family also regularly brought in donuts and coffee for the nurses and staff. This is not necessary, but a great way to show your appreciation to the people taking care of you!
I hope this packing list helps make packing for transplant surgery (or any surgery with a long hospital stay) a little bit easier, and gives you one less thing to stress over. While staying weeks in the hospital sounds long and like you will need to bring everything, in reality just a few key items are all that you need. If there’s anything you think I forgot to mention, please tell me in the comments below!
This post may contain affiliate links and I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. You can read my full disclaimer here.
Before my liver transplant, I knew that I would be spending at least 2 weeks in the hospital recovering. During this time, the majority of my care would be from the wonderful nurses who work on the transplant floor. Nurses are a major part of the care team, and don’t always get the recognition they deserve. My transplant occurred a couple weeks before Christmas, so I was feeling in the giving spirit.
Inspired by another blogger, Madi Nelson, I decided to put together “thank you baskets” for the nurses. I made 3 baskets, one for the nurses in the ICU, one for day shift on the transplant floor, and one for night shift on the transplant floor (I spent the majority of my time on the transplant floor, which is why I made 2 baskets for them).
I got the baskets from Target, and attached a thank you note to the front, letting the nurses know who the gift was from. Below is a list of items I included in the baskets:
Starbucks coffee drinks
Red Bull energy drinks
Isagenix E-shots (energy shots)
Isagenix Hydrate (like a healthy gatorade!)
KIND bars
Oreos
Goldfish crackers
Popcorn packs
Rice krispie treats
Chocolates
M&Ms
Starbursts
Nuts
Gum
Altoids
Fuzzy socks
Face masks
Face creams
Nail Polish
Hand lotion
Chapstick
Hair ties
I had my family bring the baskets from home, starting with the ICU basket the day after surgery, so that they didn’t have to worry about holding onto it during surgery (they had enough on their minds!). I spread out the baskets for the transplant floor, giving one each week that I spent there.
The nurses were very appreciative of the baskets! My family also brought in donuts/treats multiple times throughout my stay on the transplant floor, but I think the baskets were such a hit because they were so versatile, there was a little something for everyone, and they contained items that are different than the usual “gifts.”
If you have a lengthy hospital stay coming up (whether it be a transplant or something else), I highly suggest putting a thank you basket together for the nurses who will be taking great care of you!
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