The first patient to receive a heart and liver transplant in Ireland has thanked the organ donor who saved his life.
Monaghan resident Martin Malinowski underwent complex surgery at Matter Hospital last year and is now recovering well.
The double transplant operation involved two surgical transplant teams from the National Heart and Lung Unit at the Matter Hospital and the National Liver Transplant Unit at St Vincent's Hospital.
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Martin was just 27 when he noticed he was short of breath.
He developed cirrhosis of the liver as a result of a viral infection, heart failure and bradycardia (a very slow heartbeat).
He told Dublin Live: “Fatigue was one of the symptoms I had, I was short of breath and my weight had increased dramatically. I couldn't even walk because I was so short of breath.”
“I went to my GP because I had gained weight and had a dry cough, I had no appetite so they admitted me.
“I've never Googled my symptoms. I don't trust Google. I prefer to listen to my doctor.”
“When I got the call to come in for the surgery, I had a mixture of emotions. I was scared, but happy at the same time.”
Martin recalled waking up briefly after the operation before returning to bed to be told by his mother that all had gone well.
He said: “I'm very lucky, the doctors in Ireland are fantastic.”
“There were a lot of people involved in my transplant surgery.
“When I woke up from surgery, my vision was blurry and I saw two figures standing next to my bed.
“I heard my mother say everything was fine and then I was so tired I spoke to the doctor for a few minutes before going to sleep again.”
And a year on, Martin says the risky operation has been nothing short of a “great success.”
“I'm so happy that it's happening,” he said with a smile.
“It was a great success. I'm happy that someone decided to donate their organs. I'm so grateful to them and their families.”
“Their decision saved my life. This is a very important message. It shows that this can happen to anyone.”
“We're so grateful. Organ donation saves lives and this is a great example.”
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