ED’S NOTE 3
WIND
SURFING
uk
TEZ PLAVENIEKS
FEBRUARY 2019
APPRECIATE
Twitter:
@tezwoz
Instagram:
@tez_plavenieks_sup_wind
Sitting here beside my daughter’s hospital bed I’m
reflecting on these last few weeks. Molly rests as I
write. It’s early and she's still in recovery mode. This will
be ongoing for a while. Having had an auxiliary liver
transplant – with mum being the donor – we have
everything crossed for a swift return to normality.
Just a few days before Molly was admitted to hospital she
learned to ride her ‘big girl bike’ properly and swim without
flotation. Shortly after, having endured another bout of
sickness, I noticed a subtle yellowing of the eyes.
Everything then moved fast. Admittance to Portsmouth QA
revealed she was indeed jaundice – the cause, at that point
however, was undiagnosed. As Molly turned more yellowed the
decision was made to blue light her to King's College Hospital,
London: THE leading medical facility for liver disease.
Molly deteriorated further. With her liver failing and escalating
ammonia levels, causing encephalopathic episodes (seizures),
Molly was sedated, to keep her safe, and put on the super
urgent transplant waiting list. We were heart broken – I have
tears in my eyes now as I think back.
Not hanging around mum put herself forward to be living donor.
(We also had willing family and friends step up – something
that completely blows me away).
Surgery took place, the operation being a success. With Fi’s
being described as a beautiful liver (something that astounded
all of us when you consider our previous life as windsurfing
instructor seasonaires) it was a perfect fit.
Seven days post-op we’re now monitoring Molly closely. Mum
has already been discharged, although it’ll take time for her to
fully heal. All through this I’ve felt helpless, which is a horrible
thing. Not being able to do anything for your offspring is awful.
As you can imagine windsurfing hasn’t been a priority. Yet once
we’re back home there’s no doubt we’ll be back on it as a
family. In fact, writing this I’m determined we’ll get back to
normal. There’s nothing more pleasurable than watching my
one-year old son (who we’ve not seen for nearly four weeks!)
and Molly playing at the beach, splashing in the shallows and
enjoying a very coastal upbringing.
I’d like to thank all the medical professionals that have helped
Molly so far. And the support from family and friends has been
astounding. I can’t convey just how much thanks I/we want to
give. We love you all.
Hopefully you’ll enjoy the first Windsurfing UK of 2019. And
fingers crossed it’s a good year, radar blips aside...
uk
WIND
SURFING