A normal life after liver transplant
JORDYN Pentiah was given five months to live after being diagnosed with a life-threatening liver condition.
But the tenacious little girl, who was six months old at the time, was a fighter and on Sunday celebrated the 7th anniversary of having undergone a liver transplant in India.
Jordyn, now 8, lives in Johannesburg with her mother, Yashoda, and leads a normal life, like any other child her age.
Although the Grade 3 pupil has to be on chronic medication, the little girl, formerly of Pietermarizburg, believes life is a gift.
“She is very educated and aware of her condition and strives to care for herself. She knows she has to take medication at a certain time and she cannot spend a lot of time in the sun.
“Other than that, she loves to run and jump around like most kids,” said Pentiah, who is unemployed.
Jordyn was diagnosed with Biliary Astresia, a liver condition in which inflammation develops around the bile ducts at around the time of birth.
This leads to bile duct damage and reduces the flow of bile, resulting in scarring of the liver.
“Doctors said her chances of survival were bleak but I never gave up hope. I began researching transplants in India and knew my daughter would go for the operation there. I have no regrets.”
POST was instrumental in raising R1.5 million for the transplant.
Pentiah added that every year was a true gift.
“The first year of Jordyn’s life was a crucial period. Now we celebrate every day because we realise it is a true gift and that she had defied the odds.”
She said Jordyn spoke openly to people about her condition and transplant.
“It’s important to create awareness if it can save a life.”
Pentiah expressed sympathy for 10-month-old Divya Ashlee Singh, who died in December.
Divya, who was also diagnosed with Biliary Astresia, died after undergoing a part liver graft at the Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre in Johannesburg.
She won the hearts of POST readers after her plight was highlighted. Her father, Dhenesh, said she died after she picked up three infections.
“I keep in contact with her parents and offered support during Divya’s stay in hospital,” Pentiah said.