Kelowna Mother Faces Urgent Need for Liver Transplant

A Kelowna mother is urgently awaiting a liver transplant, grappling with the realities of her declining health. Lyndsay Richholt, 42, has been largely bedridden and relies on a walker to move around. Ten months ago, her doctor informed her that without a new liver, she had only six months to live.

Richholt suffers from an autoimmune disease, which she believes has not been adequately considered in her assessment by BC Transplant. She expressed concerns over the MELD scoring system, stating it failed to factor in the complexities of her underlying condition. “They’ve also confirmed though that my MELD score is incorrect,” she explained. “MELD score does not calculate correctly for autoimmune diseases. Our complications and symptoms just don’t fit into that paradigm.”

In a desperate attempt to find a solution, Richholt turned to social media to solicit living donors. Over 50 individuals responded, hoping to help. Initially, BC Transplant informed her that she could not accept donations from non-relatives, but they later revised this stance. Testing has commenced on two potential donors, a process that Richholt noted has taken about six months, despite earlier assurances from BC Transplant that it would take approximately three months.

BC Transplant stated that the testing duration is a minimum of three months and emphasized that all processes are kept confidential, including any changes in a donor’s willingness to proceed. Richholt has expressed frustration with what she describes as poor communication from the organization, leaving her uncertain about when she might receive the transplant. “I’m very nervous that something will happen and I won’t make it,” she said.

The situation has garnered attention from local political representatives. Kristina Loewen, Richholt’s Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in Kelowna, has been advocating on her behalf in hopes of expediting the transplant process. “The dropped balls are really obvious, and I just feel for her plight,” Loewen remarked.

In response to the concerns raised, Vancouver Coastal Health issued a statement clarifying that the MELD score is not the sole metric used to evaluate patients awaiting transplants. The organization noted that assessments are frequently updated based on clinical changes. However, Richholt feels this does not reflect her personal experience, leaving her without the reassurance she desperately needs.

Just two weeks ago, she was informed that she would receive a surgery date by yesterday. With no update received, she remains anxious, especially as B.C. enters flu season. “Those are complications that could kill me, and that’s absolutely terrifying for me and my family right now,” Richholt stated.

As she continues to await critical medical intervention, the urgency of her situation underscores the challenges faced by patients navigating the transplant system. For Richholt, every moment counts as she clings to hope for a better future.