Michael Merritt was diagnosed with end-stage liver disease and renal failure. He has been to many doctor appointments and endured several hospitalizations during the past six months.
Michael’s health began deteriorating rapidly over the last month. On Tuesday, August 25, Michael had bloodwork in Tifton, and he had a follow-up appointment on August 27, where the doctor sent him immediately to Emory due to the results and the build-up of fluid in his body.
Once arriving at Emory, Michael had various tests performed and learned that afternoon that he had been added to the list as a candidate for a double liver and kidney transplant.
With his health deteriorating so rapidly, he was moved to the top of the list. In the meantime, Michael received a port for dialysis and was moved into ICU, where dialysis was started.
On August 28, Michael and his family were notified that matching donor organs were available for his transplant. The doctors continued the dialysis and prepared Michael’s body for the transplant surgery during the time the donor organs were being tested for compatibility.
On August 29, around 5 p.m., the transplant team began Michael’s operation, which continued until 4:30 a.m. the next morning. The doctors reported successful results from the double transplant.
Michael and his family are now in need of financial support with medical bills, travel expenses, and the expensive immunosuppressant medicines that help prevent rejection of the newly transplanted organs.
The road to recovery will be long. Michael will have to remain in Atlanta for at least a month.
Please find it in your heart to help Michael take care of his needs. He has made it through the hard part of receiving the transplant and surviving.
Donations for Michael can be made Ameris Bank, and a GoFundMe site has also been established here.