When Jo Knight started feeling constantly tired and nauseous, she knew something wasn’t right. But she never expected it would lead to needing a liver transplant. 

Jo’s journey began in August 2023, when she visited her GP with symptoms including fatigue, nausea, and jaundice (a yellowing of the skin). Further tests eventually revealed she had liver cirrhosis, (permanent scar tissue on the liver), though the cause was unknown. 

By March 2024, Jo’s condition had worsened significantly. She was admitted to the ICU at Royal Darwin Hospital with respiratory failure caused by hepatic pulmonary syndrome, a rare condition that affects the lungs of people with liver disease. Dependent on oxygen, Jo was now in urgent need of a liver transplant. 

“That’s when it really hit home how serious it had become,” Jo said. 

In June 2024, Jo made the difficult decision to leave her husband and son behind in Darwin to live with her sister in Melbourne while she waited for a transplant. During this time, she underwent numerous tests, blood work, scans and consultations at Austin Health’s Liver Transplant Unit. 

“They [Liver Transplant Unit] explained everything thoroughly, which helped calm my nerves… there was a real focus on making sure I understood the risks and what recovery would involve.” she said. 

After two false alarms, Jo finally received the long-awaited call that a liver was available, and she was admitted for life-saving surgery. 

Following her surgery, the improvements were immediate - her skin and eye colour began to return to normal.

Now, almost nine months post-transplant, Jo’s life is well and truly back on track.  

“My energy levels have fully returned. In fact, I have not felt this well for years!”   

Today on World Liver Day, Jo shares her advice to others going through transplant recovery. 

“Take it one day at a time. Walk when they tell you to walk, rest when you need to rest, and don’t be afraid to lean on family and friends. Keep your eyes on the goal: getting your life back.” 

Now living with a liver transplant, Jo has become profoundly aware of how precious life is and the importance of living it to the fullest.  

“The Austin Hospital truly became a place of hope for me. The level of care, the professionalism, and the human connection made a world of difference.” 

“I’m grateful every single day - not just to my donor and their family, but to the whole team who gave me a second chance.”