From Near-Fatal Hepatitis to Liver Health Advocate: One Woman's Transformation

When Stephanie Caira's immune system attacked her liver in 2022, her liver markers skyrocketed to over 3,000—60 times higher than the normal range of about 50—forcing doctors to consider a transplant. Today, four years later, she's training for races to raise funds and awareness for the British Liver Trust, proving that a liver health crisis can become a catalyst for lasting change.

What Happened When Stephanie's Liver Stopped Working?

Stephanie's health scare began when a virus triggered her immune system to attack her liver, resulting in acute viral hepatitis. The condition was severe enough that transplant specialists were evaluating her as a candidate for a new liver. "Back in 2022, I became really unwell," Stephanie recalls. "A virus caused my immune system to attack my liver. Doctors told me that my liver markers in my blood should be about 50 and mine were up over 3000! I was diagnosed with acute viral hepatitis and was being considered for a liver transplant". Fortunately, treatment at Crosshouse Hospital in Kilmarnock worked, and the transplant became unnecessary. However, the experience left her with lingering complications and a profound realization about how little she had prioritized her liver health.

How Did Stephanie Turn Her Health Crisis Into Lasting Change?

After leaving the hospital, Stephanie immersed herself in liver health research through the British Liver Trust website. Reading other patients' stories of recovery inspired her to make concrete lifestyle changes. She implemented a comprehensive health overhaul that addressed multiple aspects of her daily habits and diet.

• Dietary Changes: Stephanie cut down significantly on processed foods and shifted toward whole, unprocessed foods as the foundation of her diet.
• Weight Management: She lost over two stone (approximately 28 pounds) to reach a healthy weight, which reduced strain on her liver and overall metabolic health.
• Physical Activity: She became an active person, incorporating regular exercise into her routine to support liver function and cardiovascular health.
• Alcohol Elimination: She stopped drinking alcohol entirely, removing a major risk factor for liver disease progression.

"I decided to make some changes. I've cut down on processed food, have lost over two stone to get myself down to a healthy weight and am now a very active person, and I don't drink alcohol at all," Stephanie explains. The results speak for themselves: when her liver was scanned two years after her diagnosis, doctors confirmed it was healthy—a milestone that felt like "music to my ears".

Why Is Stephanie Now Advocating for Liver Disease Awareness?

Stephanie's transformation extends beyond her personal recovery. As a district manager for Slimming World, she actively promotes liver health education in her professional role. She emphasizes that a diet of whole, unprocessed foods combined with regular physical activity represents the best approach to protecting both liver health and overall wellness. Her commitment to raising awareness stems from a sobering reality: many people don't think about their liver until it fails.

To support the British Liver Trust, Stephanie is training for the Supernova Kelpies 5K race scheduled for March 14, with plans to run a 10K in September. Both events will raise funds and awareness for the organization. "I'll do anything I can to support the British Liver Trust. Lots of people don't really think about their liver health, and I used to be one of them. I didn't realise how important it was, until mine wasn't working!" she says.

The British Liver Trust, which reaches over two million people annually, emphasizes the urgency of liver disease prevention and early detection. According to Dan Painter, Public Fundraising Manager at the organization, "Liver disease is the only major disease in the UK where death rates are rising, and we want to change that". Stephanie's story demonstrates that lifestyle intervention—even after a severe health crisis—can restore liver function and inspire others to prioritize their own liver health before a crisis forces them to.