Ottawa comedian Mike MacDonald recovering after transplant

Ottawa comedian Mike MacDonald isawake and in a spirited recoveryafter a seven-hourliver transplant at a Toronto hospital, says his mother Colette MacDonald.

The 57-year-old funnyman, who's starred in a host of television specials andfilms, was diagnosed withHepatitis C in 2011 andsincethenhas waitedfor a transplant that finally happened on Friday.

Once released from hospital care, MacDonald must stayin Torontofor two monthssodoctors canmonitor his condition while he's on anti-rejection medication.

Butsince waking up on Saturday morning,MacDonald's beenvery adamantthatthepeople he loves stay nearby, said Colette.When his wife Bonnie left him momentarily to speak to a nurse, MacDonalddidn't hesitate to let everyone know he was unhappy.

"He was kind of upset ... butthat was a really good sign, even if it is being annoyed," said Colette. "Just the fact he's awake and back to, I wouldn't say normal, but at least he shows some emotions."

Colette said the transplant couldn't have come at a more critical juncture.

"He was very weak, and when he comes over to visit hejust lies down on the couch and rests," she said of her son's failing health. "It was time for him to get this."

MacDonald's mother said she hopes to visit her son next week and she thanked everyone for the support and well-wishes throughout her son's illness, particularly after learning MacDonald needed a transplant.

"I know he was a bit apprehensive about this operation," she said.