Any success stories anyone can share? I'm pre-transplant.

@azkellyw, I'm sending a virtual hug to you!
You are absolutely justified in searching for success stories specific to liver transplant patients. They are actually sprinkled throughout all of the transplant discussions becaus we all shae so many pre/post transplant concerns. So none of us is ever alone.
Now as for success stories with liver transplant - I am approaching 16 years since my liver and kidney transplant in 2009 at Mayo in Rochester. Does that qualify as a success story? I can say that my journey was/is worth it. My transplant team and my local PCP are always available and ready to provide any extra care that might be needed. I am still being monitored by my transplant team even though I am nearly 800 miles away.

Here are some success stories. I hope they life you up:
- Snapshots of hope: Life on the other side of transplant.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/snapshots-of-hope-life-on-the-other-side-of-transplant/
- Organ Donation and Transplant: What is Your story?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/organ-donation-and-transplant-what-is-your-story/
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@azkellyw, As you can see from these success photos and stories, each of us has a unique life story. I can certainly understand your current apprehension because I had the same concern. I did, however, say that to my transplant surgeon once, and she was able to put "my" situation into perspective for me.
Have you ever discussed your apprehension with your surgeon or team?

Yes, this help a lot. I have other apprehensions like others are more in need of the organ than I am because they might have kids, or an executive at a corporation or run their own business. I'm getting better at removing these thoughts from my mind. I've been learning Mindfulness without the yoga (missing four discs from my lumbar and a pinched nerve in my neck both waiting for my platelets to go up) but I think that Mindfulness is a little more difficult for my with the HE and anxiety I've had since I was born. I keep trying and adult coloring is a good distraction. My psychiatrist said there were just as many unworthy recipients as there are good ones and I need to focus on me and my health. This is such a long journey.

@azkellyw I’m sending you a big virtual hug, first and foremost. My husband struggled with some of the same thoughts, “I’ve lived my life, raised 3 kids…” but a priest at Mayo Jax gave him some wisdom that really helped. Paraphrasing here, but basically, “you’ll receive your gift of life because your journey and purpose here are not finished. Your donor’s journey is done and they are passing the relay baton to you to continue your journey.” This message helped a lot, and he was successfully transplanted in 2022.

My husband became catastrophically ill in 2020 when a gallbladder attack put him into septic shock and organ failure. When the dust settled 6 months later, we learned his liver had been completely destroyed and transplant was the only option. Since transplant, he has completely regained his health, and it was a long road back from feeding tube, physical failure, and numerous other problems. But once he was transplanted, despite a few initial setbacks, his progress has been steady. Was it hard work initially, yes, but he has worked hard on nutrition and exercise and now is able to engage in all his activities. So keep the faith and stay on the list.

We know many people in the transplant community who have been transplanted for years enjoying their lives. Stay focused on your health, doing what you can to maintain mobility and a positive attitude. Good luck in your journey.

This is my husband’s success story.
https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/liver-transplant-patient-becomes-volunteer-for-department-that-saved-his-life/
Ps. Join the Mayo’s Second Chance support group. If you’re are in Jacksonville, we are happy to meet you.

Thank you! I'm going to print out and frame what your husband was told and hang it in my office. What a great way to put patients at ease during an emotional time in their lives. I'm in Arizona....

You have every right to feel the way you do. I can only speak for my story. My liver was badly damaged and I had been treated by a wonderful hepatologist for a year and then transferred to the pre-transplant specialists. I received my new liver 7 months ago. I won't sugar coat the 8 weeks after surgery, again - this was my experience, but it took time to recover, so please give yourself some grace. I was very weak due to my poor condition pre-transplant. Now, I feel wonderful. My new liver is working wonderfully, medications have been reduced and my blood levels are spot on. I forgot what it felt like to feel good. It's a blessing. I'm 67 female.