I’m now 57 and had a liver transplant 3.5 years ago. I learned for the first time I had end stage liver disease in March of 2021 with a fluctuating MELD of 28-32 and I had a transplant at MassGen Hospital that October. The cause of my liver failure is thought to be autoimmune and related to my long ago diagnosed ulcerative colitis. I had a terrible time in those months leading to my surgery- the worst part was 4 episodes of hepatic encephalopathy and then I developed mysterious fevers. A high protein- plant based and meat- low salt low fat diet and copious amounts of water helped ease some of this. I also had physical therapy to keep strength and balance. Since my transplant I’ve been well and careful. I currently eat a similar diet but less as my appetite has changed. I’ve had fluctuating liver enzymes but this is easing. I walk most days and go to the gym when weather is bad. Liver disease I’m told is a muscle wasting disease so exercise has been important. I don’t drink alcohol or use Tylenol, or OTC meds, I take my prescriptions like a champ. After a year of terribleness, 15 hospitalizations etc I’m amazed at how peaceful life is and how normal I feel.