@contentandwell, It is amazing to me that we both had liver failure, and yet our symptoms were so different. Once one of my doctors told me that if he had 2 people with the same liver disease that each could experience vastly different symptoms. And need different treatments prior to transplant. It boggles my mind.
As far as eating beforehand, I was plagued by nausea and my body was filling with fluids that made movement difficult. My local GI, who was so concerned that I eat, told me to try to drinking Ensure. When I cringed, he added , with a wink, "I hear it is better with a scoop of ice cream".
I only left the house for doctor visits, and always had my barf bag with me. That was in Nov, Dec, Jan. here at home...then I was flown to Mayo in Feb...my taste was gone now, but I was able to keep some foods down, after treatment ...my transplant was in April. And while in hospital, I was approved to eat ice cream because now I needed to gain weight. Ha! Today, I enjoy ice cream. And for me, it is my "beverage of choice" when we celebrate 😉
Rosemary

@contentandwell, I could be wrong. I have both liver and kidney transplant, so I might be confusing the kidney issues with the liver. In my case I am always advised to keep a close watch on my sodium intake, and to monitor my BPs. The kidney and hypertension departments work closely with that part of my follow-up care.
I think that hypertension is on of the potential side effects, though, with tacrolimus. I have learned to rely on my wonderful transplant team to keep me on the right path. That might be something to add to your list of questions for your annual visit.
Rosemary

Hi Rosemary: My club is 24/7 as well. Kind of neat to be able to exercise whenever you want. Teresa

@contentandwell Medicare does not cover health clubs, but my "brand" of Medigap (through AARP-United Health Care) has an incentive program that offers 1/2 off membership to select work out facilities in my area. It includes the "Y" and several others. Teresa

@lcamino That is interesting. I didn't know about hidden milk and lactose in medications. Thanks for that info. Teresa

Teresa, I had to smile when I read your reply because I don't ever really 'want' to exercise! But I do enjoy seeing the benefits and I feel good afterwards. And, yes, it is nice to be able to go anytime, if I chose to do so. Rosemary

@rosemarya I understand completely! Teresa

@hopeful33250 Thank you, Teresa. That's what friends are for! Rosemary

@contentandwell - Well I'm just "glad" I'm in kidney failure and not liver failure but this whole conversation just makes me pause and be in awe with what our doctors know. There is so much that is unknown (probably always will be) but there is so much that is known. My grandfather died of PKD (kidney disease I have) at 51 because they did not know dye contrast imaging damages kidneys. My Dad lived to be 72, and hopefully I'll live longer although I'm needing a transplant 15 years earlier than my Dad so I'll just have to leave it in God's hands.

Off to Mayo tomorrow...

@lcamino, Lynn, you are in good hands. Rosemary