This and That and Talk - My Transplant

@ contentandwell I haven't been instructed yet as to the hazards of eating out post-op. What do I need to know? I have been trying to follow the threads on susnscreen and vacationing. I am hoping it will be explained to me by my doctors and coordinator.

@gaylea1 Now that you say that, that you live in Canada, I think I do remember asking you that before so if I did, excuse me for asking again.
I do know that they say size is a criterion. After writing to my donor family I received a letter back with quite a bit of information about my donor. She was a young woman and just about the same height that I am, 5'3" (or 5.2.5" now).

So MELD is international I presume? That's a long time to move only 4 points, but at least it's better than going in the opposite direction which I hear some people do. I really do not understand how that can happen. I was eating very healthily but mine continued to increase.

Regarding restaurants, my main restriction is sodium. I try to maintain a generally healthy diet, I don't eat fried food but there is a lot of fat in other things too. Restaurants tend to use a huge amount of salt, particularly in soups, sauces, and marinades. I had been limiting my sodium for years so when I go to a restaurant where there is a lot of salt in the food I can really taste it. I never put salt in things I cook myself and my husband is fine with that. The only things we both feel really need a little salt is eggs and beef. When out, If I can choose some type of meat that is not seasoned ahead of time I always tell them no salt on it. The restriction for most people seems to be 2000 mg but I find that if I have more than 1500 I really feel it, I develop sausage fingers.

JK

My meld has been 7 or8 for 2 years. I guess thats good for Stage 4 cirrhosis. Problem is Im 68 and if it continues like this I will run out of time. I'll be 73 and THEN it will go up! Counting my blessings though.
Salt is an issue for me too. Never big user but one little bit is extremely noticeable.
My challange this summer is red tide/ cyanobacteria and microcystins. It is so bad here in FL. Can't swim, boat or even sit on the beach! I have asthma too and this environmental disaster has me on my second round of antibiotics and steroids on top of my regular meds. Needless to say... Im in the house in the air. If I go out to swim in my pool it fires it all up. Not worth it! Ugh!!
Things could be worse...but without air to breathe we are all in trouble....

@jeanne5009 I am not sure if the symptoms vary between a high MELD and a lower score. If they are the same severity that is a long journey ahead. Adding to your other ailments i empathize with you. Remember you are not alone and many of us are are still playing the waiting game. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

@contentandwell yes the MELD score is I international. At least I am in range for transplant here in London. I am 5ft 1in so we are about the same size.
I also am restrictive with my salt intake. I don't use salt on anything but it took some getting used to. I can taste it right away now. When eating out I always look for an item that I can control the salt with. I love soup but find it too salty in restaurants. I make my own at home with salt free broth like Campbell's. Even a .ittle salt has my feet, ankles and fingers swelling.

We are each unique, as is our journey toward any kind of organ transplant. Yet, the shared fears, doubts, symptoms, and the wait are what all have in common.
Group Hug

@jeanne5009, I admire your attitude!
I found that praying for, looking for, and counting blessings, became a diversion from looking at the clock that seemed to stand still.
Hugs.

I don't know what kind of post surgery education that your center will provide. However, I feel sure that you will get information about post operative care, and post hospital care when you are ready to need it.
During my recovery in hospital, the nurses had a notebook for me and my husband and every day we went thru a section of it, together, to prepare us for my transition to a healthy life. The period immediately following surgery is a bit hectic, and there are medicine changes being made, but the nurses take care of all of that.
Your coordinator will become your best buddy and resource as you move forward. She/he usually knows the question before you even ask! It will be an exciting time for you!

I am new to this group. I am a heart/liver transplant recipient (July 4, 2017). All is going well for me physically. I do think a lot about my donor and donor family. I have reached out to them but have not gotten a response. I am truly blessed.

@chetfreeman, Good Morning and Welcome to Connect. I offer my heartfelt congratulations on your transplant. I am honored to meet you - In a sense we are 'related' because I also have a two organ transplant (liver/kidney). I understand what you mean when you say that you think a lot about your donor. I am going on 10 years, and that holds true for me, even today.

I want to share with you a discussion where other members have shared similar feelings and their experiences about writing to their donors. I invite you take a look and feel free to join right in. We all learn so much by sharing with each other.
- Writing to Your Donor's Family.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/writing-to-your-donors-family/
Some months ago I was asked to write about my own experience. Here is where you can connect to the article that was published.
TransplantsPS: Enjoy your life – Experts by Experience
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/ps-enjoy-your-life-experts-by-experience-1/
I invite you to share here or at the links that I provided.
What are your thoughts?