@hogan_g1937, I would like to welcome you to Mayo Clinic Connect. This is a good question and you have come to the right place to meet and learn about the experiences of other liver transplant recipients. I want to first, congratulate you and your husband for his strength and endurance that it must have taken to reach this milestone of being listed for a transplant.

I am a transplant recipient (liver/kidney 2009). My call came at on a Wednesday at 6:42 AM. We reported to the transplant area and the nurses were waiting to admit me. I first had a short dialysis session and was visited by Nephrologist, Liver transplant surgeon, chaplain, and anesthesiologist. They answered questions, reassured me, and explained everything they would be doing. When I was returned to my room, the nurses took over with the preparation and the pre surgery paper work and vitals. My husband was with me for most of this. I remembered feeling that time was moving very fast, and I did not have time to worry. In fact I felt amazingly calm at how smoothly everything was going, and how 'in control' the transplant team was. It was obvious that they had done this before:-)
At 1:10 (last time I saw a clock) I said 'goodbye' to my husband and was rolled to the surgical unit. Outside the door, I was presented with a surgical hat, the doctor called it my party hat. I remember there were so many people in that room, and each one introduced him/herself to me. Then the anesthesiologist re-introduced himself and asked if I had any questions since our earlier visit. I said 'no'. I heard him say 'lets get started'. I felt like the room was swaying...and...then....I was aware of people quietly talking and they told me that my surgery was over, and it went well. They changed some tubes, and brought my husband, and sons in to see me. I knew that I was not dreaming when one son called out, "Mom, you're not yellow anymore!" There was a lot of activity with scans, monitoring, and I don't recall mush else.

On Thursday, sometime, I was rolled to my room in a wheelchair with a vanilla milkshake and helped into my bed.

The next day (Friday), I was able to eat a light breakfast, and they had me out of bed and walking-slowly and with help.

I had a pump so that I could administer my own pain meds. I also had some physical therapy as I regained strength and muscles. There were also more scheduled scans and labs and medicine changes as I adjusted to my new organs.

My hospital stay was a very brief 7 days. Then we returned to our lodging at Gift of Life House in Rochester, to continue as out patient.

This is only my experience. Remember that each of us is different, and each has different conditions, and reacts differently. I do hope that this helps a little to relieve some fear and anxiety. We are here anytime you want to ask any questions.
I look forward to hearing from other liver transplant recipients about their experiences.

Hugs and Hope,
Rosemary