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Transplant call question
I posted this in transplants, but I haven't gotten any answers, so I thought I'd try it here, too.
My husband is waiting for a liver. I've read and heard that sometimes you get the call only to find out after you get to the hospital that it won't work. Does this happen often? I don't remember being told this in any of our appointments. I want my husband to be prepared in case it happens to him.
Blessings,
JoDee
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@jodeej, Hi JoDee, Yes, it is true that sometimes a transplant will not happen after you have arrived at the hospital.
There is always the possibility during the pre-surgery examination that the patient might show an infection or some other condition that will make surgery unsafe at that time.
Another reason is that after examining the donated organ that a problem might be discovered with the organ.
When I received my call, my surgeon first asked me about recent fever; she also told me that until she actually inspected the organs, that she could not guarantee 100% that the surgery would happen.
Rosemary
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2 Reactions@rosemarya do you know if this happens very often? I know people that got transplanted on the first call and others that had 3-4 calls before it happened. I'm just curious.
@jodeej
In my own experience, I have not heard it talked about much at all. I suggest that if it really concerns you, that you talk to his coordinator or doctor. I don't know if certain patients have medical conditions that might affect possibility of it happening.
This is why it is important for patients on the waiting list to adhere to whatever medications, diet, appointment schedule that they are given. Keep in mind that the focus of your transplant team is to find the best matched organ for your husband to give him the best possible outcomes.
Rosemary