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This and That and Talk - My Transplant
Transplants | Last Active: Aug 14 9:57pm | Replies (1677)Comment receiving replies
Hi, I'm pre-transplant for a liver and have a Meld score of 14. It was 15 when I went on the list. I have a hard time dealing with not knowing if or when the phone will ring with an available liver. In that short space of time I have to make mental adjustments no matter how ready I think I am. I deal with some anxiety over this, I'm almost 60 now and have been through a lot in life already. I passed all the tests I had to take to get on the list and now it's either my liver gets better or gets transplanted. I've lived with liver disease for about 20 years and hepatitis c was cured in 2015, Anybody have experience dealing with anxiety before getting a transplant?
Replies to "Hi, I'm pre-transplant for a liver and have a Meld score of 14. It was 15..."
I find being grateful that I am alive today and that I am doing everything I can until a transplant can be done is the best way to avoid anxiety. Be positive . You have made it onto the list. My background is that I donated my kidney for transplant on 3/31/2022. My son received a kidney transplant that same day. Give your anxiety to God or your higher power. He can deal with it. I can't. I will think I will let Him!!
Welcome to Connect, @txpal. I had a simultaneous liver and kidney transplant in 2009. I assure you that you are not alone with your feelings. On the bright side, you have been approved for the transplant, so keep on taking care of yourself by keeping doctor appointments, maintain a healthy lifestyle with healthy eating and activity.
My liver failure was due to a progressive liver disease that had no cure. I lived with it for around 8 years before it began to show symptoms and when I was referred to the transplant clinic and listed for a transplant. I was 60 when I got my transplant, and am doing extremely well and enjoying life to the fullest.
I want to share a link where you can meet and interact with others about the waiting. You will meet members (past and recent) who have discussed their own pre-transplant experiences. Like this particular discussion, it covers many issues that were experienced during the waiting. Your comments and questions are welcome!
-It's not all about the MELD Score
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/its-not-all-about-the-meld-score/
@tream01, @txpal -Here is an article that I wrote for the Transplant Blog in 2017.
-Staying Positive While Waiting for a Transplant
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/transplant/newsfeed-post/staying-positive-while-waiting-for-a-transplant/
@txpal, How are you feeling? Are you having any bothersome side effects of cirrhosis?
@tream01, I hope that you will soon get your transplant. 🤍
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Hi txpal!
I have had similar feelings since being added to the list a few months ago. Although I have a potential living donor, the anxiety remains. I had hoped to have my donor approved already, but now have oto wait another 4 weeks for him to have one last test run…. The anxiety is very difficult to cope with at times. The only thing I have found for relief if to try and live for today. We have no control over what happens in the future and there is no way of knowing how long we have to wait for “the call”. As long as I have a go bag ready, and keep my phone handy, I have been looking at this as my time to get exercise and eat right so I will be stronger when the time comes. I hope that helps a little, and wish you all the best!