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Liver transplant - Let's support each other

Transplants | Last Active: 1 day ago | Replies (1617)

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@jeanannd

Hello everyone, my husband and I are starting our journey of possible liver transplant. We are starting all the testing on Valentines Day in Jacksonville. Excited to be staring so quickly as we only found out of his condition Nov 1st. I’m reaching out because we of course don't know what to expect and we want to be as prepared on the home and health front as our Doctors will be on the medical front. My husband is healthily as far as he is active and still works out on a regular basis, tires easily and naps a couple times a day, I’m told that’s to be expected. So as far as how I can help will be more on the nutrition and support side of things. Is there a blog for healthy cooking? What foods are easily absorbed vs ones we should stay away from as far as liver health. Being new to this I/we would like any help and guidance any of you can assist with. Thank you all in advance.

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Replies to "Hello everyone, my husband and I are starting our journey of possible liver transplant. We are..."

Hi, @jeanannd. I want to welcome you to Connect and to say that I am happy to meet you here in this liver transplant support group. I would like to start by wishing you and your husband a very Happy Valentines Day! You do have a unique way to celebrate the day and to hopefully begin your journey to a successful transplant. 🤍
I transplanted at Mayo Rochester in 2009. My pre transplant period/before listing lasted almost 8 years while my disease Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) slowly destroyed my liver. I remember very early when I was diagnosed, my local GI told me to - eat a healthy diet, - stay active, - to avoid alcohol and over-the-counter meds. That is pretty much the same advice I received when I was listed and waiting for my transplant.
Over the course of time and interaction with doctors, nurses, dieticians, I learned that I really didn't have to begin a new eating routine because I learned to adjust our favorite menus to lower salt, fat, sugar, red meat, etc. Think of a heart healthy diet. Unless there is a specific food or allergy for your husband, you will likely be able to be as creative as you want to be! One thing that I will mention is that over time, your husband's food choices can change and something that tasted good yesterday, will cause nausea today.

Here is a link to Healthy Lifestyle from Mayo Clinic.
- Nutrition and healthy eating
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/basics/nutrition-basics/hlv-20049477
When I was at Mayo during my treatment, I saw and purchased the "Mayo Clinic Book" because it is a great guide for healthy eating and healthy living. I recommend it because of the encouragement and healthy tips.

Has your husband received his appointment schedule? Please let me know how I can assist you along the way.