I got to know that my liver had a problem accidentally.
When I had visited my primary, after a blood work, they found that my white bloods are at a questionable level. He requested me to go the Emergency Dept. and have it taken care. After procedure, I was requested to stay in the hospital for further review, which I felt was unusual.
After the hospital stay for 4 days, I was informed that I have cirrhosis in the liver and the only option is to have it transplanted.
This started the whole process and the hospital oncologist called several hospitals to find out who could work on my liver problem. The University of Virginia Transplant called, albeit it was a 100 miles one way from place. After a whole year of testing and checking on my health conditions etc. I was placed on the waiting list and my MELD score was very low. The ranges from 6 to 40 based on the lab test. The higher the number, one is more likely to receive a liver from a deceased donor or when an organ becomes available. A living person could also donate part of their liver to the patient, since the liver is the only organ which grows to its full size within a month.
I had a full time job and the nature of my job is I do not have to visit any office building and I could work remotely.
During the process one has to understand that there a so many test needs to be conducted and the hepetologists prescribe medications accordingly. Meanwhile, the patient ages very slowly, the face becomes dull, and also start the body starts itching and there will be ascites will build up in your stomach. One will be gaining weight and has to go to the hospital to have the fluid drained from the body. It is really messy process. Please note until the MELD score gets to 18 to 25 you will have no chance of getting a liver. It is a catch 22 situation. One has to get really sick to get a liver and there is no guarantee once you get real sick, that there will be a liver waiting for you. Once one is really ill, the survival rate at that point onwards is around 3 months.
My recommendation, just take one day at a time. If you do have real estate properties, auto, Bank account please transfer them to a Living Trust. I was continuously working during this time.
Also, after 9 months or so, my face was changing and I could feel, it’s time to go. I did not feel bad at this point because I did this to myself. I used to party a lot and drink as much as I can and ended up in trouble. I cannot blame this on anyone one except me. People around me were really helpful without any judgment.
For my luck, the hospital called me on a December day that they found a match. Just could not believe it. Thought they got the wrong person. The important fact someone who wants to give his/her part of the liver to someone to live. The transplant surgery took place on the 17th of January 2019 and it is almost 4 years and 2 months. I am still around.
Later on the Hospital set up a meeting with the donor, who was anonymous in the beginning of the process. I just fell of my chair when I met my donor. She was a very young girl aged 23. Originally from Allentown.PA was working in Lynchburg VA at the Liberty U.
I am an emigrant to the USA and most people say USA has problems. Wrong. The best and most generous people are here right in the USA. I am in contact with her on a regular basis and also have met her family in PA. I consider myself as a lottery winner. Have Faith in yourself and the rest is up to God who helps people all the time.
My medications are for life and I take approximately 12 tablets in the morning and 6 in the evening. Please ensure you have good insurance since it may cost around easily a million dollars. That is the story in a nutshell. I still take one day at a time. One will never know what’s in store for tomorrow.