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The decision to be on a liver transplant list or not.
Transplants | Last Active: Jul 10 10:14am | Replies (21)Comment receiving replies
Hi Randi,
My husband had a liver transplant 2 weeks ago. He had stage 4 liver cirrhosis. He didn't have a choice and we thank God every day they found a perfect match. He is doing well. It's not easy to be put on "the list". Lots of testing. When you are presented with an offer of an organ, you have the opportunity to say "no thank you". At least you will be on the list, if you decide you want the transplant. Sometimes, it takes months to be called, so you will be ahead of the game, if you chose to go the surgery route. I know first hand how hard it is. I am so glad you are feeling well. Please do not deny yourself a new healthy organ because you feel someone younger should have it. Everything happens for a reason and whoever receives the organ is the person who should have it. I wish you well.
Lori
Replies to "Hi Randi, My husband had a liver transplant 2 weeks ago. He had stage 4 liver..."
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Lori,
Congratulations to you and your husband on a successful transplant and the journey of recovery ahead.
When the surgeon who did my tumor ablation 3 weeks ago strongly suggested transplant I began researching and was astounded at the scope of it all, without even knowing the pre-op testing, after care needs, possible side effects, lifetime adjustment to anti rejection meds and financial requirements, will be. What an undertaking and commitment for both spouses that as you said; you do because you had no other option and are grateful for the gift of life.
In my case, it's odd to have a transplant surgeon strongly recommending that route based on his assumption that my liver will eventually fail while my hepatologist, who I respect and trust, supports a more conservative plan of continuing all I'm doing lifestyle wise along with CT angiogram every 3 months, labs and being aware of any change in symptoms.
I admire what transplant families have to deal with and with gratitude.
I pray that it will never be asked of my husband.
For years we've had to grieve the loss of our children. I have deep remorse for now subjecting him to this.
I'm highly motivated to stick with a super healthy, clean diet, exercise daily even if I'm feeling lazy and say thank you for every moment that I continue to feel so good. Being 73 is much to be grateful for.
So many folks haven't had that.
I'll continue to read other's experiences here, in the event that transplant becomes unavoidable. It's quite an education and such generosity in sharing.
The very best to you and your husband while he heals.
Randi