Just Beginning Process

@stephenbrown, I'm happy to meet you here on Connect, and I want to say Welcome! I had my transplant at Mayo in Rochester, and I can honestly assure you that you are not alone on feeling like you do. Being nervous is something that each one of us transplant patients has experience with. I think that the fear of the unknown is a major cause of that, at least it was for me. At Mayo, you will be amazed at the compassion and the knowledge of the medical staff who will be tending to your interviews, tests, scans, during the evaluatin process. The medical terminology can be scarey, but the nurses and techs are very good at explaining tests and procedures so that you will know to expect.
A zillion questions is a good thing - as long as you remember to ask them! Are you making a list? Take it with you so that you can jot down any notes. Is someone, your caregiver, going to be with you? A 2nd set of ears is most helpful.

@stephenbrown, After your phone appointment, you will begin your evaluation appointment the following day - is that correct? Have you received a schedule for the evaluation tests yet?
My tranplant was in 2009, and I will be happy to share what I know from my experience. Stephen, what questions would you like to ask here?

Yes. Have a whole schedule of evaluations. Six or seven on August 20 alone! I will have a wonderful caregiver - my husband of 38 years, Mark. We’ve been writing questions. Thanks for your response!!!!

Make sure that you bring your list with you to your appointments. Some of the questions can be answered by different people (at least in my experience). Also have them written down whether it is on your phone (which is what I do, so that I can easily add or remove when I get the answers) , because at least for me, I get there and my mind goes blank.

My husband had the week-long evaluation last October. They put him on the liver transplant list, then 6 months later, this past May, he received exception points and his MELD score went up to 26; he was put on the “active call” ( my words) list. He was told he could be called at any time, but likely not till October/November. We’re at Rochester, which makes a difference in the wait time, I guess. Two weeks ago tomorrow, he received the call. We were stunned, and reported to the hospital as required. His surgery went exceedingly well, and so far his recovery is going very well.
Wishing you all the best!!

@debbwca99, Congratulations and Thanks for sharing this happiest of happy news!

I know that you life is really busy now, while you are learning, along with your husband about recovery and a gradual return to a new normal life. I'm glad that you are in Rochester and near the hospital! I'm in Kentucky and was living at the GOL Gift of Life Transplant House when I got my call. I'll never forget it and I'm reliving that exciting moment as I read your post.

Deb, At this 2 week post transplant recovery, is there anything that you wish you had known ahead of time that that might have better prepared you for surgery or recovery?

Congratulations, I myself am a heart recipient but a lot of the process is similar. Good luck and if I can answer any specific questions please ask .