Liver transplant - Let's support each other
What topics do people who are waiting for a liver transplant want to talk about? Who has had a liver transplant and wants to talk about?
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Transplants Support Group.
Do you have to stay over night? Have you looked into Gift of Life House?
July 24th I am back at Mayo. Thank you so much!
@jim1208, you are not a failure. Your life is in a holding pattern. And no one has a crystal ball to predict the future. So keep on forging ahead with baby steps, one day at a time. That includes keeping doctor appointments and taking good care of you - even taking naps.
When do you see doctor again for update?
@gaylea1 That's a long spell in the hospital; for HE. I was in a few times for two or three days. Lactulose definitely helps, but xifaxan helped me even more. Taking that I went almost a year with no HE episodes. When I did have one again they said it was because my liver was getting worse and I had resume taking lactulose.
When I got close to my transplant things really went downhill and both my husband and my sister were prepared for the worse. My kids live away and were not aware of how bad I was.
JK
@jim1208 I am very familiar with your symptoms. I was also very cold all of the time. I was so bundled up in bed in bed it was ridiculous. I went about 16 or 17 months on the waiting list and then somehow was transplanted sooner than anticipated, in September of 2016, at MELD 28. I was about to have my MELD increased and things had gone downhill so perhaps they can take all of that into account.
I had severe HE episodes but most of the time I was very cognitive and able to live my normal life. I did have additional symptoms -- lowering platelet counts, cramps in my legs and hands, fluid retention in my feet frequently, and my handwriting deteriorated terribly. My hands were very shaky. I could not take a picture they were so shaky, and I couldn't get a spoonful of soup to my mouth without it spilling. Also, I did have to nap daily.
You are in one of those tough situations. Not sick enough to get high on the list, but perhaps feeling miserable? I guess you just have to hang in there until things get worse, but some people are able to avoid a transplant with a good diet and other methods. That of course is the best, if you are feeling fairly well.
JK
Glad the hard part of your journey is behind you!
I feel like a failure because of not being able to work. I have good mornings but have to nap daily for 2 to 3 hours.
Yes, I am waiting.went to ER for this twice. Hard to work 40 hours a week. My last episode and ct scan they found tumor. I have had a tace procedure.it didn't work. Going through radiation now.
@rosemarya yes it has been a long 2 years for me but now I can look back and be thankful, grateful for where I am today. I remember members who told me to hang tight and that my time will come. Now I am advising others that the call will come. I never thought I'd get to this other side. Thank you for your guidance snd unfailing support ❤
Thank you for the link!