Liver transplant - Let's support each other

godlygal, I have't seen anything from you lately, so I want to drop in to say, "Hi". How is your loved one handling his cirrhosis diagnosis? I know that it is a fright and a shock to hear those words. Has there been any improvement or change in his condition?
How are you doing? Have you found any support for your own needs as a caregiver?
I am thinking about you.

@stella25 congratulations on his workup! It is so exciting yet scary. My husband had a liver transplant last July, exactly 1 year after his initial appointments. I remember that week well. It was exhausting, but so good to know they want to make sure he was healthy enough to handle the surgery.
Blessings on your journey,
JoDee

Hi Rosemary! I meant to tell you earlier my name is actually Mary. Stella is just the sign on name I used to set up my account. I can't tell you how much it means to me that you have taken a special interest in my son's case. You have already been a wealth of information to us and it's comforting to know you will be there as we move forward:-) We are excited for our evaluation. Me, I'm a bit terrified as well. Your support is truly a blessing we are extremely grateful for. Thank you to all for sharing your stories. I'm honored to be a part of this family:-) I will keep you posted every step of the way.

Stella, I think this is an exciting event for you son, and even a bit frightening him and you as he learns about his future journey. I feel a special interest in him because of his diagnosis of PSC. Remember that I am here if there is anything you want to ask or totalk about.

Your son most likely knows this informatioin, but I want you to have access to it also. - Getting Listed for Transplant
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/transplant/newsfeed/getting-listed-for-transplant/

My son is scheduled for his transplant evaluation Feb. 6 & 7. It's lovely to hear positive stories post transplant!

@frankw54 That's amazing that you were on the list for such a short time. Were you late getting on the list and then your MELD increased dramatically? I was on it for about 16 months. I am happy for you that the wait was short and it's all history now. It really is a wonderful feeling to have it behind you.

I too had HE episodes but I was fortunate in that mine were distinct and somewhat predictable. Sometimes I woke up with one. When I was prescribed xifaxan I went almost a year with no episodes at all so I never had to stop driving. The summer before my transplant (the transplant occurred in September 2016) I told my husband that I did not feel comfortable driving long distances anymore. I was worried if I felt an HE episode coming on I would be far from home.

Since my transplant I have resumed a very normal life, doing more than I had been able to do for quite a while. I am older so I work hard at staying in shape, a very worthwhile pursuit for people of all ages. You ask what to do with yourself -- that's a good start. Also, I did volunteer work for a while, and if you have the time there are even some part-time jobs out there. I am presuming you are retired since you are asking what to do with yourself.
The options are endless, depending on what you would enjoy. There are now no restrictions for you.
JK

Hi, Frankw54. I want to extend a virtual handshake and say, 'Welcome' to Mayo Connect. As a transplant recipient myself, I am thrilled to meet you! That is wonderful to hear that you are 1 year post transplant! I had to chuckle when you said you are wondering what to do with yourself. You must be feeling real good. And a wait of only 3 days is almost unheard of in my experience.

I would like to learn more about your experience. Where did you get your transplant? How did it happen that you had a 3 day wait?
What (if any) post transplant questions would you like to ask?

I also am one year post liver transplant. I know exactly where you are coming from. I was on the list only three days! Now I am wondering just what I should do with myself. This is why I joined this group. To find out what others think.

The major issue that I experienced was having high ammonia levels. I had to stop driving because the levels made me feel and appear intoxicated.

Hi, shelly63. I received my liver and a kidney (same time) at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. I can understand your fear because that is exactly what I felt during my pretransplant journey. One of my biggest fears before I was transferred to Mayo, was feeling like I was the only person with my condition, PSC (Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis) , another of those rare conditions. If there is anything that you want to ask me, I am here and I will share from my experience.

If you go to the NASH and cirrhosis of the liver that Colleen shared, you will meet others who are also frightened.- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/nash-and-cirrhosis-of-the-liver/

One thing that I have learned along the way, is that regardless of the named disease, we all experience the same fears, we share many symptoms, and we all go through the same evaluation testing. The team at Mayo is going to do all that it can to make you comfortable thru the entire process.
Which Mayo Campus is treating you?