Liver transplant - Let's support each other

Good morning from Canada
I had a liver transplant in October of 2020. My transplant was done through the Vancouver General Hospital. I too had a pre evaluation evaluation. I think it's part of the process to make sure you are ready for all the challenges ahead of you. God bless you on your journey and most of all STAY STRONG 🇨🇦🍁

I went through an in patient program prior to being seen at mayo in Rochester. I we straight to in patientfrom the hospital. I was admitted after a routine dr appt. I was already in AA be going to mayo. After meeting with The mayo team , psychiatry and the CD counselor, I was given a sheet to turn in which verified attendance. The asked f one meeting weekly. Through the appoi I continued with blood work checking sobriety and drug as well as meeting with a chemical dependency social worker as part of my annual evaluations. They are there to assure you qualify for transplant as well as provide support for patients to have success with the program. Grab all the support you can!

I had my first meeting with Mayo Scottsdale on Wednesday, and was absolutely delighted with the experience. I expected just a conversation then to be scheduled for testing moving forward - but they started taking blood, x-rays, etc. immediately. What a delight after waiting four months to be seen. Friendly, efficient, knowledgeable caring - applies to the many people I saw on Wednesday.

The above being said, I have been scheduled for a few other tests and an appointment with a psychiatrist before a determination is made whether to put me through the transplant evaluation process or not. So I guess this is a pre-evaluation evaluation! My question is this: My Dr wanted me to meet with the psychiatrist as soon as possible, so they can determine if I’m likely to relapse, and to get me in some sort of alcoholics’ support group (8 mos without a drink). Can anyone share what type of groups or treatment is done for this? My Dr mentioned AA, but are there other possibilities? I appreciate anyone sharing what they have experienced or know.

Cheers

Hi, @susanrmnp. Congratulations on getting your transplant this year! I'm so glad that you were referred to Mayo and was able to get past the age barrier that the original facility had. When patients are denied a transplant at one facility (especially when it comes to age limits on transplants), it's always good to check out other facilities, as different facilities have different guidelines. Wishing you all the best...enjoy your "new life!" 💕

@gammie8, I hope you and your husband are doing well and that you have had some good news regarding transplant. I had my transplant this year, at 73. I was diagnosed with PBC in 2016, and worked full time up until last year. For the past year or so prior to transplant, I was quite tired every day, it felt like I was dragging a giant weight around. My boss who is a wonderful person allowed me to work at home when I needed to. The hepatologist I was seeing referred me to Mayo because her health system will not transplant after age 69 (which she doesn't agree with, but ...). This turned out so well for us! Though we had to travel to Phoenix (and still do, for checkups), it was worth it. I love my Mayo team, they are such a caring and highly skilled team, and I owe my life to them. I wish for the best for both of you!

Hi, @vandi.
I am a patient, and was referred to Mayo Clinic by my local transplant team after I had complications that needed specialists at Mayo. However, a patient can contact Mayo Clinic directly to inquire about an appointment as @mkjogan has replied. Or - the patient's doctor can make a referral.

Here is the contact information for the liver transplant department at Mayo. (Arizona, Florida, Minnesota) Mayo Clinic transplant staff can answer your questions.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/liver-transplant/home/orc-20211818
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@vandi, Is your brother currently under the care of a liver specialist? Have you spoken with him about referral to either Mayo or a regional transplant center near you?

I would simply call and ask for appointment for transplant department on general. It is team approach, with ulti many departments involved. My initial appointment was with two doctors for basic intake and review of medical history and records. They approve me for assessment to the transplant team. From there, I went through a three yo four dsy intake assessment, meeting doctors a running through extensive testing to see if I was sn appropriate candidate who would qualify for transplant or if I needed transplant. They monitor health closely. My doctor called and made my referral based on my testing with him after referral and approval, mayo took the reins do to speak. Make a call! There is hope out there.

Hi!
My brother is diagnosed with stage 4 liver cirrhosis & doesn’t look well. Been sleeping all day. I am really concerned & will
appreciate if you could help me with a reference of a good doctor to connect with at the Mayo Clinic . I am lost 😞

Hey. Do you have primary biliary cholangitis and was diagnosed 12 years ago? and also a liver transplant? a familiar was recently diagnosed with the same, the PBC and the cancer. He's only 27 years old. Your testimony give me hope that he can have a good prognosis.

Hi, @phillydawg. You have had quite an interesting year, haven't you? I know that you are happy and worried at the same time. My transplant was in April 2009 at Mayo Rochester, and I remember clearly how I felt while waiting for lab results and hoping for the phone call to let me know that it was time for my transplant. I do hope that your results next week are going to be favorable.
Prior to my transplant, my husband and I stayed at the Gift of Life Transplant House in Rochester MN for several months, and so I was able to ride the patient shuttle to the hospital to check in for my surgery after my phone call. I went imediately registered and checked in at the Liver transplant Dept. I was prepped and my husband was able to be with me when until I was rolled to surgery. My surgery went well, and the next day, I was rolled to a room in the ICU for observation until I was taken - in a wheelchair- to my hospital room where I spent 7 days. On the morning after surgery, I could eat a light breakfast. And the nurses helped me out of bed to begin walking! During those days in hospital I became stronger and the nurses taught me and my husband everything that I needed to know and before discharge. I did need a walker and a wheelchair because I had to use a walker and wheelchair prior to transplant due to my weakness and health prior to my surgery.
After discharge from inpatient care, we returned to the Gift of Life House via a taxi, and my husband pushed me inside in a wheelchair. I began gaining strength and was soon using walker most of the time. By the time I was discharged from outpatient care, I was walking pretty much on my own. That was 30 days after my surgery. Then we had a 850 mile drive back to our home in Kentucky. On that trip home, I was able to stay in a motel, and to eat in a restaurant. I slept most of the way home, though.
Once at home, I gradually increased my walking time and distance,and I got tired easily. Mostly, I had to regain my stamina, muscle mass, and weight. In July I was able to be at our son's wedding! and in November, after my 5 month check-up, I was approved to go hiking, but still lacking stamina which took a bit longer.
As you already know, each patient is different, and I need to add that I had been flown to Mayo out of ICU in KY in late Feb with acute kidney failure in addition to my need for my liver transplant. When I received my liver and kidney transplant in April, I had a lot of catching up to do.

@phillydawg, I think that you will want to want to join these discussions, where some of the recent transplant patients/members are sharing their more recent experiences.
- It's just one of those days: Share your transplant recovery tips
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/its-just-one-of-those-days/
- How to Sleep Post Liver Transplant in Initial 30-Day Recovery?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/how-to-sleep-post-liver-transplant-in-initial-30-day-recovery/
Please click the link, and read what others have experienced. Your questions are welcomed, and anytime you want to direct a comment or question to a particular member - use their @name.
Hope the labs go well. Let me know if I can be of any assistance.