Hi Kari, I had a successful liver/kidney transplant at Mayo in 2009. My health is restored, and I feel better than I ever remember feeling. I would be happy to try to help you in any way I can.

Hi Kari,I had a liver transplant in 2007.Everything went great and the very next morning I could tell a big difference in the way I fell and look.It has been 4 years now and still doing good,just got to lose about 50 pounds.If you have any questions or concerns feel free to ask!

Hi Kari, I just had a liver transplant in May of this year (2011). So far tests are good. Unfortunately liver disease has resulted in bone loss, thin skin, and diabetes. Hope that over time this will get better!

Congratulations on your transplant and good test results!!
I, too, experienced the symptoms that you have listed. In addition, I also had hair loss and brittle nails. I had insulin in hosp. for prednisone related diabetes. By the time of my 4 mo. check-up, my numbers were back to normal. Also my skin, hair, nails returned back to normal within the first year. A good body lotion, healthy diet , and exercise are essential. As far as the bone density loss – being female and post meno. are working against me, but I have improved slightly since transplant and my level is just above osteoporosis.
The dermatologist said I could take Biotin for my nails, hair. I am taking Calcium with D for my bones.

Thank you so much for responding- I do have a question.Do you know, How is it determined if you are a candidate for a transplant? How does age factor into it? I have heard that you cannot be a liver transplant candidate (even if your family is willing to donate part of their liver) if you are over the age of 70? If you have no other health problems this seems like a young cut off. I would have thought it would be determined by each pt, not age.

Would anyone share with me what age you were when you received your transplant?
I am not understanding the age cut off of 70. That seem so young. Also any good links or medical articles that anyone could recommend would be appreciated. Thanks

Dear Kari, I rec’d a new Liver at Mayo Jackville on aug 4 2011 in a record 2.5 hour
surgery…….if you are in good shape or your friend is the Mayo will help.
I am 58 the problem is that as you get older the recuperative powers of your body slows and the anti rejection drugs are very strong and tough on you

DG

Thank you! I appreciate you getting back to me. What kind of side effects have you had from the anti-rejection drugs?

Kari, Look at the website for United Network for Organ Sharing: http://www.unos.org This is the national organization that oversees the procurement and distribution of organs. You will find helpful links and transplant data. Also look at the websites for the regional/states’ organ donor affiliates; they have lots of useful information that is easy to read and understand.

I have I can Help!

Yes how do you lose weight on predisone?

Kari- my sisters daughter has just been diagnosed with Primary Biliary Cirrhosis Stage two- and am sure she would like to be incontact with you. Please private message me so I can send your email adr to her. (I’ll have to get it from my sister). Marigold

My mom used to babysit for a guy who donated to a complete stranger about 10-15 years ago. Says he has never been sorry. Had a few complications during the process, but has done fine. He is a well known pencil artist in my area.

i also was diagnosed in stage 2 does any one know how many stages there are? and how fast they advance no doctor will tell me

I was diagnoised with PBC in the summer of 2011. There is a wonderful site full of info about PBC and it also has a daily digest full of PBC patients, pre & post transplant. The site is pcbers.org, they also have a facebookpage pcbers. Good luck with your journey.