Luck in rolling the dice??

When I was first placed on the list my MELD score was in upper 20’s to a high in mid 30’s. I was pretty sick at that time with developing kidney failure due to high dose diuretics to pull the fluid off. At that point I was hospitalized for five days and listed at the end of my stay. I had every other day lab work done and over a two week period my MELD score dropped dramatically and my body felt much better. Then one evening at the end of that two week period I received the call from the transplant team saying they had a liver and I could possibly be a recipient if I could get to the transplant hospital immediately which was one hour from where I live. They were very up front in telling me that nothing was a sure thing and I could be a no - go up to the point of anesthesia.
Long story short I am 2.5 years post transplant and living life to the fullest. I was back to hiking and doing activities that I had been missing out on for a long time. My advice is if the opportunity presents itself then take what is offered. I believe that the healthier as person is pre-transplant the quicker the body heals. Please understand though this is a long healing process regardless and there are many ups and downs both mentally and physically.
I am a person of faith and I believe that there is a purpose in everything put in front of us and it is our responsibility to make the best decision and live a life that protects a precious gift that is presented to us. Best wishes in your journey.

I can't THANK YOU enough for your response. Glad that you emerged from the "shell" you've been in. Enjoy every moment!! God Bless!!

Hi there! My MELD was 16 when I was evaluated and listed at Mayo Phx in July; previously my highest MELD had been 24, I had ascites, and was very unwell. This being said, by the time I was evaluated my body had healed significantly, but not enough to preclude being listed. Then, in late September, my MELD dropped to 14, and I was sure I would never get a liver, and would stay in constant limbo. The Mayo doctor at the time even told me to not look for a transplant “anytime soon” - I was devastated.

Then, voíla! October 26, less than four months after listing, I “got the call”! And was transplanted about 8 hours later. I was gobsmacked! I mean, seriously. So I probed the doctors “how could this have happened?”, “why did I get this liver?”. I read the medical notes pre and during surgery, and came to a conclusion: I received the liver because of an unknown risk of TB - for which I am being treated, though I’ve not tested positive, and likely won’t. But were I less healthy at the time, I may not have been as fortunate - they wouldn’t want to take the risk with somebody who couldn’t manage it if TB actually was present.

So - do miracles happen? Absolutely. In this case, I think I received the liver that was meant for me due to the miracle of Mayo and their incredible understanding of both the science of liver disease, and the patients, at a very intimate level.

Best of - hope this helps. Your liver may not come when you want it - but it will, at the right time.

I don’t believe in luck and tried gambling and I’m horrible at but my transplant I left it up to Jesus and the first one was not a match my meld was in the 30s and I was near death then 3 years later I’m as happy as you can get, I swim close to a mile a day and get to be pretty active I’m 66 so enjoy your new liver when it arrives be patient

I was 18 years on/off the list 4 times with low MELD score (15-20), but had TIPS and many emergency room visits. I lived close to Mayo, and thought for several years I may get the call. The plan was with low MELD, I would be perfect back up candidate. I stayed on the list and notified the team, to temporarily remove me from the list, when I had to leave area 60 plus miles from Mayo. I did receive TP at 18 years. It was worth the wait. Do I wish it was sooner? No, I firmly believe in the Man above decided when the perfect timing and situation lined up. The wait just added to my already deep gratitude and appreciation of this life.
When the time is right......

@lcd

I agree with "his plan" Glad to hear it went well for you! THANKS A LOT for sharing the story. Take care! Maybe we';; "chat" again sometime!