Cirrhosis, Road to a Liver Transplant

[KPOrient]

Hi, I was diagnosed with cirrhosis a year ago and now my liver is doing worse and have been referred to Addenbrook Hospital to see if I am a candidate for a liver transplant. I have my first appointment next week at the hepatology clinic and really scared. What can I expect at this visit and what happens next? Thank you!

[CJM1998]

Hi, I had my transplant on the 28th of November and I waited about 7 months. From the meeting you learn about the categories of liver, split and full, what to expect when you wake up from your op, the process of the phone call. During my appointment we had someone speak about their experience with transplantation. You learn more about your diet, the benefits and the problems that can occur with the operation and more info about life after. If you have anymore questions you want me to answer just send me a message. The hardest part of being on the list is the waiting game, you have to be a patient and positive. Try and keep yourself as healthy as possible by following a low fat high protein diet. Good luck with your appointment and I hope you get the result you want.

[KPOrient in reply to CJM1998]

Thank you so much, I appreciate it!

[Brummi]

Hi, you may have blood test, scans . It's easy for me to say do not be worried but stress is not good for you. Wait untill you have the full results then you know what the next move is. I hope all goes well for you.

[KPOrient in reply to Brummi]

Thank you so much, Brummi!! I really appreciate your reply!

[Brummi in reply to KPOrient]

Your welcome, I have been there.

[AyrshireK]

KPOrient, at your first appointment at the transplant unit you will have a good chat with the consultant who will generally take a note of the history of your condition, your current condition and symptoms and will probably get your weight, blood pressure and blood samples taken. The doctors will then look at your current situation and if they feel you are at the stage of requiring a transplant they will then put your forward for a transplant assessment. It would generally be at your transplant assessment that the full discussions about the operation and the ins and outs of transplant that CJM1998 describes rather than at your very first appointment at the transplant centre.

When you go to Addenbrooks for your first appointment I would suggest you take someone with you as an additional pair of eyes and ears to help you digest the raft of information you'll be given, take a notebook and in it jot down your current symptoms as you see them, a list of any medication you are already taking and also jot down ALL questions you want to ask & make sure you get them answered at the appointment. If you feel you need additional support from dietician, psychiatrist or anyone else then ask for that at your appointment.

My hubby was sent to 'touch base' with the transplant unit in June 2013 and they took over the care of his condition though didn't put him forward for the full transplant assessement until June 2014. He attended the T/P clinic regularly to be monitored closely.

Wishing you the very best of luck.

Katie

[KPOrient in reply to AyrshireK]

Hi, Katie, thank you so much for your reply and providing all this detail, very helpful!! I will definitely be taking my wife wth me and great idea about the notebook. Thank you again!