Transplant full assessment-query

Hi,

My Husband has been booked in for a full assessment in April to see whether he is suitable to add to the transplant list - does anyone have any further information on the anaesthetic test/CPET assessment? Thanks in advance

[Chelle_]

HI Power. I had my assessment in October 2016, day one consisted of a lot of talking to people, doctors, surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses etc. Just giving me information on what might happen if I go for transplant, and seeing if I was suitable transplant candidate. Things moved on to chest x-ray, CT scan, ultra sound, bloods (a lot of bloods) heart scan (ECG) and EEG, Lung function test (just breathing into a tube) and then the CPET test which for me was on a bike with a mask on.

There was a lot of waiting about but there was ample time to talk to doctors, nutritionists, surgeons about worries or concerns.

Whereabouts are you being assessed? I was assessed at Kings College Hospital in London. I have been waiting for 17 months. My wait could be up to two years because of my blood type.

There are lots of people that have been through this all before on here and are a tremendous help. Don't be afraid to ask any of your questions!

xx

[Hidden in reply to Chelle_]

Thanks for the quick reply and very helpful. It is the Royal Free in London but getting a bit worried that he’s not going to be well enough as he’s currently in for a blood transfusion as very anaemic. Just need to try and keep him as well as possible I guess.

[Chelle_ in reply to Hidden]

He's in the best place though! If they can get him well enough for assessment they will. He might not even be assessed it might be decided that he just needs a new liver now - that's the super urgent list. I hope he is starting to feel more himself. How are you?

[1football]

Hi

Mine was at addenbrookes and lasted 3 days.none of the tests are intrusive but the blood gas test in your wrist is painful but is over in seconds. On the third day I had couple of meetings and was told the outcome that afternoon I was successful and been on list coming up 15 months now a lot of people are a lot quicker and many longer it really depends on the severity of your husbands illness

Best of luck

Huw

[Hidden in reply to 1football]

Thanks Huw. Very helpful reply as they all are on here. I hope you get a call really soon!

[john110865]

Hi Power, I am with Leeds, I was referred there and went for a 1 day consult. Doctor is extremely nice (Stewart), I meet the nursing team also. For me, bottom line is now they want to run tests over 5 days (I am LTOT - Oxygen 16 hours a day, hence no overnight stay in their view). Anyways, it seems I will be in for assessment at around the same time as you hubby. Not sure if he knows you are on here (bless you for being so), but if you and/or he wants we can chat and compare notes ... gives me some support and him. Have a think and let me know. Here is me -- facebook.com/john.s.ashcroft

[Barnetaccounts]

Hi Power, I was assessed at The Royal Free and as stated above there are a multitude of tests aimed at establishing a persons ability to undergo the huge operation that a transplant is. The team at The Free are brilliant and once the tests are complete the case I’d discussed at their Multi Disciplinary Meeting and a decision as to the suitability of any potential candidate is made. I was borderline as my BMI was just outside the required level but I had shown the desire by losing a lot of weight and was accepted onto the list under the condition that my weight loss regime continued. I waited 18 months for the call and unfortunately I suffered a major haemorrhage and the procedure was abandoned and my wife was told I had approx 24 hours to live. That was 15 months ago and although I am still with my initial liver I have actually never felt as well.

I have written a blog about my cancer journey and what each part has entailed. It can be found at 1liver1life.wordpress.com and the one that covers the pre transplant assessment is called Tests, Hope and a trip to Florence which I wrote in May 2015. I wish you very well and all the very best on your journey, if you have any further questions please feel free to ask.

Ray