Thank you for adding me : Hi all, I’m a... - British Liver Trust

British Liver Trust

36,240 members17,903 posts

Thank you for adding me

25 Replies

Hi all, I’m a post-transplant male who was transplanted on the 4th September 2018 at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. Pre operation I suffered with stage 4 non alcoholic liver disease and also really bad Encephalopathy which resulted in spending a lot of time in hospital. When I had my transplant I didn’t know at the time that I was more ill than what I thought. When they opened me up, my portal vein was 75% blocked, they told my wife I had about roughly 2 weeks left to live. Thankfully the operation came at the right time and everything was sorted. The strange thing is that I knew I felt different as soon as I woke up, I had absolutely no pain and still no pain to today. If you have any questions please feel free to ask.

Read more about...
25 Replies
Paulinekp profile image
Paulinekp

Welcome to the site xxx

alfredthegreat profile image
alfredthegreat

Hi Liverpoolone. Glad to hear that you are doing so well. You join quite a few of us on here that were saved in the nick of time thanks to the unselfish act of organ donation and the transplant teams wonderful expertise. May your new good health continue. All the best to you. Alf

in reply to alfredthegreat

Thanks for your kind words Alf

jules45 profile image
jules45

Hi, well done for pulling through and thanks for sharing your experience as I'm due at QE on 18th March for my first transplant assessment. I'm so scared of the the transplant and wondered how good the hospital is etc.

How do you get there when you live in Wales within the time limit, any advice would be priceless

Best wishes, julie x

in reply to jules45

Hi Julie, please don't worry about the operation, if I had to have it done again it wouldn't bother me. I've had no pain or anything, maybe I was a lucky I don't really know.

The Queen Elizabeth hospital is as far as I'm concerned second to none. The care pre transplant and post transplant is absolutely fantastic. I hope all goes well for you, if you have anything that i might be able to help with, please feel free to ask 😉 xx

Oops I forgot to add that I get there by train, University station is really close to the hospital.

chell1704 profile image
chell1704 in reply to jules45

Hi Jules where in Wales are you? My Hubbie was transplanted there 7th April last year and we are South Wales. We said a run on a clear road is 2 1/2 hours and that was that. Although it can take hours of waiting when you finally get there so no need to break speed limits. They know how far away you are. Hope your assessment goes well. Everyone there is lovely x

jules45 profile image
jules45 in reply to chell1704

Hi, I used to live near crosskeys but now live in north Poway. I get seen by Wales hepatologist at pontypool who referred me to Birmingham but my appt is 09.30 and that's why I've booked a hotel xxx thanks, julie

chell1704 profile image
chell1704 in reply to jules45

Hubbie is under Bridgend who see us in between QE appointments. When he was in and for assessments we stayed at Central Plaza Broadway Travelodge. 2 miles away. But you have to pay for overnight parking. Lots of food places near and they serve food there. Xx

jules45 profile image
jules45 in reply to chell1704

Hi, we are staying at premier inn, Hagley road 46 pounds for two of us and its free parking and a beefeater on site. Ill probably stay there every time i have an early appointment xxxx

jules45 profile image
jules45

That's really the news I wanted to hear! Thankyou as its the surgery that worries me. How long were you in theatre for and intensive care. As it stands I've booked a premier inn for assessment as I've been saving up and partner driving from Wales to Birmingham, Thanks, julie xx

in reply to jules45

We have stayed at a couple of premier inns in Birmingham city centre, but we mainly stick to the train.

I was in theatre for about 4 and a half hours plus 2 days in intensive care, the time seemed to go quick though. I was up and moving around after about day 2 and was in hospital for about 9 days.

When your in for a transplant there is a place for your partner to stay in on the hospital grounds called Nutfield house, it's about 20 pound a night.

Hope that helps, Lenny x

jules45 profile image
jules45

Thank you for that info, they induce a çome do they for intensive care. You've been so helpful, thank you xxx

in reply to jules45

No, you are still sedated, they just wake you up slowly. I think I was lazy waking up....lol. xx

jules45 profile image
jules45 in reply to

Ha ha, I will be there for ďàys as I love my sleep xxx

Treeclimber62 profile image
Treeclimber62

Great to hear good news i had a transplant on the 17 April easter Sunday 2017 like you at the quality qe sometimes cant believe it happend till I see the scar

Glad to hear your feeling better. I have been diagnosed with cirrhosis for over 2 years now and I'm starting to get ultrasound results that need further tests. One said I had a 'hypnogenic' area that requires an MRI but Google doesn't even recognise the word.

My question is: Were your tests and operation performed in Liverpool? As that's where I'm based and the Royal is where my clinic is and so far I've had a couple of reasons to be a little worried.

in reply to

Hi Maffey my first tests were carried out at the Royal for about the first 2 years, then I was introduced to the doctor from Birmingham and then treatment was transferred to The Queen Elizabeth hospital. At the Royal I was under Dr Patanwala at the end there. I felt the treatment was very good there, sorry to hear that you have a few worries, if you need anymore Info and you think I can help just give me a shout.

Bemmsy profile image
Bemmsy

Please can I ask you how old you were when you had the transplant and how long you waited ?

in reply to Bemmsy

I was 58 at the time and I waited for 97 days after getting put on the list. Have you been waiting very long Bemmsy?

Bemmsy profile image
Bemmsy

It is my Dad who has liver disease, much older than yourself. So glad you are well :)

in reply to Bemmsy

I hope everything goes well for you both 👍 I’m back to the Royal on the 19th for the first time since August last year.

mncold profile image
mncold

Hi Liverpoolone,

Welcome to the site and congratulations on a successful transplant.

Best wishes,

Mary

in reply to mncold

Thank you Mary xx

Steak profile image
Steak

Hi just dragging myself up 2 go shopping. Fridge bare. This tiredness and sickly feeling don't help. My son has been great but does a full day working and I feel sorry that he has to go shopping as well so am pushing myself a little 2day 2 give him a break. This forum has been a god send 2 me as everybody knows what ur going through. X

in reply to Steak

Hi Steak, I know how hard it can be to get going in the morning but keep trying and never give up, I was really ill when I finally got my transplant after being on the list for about 97 days, but I stuck with it fighting every day. I hope you can carry on, you never know a bit of retail therapy might just make you feel a bit better.

You may also like...

Thank you for everything

like to thank everybody in the liver team at the hospital. I will also love to tell them how much I...

A thank you quote from one slightly nervous me!

Thank you

no more than 2 minutes to say I need transplant he said the time is right now he has put through...

Thank you

words to express how I feel at this time. People keep telling me time will heal. And I'm hoping it...

Thank You

true. Mam was diagnosed in October 2021 with portal vein thrombosis initially after a CT scan...