Just had a second liver biopsy last week and pathology staged it as F3 PBC/AIH while the liver transplant committee reviewed and agreed I am Stage 4 with cirrhosis. (I've already developed stomach bleeds, AVMs, GR1 Varices and have a portal hypertension measurement of 11. I am starting treatment for the first time ever and while my docs are hopeful they can ease progression with Urso, Budesonide, and Aza, they are keeping me on their radar for if/when my MELD score starts rising.
They suggested dietary changes, which I've already been making the past few months (high lean protein, fruits/veggies, no alcohol, Mediterranean style diet, etc.). I've lost weight and am about a stone or 15 lbs within no longer being deemed 'overweight'. First time in 3 -1/2 decades! (age 57)
Several team doctors have also requested I begin PRE-Habilitation as my physical activity is low and my muscles are showing waste. I am curious how those who've received transplants, are currently listed, or like me, preparing for the future. . . are improving stamina, physical ability and maintaining healthy, low impact fitness regimes. Will hand weights help maintain arm muscles? Walking? Riding a Stationary Bike? Water aerobics? Just need some support and simple ideas to get going. Thanks!
-Jenner
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JennerLayne
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Can you swim JennerLayne? A good cardiovascular workout would be good, but nothing too strenuous. Breathing exercises would be good too.
I'm not sure of the physical demands that need to be met in order to have a liver transplant over in America. But, here in the UK a patient needs to be able to prove that they are fit enough to be able to endure a five to six hour operation.
Even though the transplant procedure is pretty standard, no surgeon really knows what's going to happen once they open you up. Some transplant's can go like a breeze, with no complications, but there is always and unknown factor as anything can happen.
When I had my liver transplant back in 2016, I was a young 63-years old. My donor was just 48. When it came to connecting up all the plumbing, (the various veins and arteries) it was found that my bits were a lot thinner than those of my donor. This made is harder for the surgeon. No two transplants are the same.
Normally over here in the UK a person will undergo a liver transplant assessment. This consists of a panel of up to five specialists, these will include a surgeon, an anaesthetist, and a psychiatric doctor or nurse. The anaesthetist will want to know that your lung capacity is going to be good enough to endure the operation, and the psychiatric staff will want to make sure that you are mentally stable, and in good spirits.
So, the amount of build up you can do before the transplant, the better your chances of success will be.
Also, this will have a greater impact upon your speed of recovery, post-transplant.
Thank you so much for sharing. Yes, I can swim and in fact have been thinking about joining the gym adjacent to my office for under $10/month. It has two pools, low impact weight circuits and all I need for a basic workout which can be done before, after work or during my lunch hour. We even have a shower in our office space!
I have undergone the initial consult at the Transplant unit and met several team members who pre-qualified me to stay on their radar until my meld score rises. At that time, I would attend the liver transplant assessment to gain approval for listing. I just really want to be physically prepared, given I missed the window of opportunity to be treated before I progressed to this stage.
Yes all those activities will be really helpful. You dont have to go mad with it either. Just keeping that bit of activity going is really helpful.
Walking, cycling and swimming are all great low impact activities that will work all the important muscle groups, including your heart and lungs. Walking is probably the easiest to do as its free and you can just step out the door, lol. Very handy when you are feeling fatigued and getting to the gym seems like a bit too exhausting an effort.
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On the transplant list 11m
Hepatic Encephalopathy pre-transplant – Encephalopathy post-transplant
Liver Transplant Pre / Post op
Listed for transplant
Listing for transplant 
