Ist Assessment at the Royal Free...has anybody been through this?...🤔

[Hey___]

Hi everyone, just asking about the initial assessment (s) at the Royal Free for a transplant ; One is at 9:30 and one at 10.

I wonder how intensive it is, how long it goes on for and the general questions they will be asking. I guess the questions will be surrounding my current health issues and previous ailments. I have had DVT and Pulmonary embolism a few years ago.I have Cirrhosis that was Decompensated due to alcohol and understandably know my answers about this issue will be important. Mentally, it has been a tough year after coming out of hospital in February, however,I am managing and sober. I do however have a history of anxiety and depression which I know will be discussed.

Is there any advice on the questions I should ask them? My brother has offered to be a living donor because he wants me to live which is amazing. And to be honest, I want to live. I have a 13 year old son who I adore. Supportive family and friends but this nagging doubt of the outcome of this assessment.

I had a telephone consultancy with my liver doctor last week. I find talking about really important information on the phone quite odd and rushed. I believe I would like a prognosis of my physical state. He was more insistant on talking about spirituality and keeping my mind strong to cope. I understand that but I would like everything from a more biological and medical perspective which I am hoping to achieve via assessment?!

Thanks for reading my post. Wishing strength and happiness to you all, Mark.

[TT-2018]

I am not sure what the procedure is post Covid but be assured that you are in excellent hands with the team at the Royal Free.

I was put up in the Premier Inn close by for two nights. They will ask you to report early and run you through a whole series of diagnostic tests, consultations, along with a presentation from the coordinators. It is very intensive and the days pass quickly.

The question of a living donor will arise, it wasn’t a situation that I found myself in. But they will ask and then check out your brother to see if he is suitable.

I wish you every success on your journey ahead.

Mark.

[Hey___ in reply to TT-2018]

Thanks Mark for getting back to me. News that I am in excellent hands at the Royal Free is reassuring.I have two assessments in one day so I guess I need to see the outcome of those before a potential hotel visit.😊

I did read one of your old posts about waiting 19 months for your transplant!?.. Firstly, well done.!..and how was that period for you?

Thank you.

Mark

[TT-2018 in reply to Hey___]

I am type B blood, which has a donor shortage. I was a priority listing and during my wait, the rules changed from regional to national availability of donor organs. That was literally a life saver for me. I followed every piece of advice that I was given, compliance is everything and there is no alternative than the National Blood and transplant service.

I won’t pretend that things were easy, living with all the symptoms of decompensated cirrhosis is incredibly difficult. But I kept a positive mindset and in the end, it came good for me.

I wish you every success with the journey ahead of you, be assured that you are in the best possible care.