Transplant Assessments.

[Lavender-Pearl]

Has anyone been through the assessment process at Birmingham Hospital and can give me a insight at all. My husband has been booked in for the first part at the end of this month and I am feeling very stressed about it all. Some reassurance would be appreciated thanks in advance.

[taar]

They are a lovely team, you and your husband will feel very well looked after. I was assessed June 2020, received my liver Sept 2022. Good luck to you both.

[Lavender-Pearl in reply to taar]

Hi taar thank you

[Huggy7614]

Hi Lavender,

First thing is no need to panic, but I know that’s easier said than done. Had my transplant there 4 years ago this month, hope what I say is still relevant.

Day 1 is about doing tests. Blood, ECG, etc. you will just be running around the hospital to various departments for various checks.

The next appointment is a two day assessment, where you get to talk to a surgeon, anaesthetist, dietician, everyone!!! The coordinators lead you through it well

The transplant coordinators there are wonderful, they have an amazing knowledge of the process and are incredibly helpful throughout.

Should you have any specific questions to ask please feel free. There are hotels not far away if you will need one. We stayed in Rubery.

Just remember this is the start of the process for your husband to become well again. There will be a huge amount of information coming your way, you will be best placed to soak that up. Take a pen and paper and never be afraid to ask a question. No such thing as a silly question!! My partner came with me all the way through, and thank goodness she did!!

Very best of luck to you both. Andy

[Shep666]

Hi Lavender

First well done to you and your hubby making it to the assesment stage. It is a good sign that they are willing to assess for a transplant. 🙂

Just had a liver trasplant with the Birminngham team and as everyone has said - they are fantastic. Key to remember is they are there for your hubby - they are not trying to fail him, but being blunt they are there to see if having a tranplant is better than not having a transplant and can he survive the physical/mental trauma of such a massive operation. It is a game of risk vrs reward 👍

The assesments themselves come pretty thick and fast and all your hubby has to do is remain calm and positive and go with them. (easier said than done when thinking about it in advance - but easier once underway).

They are all on his side it is amazing such a large team works so well, as you get to know more and more familiar faces it all becomes a lot less scary on a minute by minute basis. Also ask,ask and ask if you feel a bit in the dark, they take it at your pace and want you to feel as comfortable as possible.

As I say I have just completed the whole cycle there and as such I think I will be as up to date as most - even down to seeing many of the same people as your hubby is about to see. Please feel free to message me if I can help in anyway.

Goddl luck to you both 😍

[Dogbot]

As everyone has told you they are not there to fail you, they help you all the way. I had my tests April 2020 and had my transplant last 23/3/23 feeding great so it’s all worth it. Good luck and please try not to worry they are lovely people 💕💕.

Stay safe All

Dogbot 🐶🌈Dave

[Porcupine_Tree]

All the above. Make sure you have some searching questions for the Liver Consultant. I was lucky as I managed to meet with a Surgeon also.Heritage also provides free accommodation and food.Best resturant is 2nd floor new building if preferred.

[Yellowsydney]

Hi, had my assessment at Addenbrookes, take something to entertain yourself as there is lots of waiting about, have a notebook so you can write down any questions you have and any information they give you.If you use Facebook please feel free to join our friendly and knowledgeable Facebook group called liver transplant support uk, thousands of people that have been in your situation

Hilary

[Lavender-Pearl]

thank you all for taking the time to reply to me it has really helped and I am so grateful.