I'm male 65 years old and due to go to Addenbrooke's for Liver Transplant assessment at the beginning of January.I would like to chat with people who have been through this process.
Needless to say I'm a bit worried about the whole thing.
Can anyone help ?
Hello! My husband had transplant in May after 4 years of rollercoaster rides of illness - listed for transplant, delisted for transplant etc etc. Lots of people on here with loads of experience, ready to help and share🙂What are you particuarly worried about? Do you have any specific questions?Ewife
What happens at the assessment? How can I prepare.
Like I said I'm worried that at 65 I'm too old?
They will do a series of scans and tests to check you're physically up to transplant. My husband is younger, but most we see in clinic are a lot older than him - im certain 65 isn't too old at all. They will look carefully at your heart and lungs, probably a stress test. Even if they find problems, it doesnt necessarily rule out transplant. But they don't like surprises on the table, so rest assured that they will be very thorough. My husband was encouraged to work hard on his fitness whilst waiting. You will also meet a dietician. Ive heard of lots who have had to wait to be listed whilst they gain weight.
You will meet a substance abuse nurse if this has been part of your liver problems. Also a surgeon and an anaesthetist will see you.
Theyre a lovely team of people who will be happy to answer any questions. Write a list so that you remember them🙂
They will have a MDT(all teams meet together with several Consultants/surgeons) meeting once they have collated all their findings to discuss whst is best for you, and will let you kbow their decision. No ONE person decides whether or not transplant is the best option for you. Theyre extremely proffessional.
I hope this answers some of your concerns.
Ewife 😊
Hi, I had my assessment at Addenbrookes, firstly everybody there is lovely so kind and caring. The assessment consists of lots of tests, giving your body a full mot, you need to be sick enough to need a transplant but we'll enough to survive what is one of the hardest surgeries there is. You will have lots of blood tests, ct scan, x Ray, lung function test- blowing into a machine that measures your lung capacity, an ultrasound of your heart, ecg, you will speak to all the transplant team, surgeon, anesthetist, coordinator, dietician and possibly a physiatrist. On a Friday they hold a mdt- multi disciplinary team meeting to discuss your results and you will then get a decision. Take a notebook to note down any questions you have and anything you are told.
If you use Facebook please feel free to join our friendly and knowledgeable group called' liver transplant support uk', thousands of people that have been in your situation, Addenbrookes also has their own group called 'Addenbrookes liver transplant association, ALTA ' you will probably meet someone from ALTA during your assessment.
Good luck
Hilary xx
I was listed for transplant at QE in Birmingham in about 2000, when I would have been 63. I had my transplant in Sept 2022. I am now 67. As others have said, lots of tests, heart scans, echo cardiograms etc, going from one department to another. The tests tend to go over a couple of days,.
I think they also like to know if you have a good mental attitude to get you through the tough times, and that you will have support at home-- having my husband help me with my meds when I wasn't mentally very sharp, and his being able to drive me to and fro when I wasn't able was necessary for me, I think, though it doesn't have to be a spouse. A friend or other family member would be fine, and it is useful for the medical team to have their input too.
I have found all the liver specialists and their teams really approachable, knowledgeable, kindly and reassuring. Good luck to you.
I went to Addenbrookes last June for 2nights for assessment and was very worried about being able to get to various tests in such a large hospital. But no need to worry, two of us had lovely nurse Janet who looked after us and took us to different departments. Everyone was so great. At the moment they said I was too well to be put on list and some of the team come regularly to Southampton outreach clinic, as I live in Dorset to check that their patients are keeping well. Good luck you will meet some lovely people. Joan
Not this op, but the one for colorectal cancer! If you are asked to drink lots of water, please do so! I never had any pain because of this, meanwhile, I want to congratulate you and wish you all the very best, Happy NewYear, let this year be yours Kennedy!
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