Liver transplant initial assessment in approx 4 mths time at Kings College Hospital London

[1ily]

My hubby has received an appt letter for his liver transplant inital assessment at Kings- London. Please could anyone who has been through the Kings assessment in the last 2/3 years share your experience please. ( Polite point: We don't do social media so won't be able to get support from the Facebook support gp at this time).

A few queries:

1st : We know numerous tests will be completed because we have read the really useful info on this website, but the info is general - applicable to all UK assessment centres - and not Kings College London, specifically. Please post about your experience as a patient or their partner.

2nd : My husband is walking for 40 mins to 1 hour each day and does about 20 mins exercises dauly (given by a physio to help to build his physical strength). We want to know if there are other things he should do in prep to help him pass the assessment. Eg building lung capacity?

3rd : The info sent by Kings in the appt letter says he has to record everything he eats for 3 days before admission ( he is to be an inpatient for 4 days) - we are not sure why is this being asked- there must be a good reason?

4th Thank you in advance for your patience with our questions. God bless!

[AyrshireK]

Hi there, hope all goes well - the food diary bit will be to gauge what his food intake is like so that dieticians can advise on where there are potential gaps in his intake. Although we were never asked at Edinburgh to keep a food diary I did one and it helped show dieticians that although hubbies intake was good it was actually insufficient to keep his weight and muscle on and they had to introduce supplements and eventually n/g feeding. Sadly towards his transplant my hubby was unable to eat at all and post transplant in hospital lost a further stone in weight to it's important they have the information to do a thorough nutritional work up.

Katie

[Porcupine_Tree]

Hi 1ily,I was at King's in early Jan for a 2nd opinion Liver Transplant assessment. I was in Cheyne Wing on Todd's ward for four nights. I, like you was asked to fill in a 3 day food log. I guess they are looking for protein intake and general food amount. I handed mine to a dietician who was talking to a chap in the next bed. I didn't see anybody face to face.Not sure why..

Anyway the first thing I must say is that I was really well looked after by the nursing staff. Nothing was ever a problem and they kept me well informed about the day ahead.

Any way procedures included CPX (cycling on a stationary bike) for 10 mins or so . They are looking for recovery times. Lung function , lots of blowing; ECG ; Echocardiogram; CT head; CTCAP ,pelvis; Abdo; Thorax. Discussions with Liver Coordinator, Anethatist; Liver Surgeon; Intensive care Cardio ; several Registrars to answer your questions. I had two outstanding tests EP Study and CT Coronary angiogram. These I am having done at my local hospital. Results will go back to King's for their MDT from which I will be told whether I can go on the list. Most people will get a call at home on that Friday to confirm or otherwise.

Re excersise you are doing the right thing I.e walk every day; excersise I.e low weights but regularly. Plenty of protein such as cottage cheese, chickpeas; chicken ; eggs; protein bars; renapro shots; obviously fruit and veg. Don't worry about a bit of fat it is part of a good diet. You will receive loads of information get ready to take notes.. NB Listen lodges accross the road are available for family, apparently free.

Good luck and I hope you receive your desired result.

PT