Thankyou. I don't know what else can be done once the liver goes besides a transplant but my thinking is there is nothing else. I am not at the point of having to have another one yet but a person needs to go on that list when it's inevitable that they will need one and their MELD score indicates. The doctor that told me that I need to get on that list is not a liver specialist, though, and has no idea how much time I have till a transplant would be in order. That's why I will go back to my specialist once I can get an appointment. I'm also waiting till I get the vaccine before I go back to the clinic to see her. I had seen the liver specialist (hepatologist) 2 years ago and at that point she gave me some estimate of how much time she thought I had before the liver goes but that could change, too.Ruthanne, sad to hear that you're needing a transplant, I agree with you it wouldn't hurt to get an opinion from another specialist to help in your decision. My husband has a friend who is in his late sixties and had a liver transplant several years ago and he's doing very well and happy he had the surgery. He did go through the VA and didn't have to wait long for an organ, I believe his liver issues were due to years of taking prescription pain meds, although he did drink a little bit. He had no other medical conditions to my knowledge.
Hoping another doctor has an alternative for you besides the transplant. You are in my thoughts and sending warm healing wishes to you....hugs.
Ruthanne, I don't know enough about liver problems to give any serious advice, unfortunately. If I were you, I'd be doing the same and researching anything that may treat your condition without transplant surgery. I am always open to natural alternatives, and I will post anything of value that I come across here that may be useful to you. Take care, and I hope you get some relief in the meantime from your Hematologist. Hugs my friend, I will be thinking of you.
Thank you all so very much for being here and caring--it means a lot to me and I am overwhelmed (in a Good way!) with feelings right now. There is time yet before any decisions need to be made. I appreciate all the input and love! Sorry I haven't addressed all of your messages individually but know that I really appreciate all of your efforts.
Glad he's doing well! Thank you--I am thinking.Ruthanne, I don’t know what the answers are for you. I can tell you that my B-I-L had one last year. I think he was 62 at the time and he mentions almost daily how thankful he is for the extra time. He looks at life differently now. Like we all should live it probably, but everyday he wakes up is like this extraordinary gift to him now. Maybe that is something to think about? Just know my prayers are with you...lots of them
Yes, I agree no one should have to go through this alone but everyone here has made me feel I'm not going through it alone now. I had been angry at one of my siblings for not being here for me anymore but things change in life and that's just life and how it goes. I definitely will keep up with updates.
Awww...that's so sweet of you Tish! I do need prayers--much appreciated!
I wish you lived near, too, but the computer brings us a bit closer. Yes, we would laugh...I don't even know what I'm doing yet as everything is new to me now. Thanks!
Yes, many things to consider...I believe the managers here would help me if I get surgery--they are special helpful people. Well, at least they would feed and walk the dog and feed the bird. I am open to alternatives but I know quite a lot about this after learning a lot from others online who have been there. I do hope to try to keep my liver maintaining for as long as possible but no one really knows how long that lasts and then there is failure which leads to a possible transplant. Thinking about a transplant is very new to me--I have to see the specialists and get more information from them yet which will be in the near future. Thanks Ruth for being here!
I appreciate that. I'm going to see a Hepatologist which means liver specialist. I certainly am going to see what else I can do for a treatment for this condition. Thank you!Ruthanne, I don't know enough about liver problems to give any serious advice, unfortunately. If I were you, I'd be doing the same and researching anything that may treat your condition without transplant surgery. I am always open to natural alternatives, and I will post anything of value that I come across here that may be useful to you. Take care, and I hope you get some relief in the meantime from your Hematologist. Hugs my friend, I will be thinking of you.
I appreciate that @Kaila so much! Bless you and everyone here. I'm starting to feel alive again.
Thank you for correcting me Ruthanne for having the name of the specialist incorrect. I hope you're successful in finding an alternative treatment that is not so extreme. Thinking of you.
Thank you for those vibes!Continue to be strong Ruthanne. It may be stormy now, but it never rains forever. Sending good, healthy vibes your way.
Good. You need to make a decision that works for YOUGlad he's doing well! Thank you--I am thinking.
