You’ve just received the news that you need a transplant and now you need help to understand how the process works and what to expect. Maybe you’ve received your transplant and you feel like nobody understands what you’ve been through. Perhaps you’re a caregiver for a transplant patient and need to know how you can help them.
You’ve come to the right place. As a liver transplant recipient, I have so many experiences to share that may be similar to the ones you’ve had yourself. I remember how hard it was to find information from actual people who had been through a transplant. First, let me tell you a little about my journey.
In 2013 my life was pretty much like any other parent. Each morning I would get up, exercise, wake up the kids, and maybe even actually sit down to eat breakfast. I’d take the kids to school and then sit in traffic on my way to and from work. Once home I’d make dinner, help the kids with homework, and get them ready for bed. All of that just so I could relax a little before starting it all over again the next day.
I had not been feeling great for a few days. One morning when my alarm went off, something was very different. I felt bloated and sick and my hands and feet felt like they had fallen asleep. When I weighed myself I realized I had gained 10 pounds overnight!
My mom came to pick me up and take me to the emergency room. When we got there staff rushed me into a room for blood tests and a barrage of questions. A little while later, a doctor came in to update us. More tests and treatments were needed right away or I’d be lucky to make it through the night. I was terrified.
A few days later, I was stable and spoke to my doctor to find out just how sick I was. She told me that I had End-Stage Liver Disease and a 20% chance of living more than 90 days. She also said I should talk to my family (and kids!!). It was time to prepare for the worst and to get my “affairs” in order.
I had been working temp jobs after being laid off, and I was uninsured. I mean, who needs COBRA when you’ve been healthy your whole life, right? My prognosis was BLEAK. Not to mention, I had some SERIOUS hoops to jump through to be able to get a transplant.
There were conversations with my kids that no parent should ever have to endure. I explained that I was sick and that I may not be around much longer. We talked about how they would keep learning from me and about me from my friends and family. I wrote them cards for birthdays, graduations, weddings and any major life event I was afraid I’d miss.
My mom and I contacted care services to make me as comfortable as possible at home in my final days. I even talked with friends and family about my funeral.
I spent more than half my time waiting for a transplant in the hospital (my home away from home). But I made it. 138 days later (take that 90-day timeline!) I received my liver transplant.
Since then, I’ve been able to see some fantastic milestones. I married Mr. Graft Diaries, met my step-daughter, watched my son graduate from high school, and my daughter begin high school (with a hope for a medical career). I volunteer at the hospital where I received my transplant and also with Donate Life Colorado. I blog, garden, and cook. Life is pretty grand!
Here, you’ll find resources to help with pre-transplant, post-transplant, finding normal after transplant, and caregiver info too! I know the challenges and struggles first hand. Even though our journeys are different, they all stem from the same place.
I sincerely hope that my experience as a transplant recipient can help you understand what to expect and assist you in your journey. More importantly, even find a little support knowing you are not alone. Welcome to the transplant family!
Have you been told you need a transplant? Do you want to know what you need to do to prepare? I’ll give you information to cope with the news and prepare for your visits. You’ll also learn what to expect and how to advocate for yourself.
Have you recently received a transplant? Are you wondering what happens now? I’ll give you information about life post-transplant and what to expect after surgery. You will also gain insight on medications, and adjusting to the new you.
Are you a caregiver for a transplant patient? Do you want to know more about your role? I’ll provide you with valuable skills for keeping it together while advocating and supporting your loved one. You’ll do it all and take care of yourself too!
Are you struggling to keep up with the medical jargon? Is your only exposure to transplant been from TV? I’ll provide you with definitions that you can understand. You’ll also learn sensitivity in phrases used when talking about transplant.
You understand that this website is not intended as a substitute for consultation with a licensed healthcare practitioner, such as your physician. Before you begin any healthcare program, or change your lifestyle in any way, you will consult your physician or another licensed healthcare practitioner to ensure that you are in good health and that the examples contained in this website will not harm you.
This website provides content related to physical and/or mental health issues. As such, use of this website implies your acceptance of this disclaimer. For more information, please navigate to the full disclaimer page in the menu below.
