MELD Score Good or Bad?
I’ve already written a post about MELD score. In it, we covered what it is, how it’s calculated, and what that means. Yet, I still receive many questions about whether
Cope, Prepare and Wait
I’ve already written a post about MELD score. In it, we covered what it is, how it’s calculated, and what that means. Yet, I still receive many questions about whether
Everyone would like a roadmap of what to expect after their transplant surgery. The thing is, that roadmap is impossible to lay out. What Usually Happens Some of
How others talk to us (and how we talk to ourselves) about our positive and negative feelings can be toxic. We all experience a wide range of emotions. Sometimes we
No one wants to experience an emergency. But being prepared in the event something does happen can make a huge difference. Having information in place in case of an emergency is
Benjamin Franklin said that honesty is the best policy. But is it really? We’ve all told a white lie here and there to avoid hurting someone now and then. And
Your numbers have been off and now you need a liver biopsy. What can you expect? The questions are flooding already. Is it really necessary? What is the biopsy procedure
By their very nature, patients are sick and not the most fun to be around. Nobody expects a patient to be all rainbows and unicorns, but being a good patient
Whether you are pre or post-transplant, the demand to be strong can be exhausting. Even when that demand is not something that is coming from external sources. We all have
Liver transplant candidates are listed and transplanted based on their MELD score. Understanding your score and how its calculation will give you a better understanding of your wait time and
For someone who has never stayed in the hospital, some things may be a little confusing. Today I’m going to share with you 10 must-know facts to help you navigate
When people go through the evaluation process, some question why social support is critical. A transplant center will tell you, “it’s required,” but why? I’ve been post-transplant for almost eight
When you are waiting for your transplant, things change often causing minute-to-minute living. The dynamics of transplant can be abrupt and drastic and leave you reeling in the process. Being
Going through something medical brings out unsolicited advice in droves, doesn’t it? The sentences all seem to start the same way, “I knew someone exactly like you.” Or, “My friend’s,
Social media has changed how we view our relationships with others in many ways. There are so many advantages and pitfalls of social media. Particularly as a transplant patient. When
Both before and after a transplant there can be struggles of invisible illness. Fatigue, shortness of breath, and edema are a few examples of challenges transplant patients may experience. So
Waiting for a transplant isn’t about getting on the list and then hanging out on the couch until your call comes. I’ve discovered five ways waiting for a transplant is
When someone is sick, hospital (or even home) visitors may not always know when to visit or how long to stay. These five tips for setting visitor boundaries will help
The thought of going under the knife for your transplant surgery can send you reeling into all of the what-ifs. Knowing some of what you can expect will help alleviate
The phone rings and it’s the call for your transplant! You’ve waited days, months, or even years and now it’s time. What can you expect to hear? How long do
It is important to have advance directives in place, particularly while you are waiting for a transplant. If you are not sure what they are or how to go about
In this article, I’m going to talk about palliative vs. hospice care and how to know the difference. Unfortunately, there may come a time pre-transplant where you may hear one
Choosing the right primary doctor during your transplant journey is a big deal. Contrary to what you might think, much of your day-to-day care will be handled by your primary
Sharing your transplant news with family and friends is no easy task. You may need to approach everyone differently, and each person will handle it in their own way. When
Living while you wait for a transplant. Well, that’s the idea, right? To keep yourself physically alive so that you can get your transplant? Of course it is, but it’s
In 2013 I was diagnosed with End-Stage Liver Disease and given 90 days to live. A mom of two and healthy for most of my life, I now had a terminal disease and no clue where to begin. I spent the next 132 days fighting for my life.
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