The transplant evaluation process can be daunting.  In this post, you’ll get some ideas of what to expect and how to get through it all.

Everyone’s Process Will Be Different

I spent more than half my time in the hospital while waiting for my transplant.  What that means is that the bulk of my evaluation process was done while I was already admitted into the hospital.

I was very sick from the beginning.  So, my transplant evaluation was not the run-of-the-mill type (although I’m not sure there is such a thing).  When I spent time in the hospital, there were numerous tests and procedures to keep me stable.  Many of those tests were normal parts of the transplant evaluation process.  The only difference was, I received tests via inpatient care vs outpatient.

 

 

Tests and More Tests Are All Part of the Transplant Evaluation Process

I was told numerous times, “we just need one more test to complete the process.”  Here’s the thing about that, though.  One test with an outcome that is even ever-so-slightly out of the ordinary may lead to a barrage of other tests.

For example, let’s say you need a liver and have a stress test performed.  The doctors see the results and want more information.  This leads to an EKG.  Which then leads to an Echocardiogram.  Then a heart catheterization.  Heart tests.  For a liver transplant.  It may not make sense initially but all of these tests help to be sure you have the best possible results.

When you’ve spent days having outpatient tests done and then hear that you need to come back for more, don’t be discouraged.  It is not uncommon and will eventually result in a decision.

The Transplant Evaluation Process is Comprehensive

They are going to be thorough.  Sooooo thorough.

Every transplant center will have its own criteria.  They are all evaluating to determine whether or not you are a good candidate for transplant.  If you have been referred to a transplant center, your health is likely poor enough that transplant is the next reasonable step.

What Are They Looking For?

The evaluation is to determine several things:

• Is a transplant medically necessary for your survival?  Will the benefit outweigh the risk?
• Can you physically tolerate a transplant?  Are your heart and lungs strong enough to endure prolonged anesthesia?
• Do you have a support system in place?  Are there people to help you both before and after your transplant?
• Are there any psychological issues that need to be addressed as part of the process?
• Do you need to undergo rehabilitation physically or for drug or alcohol use?

Who Will You Be Talking To?

There are any number of people you may meet with during this process:

• Specialty doctor like a cardiologist (heart), nephrologist (kidney), hepatologist (liver) or pulmonologist (lungs)
• Transplant surgeon
• Pre-transplant nursing team
• Post-transplant nursing team
• Social worker
• Dietician
• Pharmacist specializing in transplant
• Anesthesiologist, and
• Finance

Who Has the Final Say?

All of these people will play an integral role in your transplant. They will be a part of your transplant care before and for years after.  Each focuses on a different part of your care to be sure you have the highest chance of success.

No one person has a say in whether or not you will be listed.  Listing selection is done by committee and every person involved in your care has input in that determination.

 

 

The Transplant Evaluation Process Is an Elephant

This is a very broad description of what you might expect in the transplant evaluation process.  As Desmond Tutu once said, “There is only one way to eat an elephant: one bite at a time.”  His words certainly apply in this situation.

There are a lot of things to do and the only way to do them is one at a time.  If you look at everything all at once, it can be incredibly overwhelming.  So, my advice to you is to do a little at a time.  One blood draw at a time.  Just one conversation with a specialist at a time.  One procedure at a time.  A single test at a time.

My mom and caregiver, had a mantra that I still use to this day, “just point your nose and keep moving.”  Thanks Mom!