liver transplant

[sahamk]

Asper data available how long a patient may live a normal life after successful liver transplantation ?Is there any record that a patient enjoys a normal span of life ?






M.S,  India

[Thomas D Schiano, MD]

i agree with the above.  my hospital starting doing transplants 21 years ago and we have many patients who are doing well since then.  at the University of Pittsburgh there a couple of patients alive more than 30 years post-transplantation.

[gilmane]

This is a question every liver transplant candidate and recipient asks . While you can find all kinds of statistical data on the web by searching various combinations  of "liver transplant "and survival and "One year", "five year", and "ten year survival" none of it applies to any one individual. Age and condition at transplant, reason for transplant, available post transplant support, ability to afford the post transplant medications and your diligence in taking the medications are all factors that make general statics unreliable indicators of YOUR survival and quality of life.
See if you can find a transplant support group in your area. Talking to people who have undergone transplants even if it is not a liver transplant will give you a better indication of the variation in the quality of post transplant life. From my experience as a liver transplant recipient and the numerous other transplant recipients I have met at TRIO (Transplant Recipients International Organization), recipients generally have a much better quality of life then before the transplant. Prior to my transplant I was concerned that my ability to live life "normally" was over. I was lucky enough to meet and talk to TRIO members at my transplant center before my operation and saw many vigorous people living a mostly "normal" life, if perhaps a healthier one. You will definitely see your doctors more than before, and be alert for various cancers and diseases  that strike transplant recipients more often than the general population but this is a small price to pay.
I received my liver transplant at age 54, not in the best of physical condition and am now going on nine years post transplant. I live a healthier life with better nutrition and more exercise, no smoking or drinking alcohol, but otherwise "Normal".  If you or someone close to you needs a transplant and you are able to get into a pre-transplant program to be evaluated by all means do it. They will give you a good idea what the future looks like for them.

[verynicebecky]

Hello! I had my liver transplant in May,1985 (at the University of Pittsburgh). I was in the Army at the time that I learned I was sick. I have pretty much lived a normal life and I have had three children since my liver transplant.