When you’re in liver failure, the only treatment is to get a liver transplant. However, it’s still important to know what to expect when your doctor recommends this life-saving procedure. The first step to getting all the information you need is knowing which questions to ask.
10 Questions To Ask About A Liver Transplant
1. How long will it take to get a liver?
The wait time for getting a liver depends on several factors. While there are many people waiting to receive a liver, everyone is ranked based on the severity of the liver damage they’re living with. Your doctor should be able to give you an idea of where you are on the list based on your stage of liver failure.
2. What should I change about my lifestyle while I wait?
Generally, doctors encourage people with liver failure to eat in a way that doesn’t negatively affect their liver. That means avoiding things like alcohol, fatty foods, and processed foods.
3. Can I get a liver from a relative?
It’s possible to get a liver from a living donor as long as they are a match for you. If there is someone who would like to donate a liver to you, talk to your doctor so the assessment process can start quickly.
4. What happens if I don’t get a liver transplant?
Doctors typically recommend liver transplants when it’s the only thing that can treat your liver failure. Since there’s no machine that can replicate the liver’s function, not getting a transplant means that function will be impaired.
RELATED: The Essential Guide to Liver Transplants
5. How successful is the surgery?
Liver transplant surgery is considered to be successful for many people. Your doctor should be able to tell you the actual data based on their experience and what they think your likely outcome will be.
6. What are the risks of having the surgery?
There are risks with every surgery but the odds of them affecting you can vary. Some of the risks associated with liver transplants include bleeding, infection, bile leakage, and poor function of the transplanted liver.
7. How long is the recovery time?
This can differ from one person to another but most people spend between seven to 10 days in the hospital after liver transplant surgery. They were also able to return to their regular work or school schedule within three months.
8. What are the signs that my body is rejecting the liver?
Organ rejection is a major concern with any transplant surgery. As such you will be on immunosuppressants for the rest of your life to