Happy re-birthday

[Guest guest]

To Cinda! 2/11/06

From the archives of 2006:

On Behalf Of cinda

Sent: Thursday, June 22, 2006 4:56 PM

To:

Subject: Transplant

I wanted to give the group some positive news. I was diagnosed with

AIH in 96 (age 34), then PSC in 2001. I would come and go checking

the support group, went through the itching, fatigue, jaundice etc.

I found a lot of helpful people and information connected to this

support group. I got listed in Jan. 2005, and had a transplant in

Nov., 2005. Unfortunately the liver did not work out well -

something about the deteriation during the preservation time. The

outflow veins strickened so I ended up with severe edema where I had

to get 3-7 liters drained a week out of my belly. I was lucky and

had a second transplant in Feb. 06. I ended up with a bile leak in

my stomach due to the area of connection had been reworked too many

times (I had bile duct surgery in 2001). Luckily the leak healed

itself because due to my malnutrition status the drs. were concerned

about going back in and repairing the leak - might cause other

problems. After a month I was feeling great but had a slight

rejection episode which took two rounds of high IV steroid dose and

revamped the anti rejection drugs - prograff, cellcept, and

prednisone. Now 4 months later, I am doing great - playing golf and

tennis again. Still have that steel ball feeling in my stomach but

can now eat about anything and feeling better than I have in a long

time - no itching, no jaundice and a lot less fatigue!!!

I know going through all this I always was looking for information

and appreciated the insight from many people on the support group.

Feel free to email me - althoff@.... if you have any

questions. I can't guarantee I can answer them but I can relay

whatever experience I had if it helps anyone get through whatever

phase they are in.

Cinda