Waiting for your liver transplant
Getting approved by the review board is a big step in the transplant process but does not mean there is a liver waiting for you.
You can watch the full liver video series on YouTube.
Liver transplant waitlist
The official transplant waitlist is managed by the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). UNOS maintains the list of all patients waiting for an organ transplant in the United States and organizes all the organs offered for patients waiting.
You are free to list at more than one center within a region of in more than one region in the country if you can and think it will increase your chances of getting transplanted.
What to do while you wait
While you wait for your liver transplant it is important to maintain your overall health and receive routine health care. You will also need to visit the transplant clinic with your caregiver regularly for evaluation and ongoing education.
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Physical exams
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Dental exams
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Cancer screenings
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Vaccinations
Removal from the waitlist
A patient can be made inactive or removed from the transplant waitlist entirely after they have been listed for many different reasons. The most important thing is to communicate with the transplant team throughout the waiting process.
Reasons for being inactive or removed include:
- Insurance issues
- Unable to contact you
- You are too sick/ you are too well
- Lack of caregiver support
- Medical nonadherence
- Personal choice
- Substance abuse
When a liver becomes available
When you are waiting for a liver transplant, you need to be always prepared. It is okay to go on a trip or vacation, but you need to let the transplant team know in advance. Keeping the team informed of any major changes is important.
Contact us if:
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You are planning to move/vacation
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Any changes to your health
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Any changes to your health care team or insurance coverage
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Your caregiver changes
Things to prepare
You should have a plan and a list of things to bring to the hospital ahead of time. Your caregiver will bring you so having everything ready is crucial. You need to be able to leave your home within one or two hours after you receive the call.
- Loose fitting clothing
- Childcare/pet care
- Overnight bag packed
- Cell phone
- Toiletries
- Books/e-reader or tablet/computer
- Transportation
- Insurance card
- Current medication list