gale918

Oh my, I’m so excited at the response. With the HIPPA rules, I’ve had no one to commeserate with! I was originally told by the liver surgeon that he would not operate. Being devestated, I don’t remember what transpired after while sitting in his office BUT he contacted a co-worker (his words). It took one month to coordinate the operation. There were three surgeons, a liver surgeon, vascular surgeon (who I never met) and the lead surgeon was the director of transplants. The operation was 8 hours. During the surgery, the artery was “rerouted” through my neck while the surgeons removed 3 inches of the artery and replaced it with a synthetic material. I was put into a coma (Okay, I’m crying now… how lucky to have the liver rejuvenate itself!!!!!!!!!!!). The surgery was done at the Dartmouth Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire. It’s a teaching hospital for Dartmouth College. I suspected my operation was unusual but the posting confirmed it. This website helps validate what I’m feeling and it’s great to FINALLY talk to other WHO KNOW WHAT I’VE BEEN THROUGH. I have questions. I am very careful about the over-the-counter medicines I take but for a headache, should I take Tylenol or Advil? I see I need to complete my profile. Fatigue is a major issue. Is this something I’ll be dealing with the rest of my life? Yes, I’m back to work full time, but I come home and I rest on the sofa and dinner is now a chore and I love to cook. Any ideas? I do attend a cancer support group which has been wonderful. I have chronicled my experience (which has turned into a book). I was having nightmares about death, blood, and the writings have gotten rid of them. I highly suggest this to anyone who experiences nightmares. Time to get ready for work. Chat later. Thanks again for the support.