https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jK-NcRmVcw Quick side note before we get into this post. At one point during our wedding planning process Derek and I bandied about the idea of having Derek play The Final Countdown on a keyboard while being wheeled down the aisle on a flatbed hand truck. I sort of regret we didn't make that happen. Ok! So …
American Liver Foundation and A Quiz
During the month of September, The American Liver Foundation has been shining the light on PSC. I wish they had a quiz so all our long-time readers could really show off their knowledge. I borrowed this picture from their website and since they don't have a quiz I'll make one up! The PragmaticHepatic Reader Quiz …
This One Goes Out To All You Data Lovers
On Friday we went to Lahey in what has become our new weekly tradition. Derek got his blood drawn, we visited the nurses on the 6th floor and then we went down to the Transplantation clinic for his check-up. Derek's surgeon looked at the numbers and said, "Sheesh. This is getting pretty boring." We all agreed …
Where Are You On The List And How Long Do You Think You’ll Wait?
The allocation of livers is based on a Model for End-Stage Liver Disease, or MELD score. This is an equation that attempts to predict survival rates based on liver and kidney profiles, specifically bilirubin, creatinine, and INR. This is the main way that people are allocated on the list with very few exceptions. It's all …
Continue reading "Where Are You On The List And How Long Do You Think You’ll Wait?"
Is Logan’s Liver In For The Long Haul?
I've had daily conversations with the doctors and surgeons about almost everything related to my condition. When I was relisted for a transplant on April 21, my current liver - the one from Logan - was not doing well. The hepatic artery collapsed twice and still hasn't opened; and it probably never will. This is …
The Derek Janiak Hepatobiliary Forum 