This individual’s role is to protect and promote the best interests of the potential living donor. To avoid conflicts of interest, they are not members of the transplant team. They will represent, educate and advise you. They’re well aware of the issues you may face, and will ensure that whatever your decision may be, it is well-informed, and free from pressure.
This is a nurse who oversees your evaluations and coordinates your care with other members of the team. She’ll help you schedule appointments, although you’ll also need to take the lead with some of the tests. He or she will be your point-of-contact throughout most of the donation process.
An expert in the liver donation process, this physician will perform a complete medical history and your physical exam during the donor evaluation. He or she will also ask you to undergo additional tests, depending on your medical condition.
They will discuss with you any psychosocial issues that may be important to the success of donation. They’ll counsel you in the event of stress, anxiety, guilt, or otherwise. They’ll help us understand your motivation for donation, coping skills, and social support group so we may ensure donation is right for you.
This is a medical practitioner qualified to perform surgery. He or she will study scans of your liver’s anatomy, to determine the safest way to perform the operation. After surgery, the surgeon may also conduct follow-up procedures, should an emergency arise.
This individual’s role is to provide you with medications that will help you with the recovery process after surgery. Some of them may include painkillers, laxatives, stool softeners, and antibiotics in case of infection.
The nutritionist will interview you on your eating habits to determine if you need to make modifications to donate. He or she will also inform you of diet changes you’ll need to make during recovery.
They will assess the state of your insurance coverage, and develop a custom plan to cover as many medical expenses as possible. They will also provide you with alternative financial options, in case your insurance company doesn’t cover all expenses.
