Terry W. Rutledge, Sr.
 Liver Recipient March 17, 2005
I had a transplant on March 17, 2005 ---St. Patty's day---when I went on the transplant list, my meld score was 14, 3 months later it was 22. I had 2 weeks to live.
I went to surgery 3 times -- 1st time the liver was too fatty, 2 weeks later -- the 2nd liver was too large --- the next day a liver came in and I was transplanted. I woke up 1 month later ( 4 weeks in ICU ) -- I was allergic to the medication (Prograf). I spent 2 more weeks in the convalescent part of the hospital. When I went home -- I weighed 103 pounds, couldn't walk. I never had any pain at all. I went back to the hospital a couple of times. Now, 3 yrs later, I have gained 60 pounds, and this is the best I have ever felt in my life. This is also the happiest I have ever been. There is a life after a transplant, a very good one. Now 3 years later, my youngest son 39 yrs old, is on the transplant list waiting for a liver. The Cleveland clinic saved my life --- they have a very
good transplant program. They are a dedicated group.
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