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When doctors in Mexico City diagnosed Mauricio Perez-Olegaray with liver cirrhosis, he thought the condition was the result of earlier alcohol consumption and a genetic predisposition. But at Mayo Clinic, in Rochester, Minn., doctors discovered instead the silent progress of hepatitis C.
For the next six years, a team of Mayo Clinic specialists cared for Perez, managing his symptoms with medication while monitoring his condition closely for any sign of the liver cancer that can be caused by the virus.
When tumors were detected in the liver, Perez’s name was added to the liver transplant waiting list while doctors used chemoembolization to shrink the tumors and prevent them spreading outside the liver.
A donor organ became available nearly fourth months later, and Perez was admitted to the hospital feeling anxious, but “very glad and very grateful.”
After the transplant, Perez and his wife, Araceli Olguin, relied on the people and the caring environment of the Gift of Life Transplant House for help during his recovery. The independent nonprofit offers patient housing close to Mayo Clinic.
“It’s a place where there is support, physical and psychological, because you are interacting with others with similar experiences,” says Perez. “If you went to a hotel or apartment, you would feel isolated.”
Perez was bolstered by the support and the coordinated care of his medical team. After two months he was able to return to Mexico while his Mayo Clinic team continued to oversee his recovery, working with Perez and his local doctors.
Today, Perez is grateful for a “normal life” with his family that includes exercise, work and travel. And he credits Mayo Clinic with his return to health. “They have vast experience,” he says, “and the service is without equal. I don’t think there is any place like this anywhere in the world.”
I am very happy for Mauricio! I have been diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver and wondered if all cirrhosis patients develop liver cancer. Also, how was Mauricio able to afford the transplant? I have checked into a few options, but still trying to find a way to afford being added to “the List” for transplants. Your help is much appreciated!
Susan Thorne
Dalhart, Texas
not all get cancer, but if you have cirrhosis, you should have a
blood test and ultra-sound
every six months. for possible transplant, try Jewish hospital in Louisville, they advertise
they will treat people regardless
of ability to pay.
I had a liver transplant at Cleveland Clinic. They are very helpful with helping with medical cost problems. I had cirrhosis which did not turn into cancer. There are alot of different hospitals that are outstanding for transplants. Best of luck to you!
My husband Bruce was diagnoiced with Hep-c approx 25years ago due to unsantiary tatooing. Now Bruce has full blown Cirrhosis,We live in Naples Fl..Bruce was and still is quite strong, we are under the care of a Gastro Dr. but we do not have full confidence in this Dr..He has given Bruce medication that makes him sick, and he gave Bruce at the beginning of the Cirrhosis 8 years of life and now he is denying that he said that.It is 4-20-13 and Bruce goes in front if the disability Judge 5-14-13,he was denied two times prior,we are praying Bruce gets the disability or he will not have a chance to life,he is only 50 years old and has been working since he was 14 years old.We need some help now,what do we do when Bruce gets awarded,we will like to get help from a updated hospital as yours.Can you please help us.I love my husband with all my heart and believe if he had the right direction he can feel better.Bruce has worked hard his whole life and I believe the Dr. is putting a bandaid on him.Please excuse my spelling my brain is not all there these days.If and when Bruce gets Social Security can he come to the Mayo Clinic? That is my question.Please give me some advise.Thank you Jeannie
We are sorry to hear about your situation. Please call Mayo Clinic Billing and Services and they will be able to answer the questions for your specific case: http://www.mayoclinic.org/becomingpat-jax/financial.html
Here is also our policy on charity care: http://www.mayoclinic.org/pdfs/charity-care-policy.pdf
I wish you and your husband the best.
I go to a wonderful liver specialist. He is in Cape Coral. His name is Bradley Trope,MD.
I went through three other specialists and finally found this gem. His office is run well and they are very helpful. I can’t think of a better doctor. Do yourself a favor and call for an appointment . I live in Ft. Myers.