22 Years Post-Transplant and Still Amazed to Be Alive

Ralph Taylor is part of The Liver Institute’s early history, becoming one of the first liver transplant patients when he underwent transplant surgery in June 2003.

“The Liver Institute had just gotten started at Methodist Dallas Medical Center when I was referred there by the VA,” says Ralph. “It was the best thing that could have happened to me.”

Liver Failure

When Ralph, a self-admitted drinker and smoker, began to experience symptoms of liver failure, he sought help at his local VA hospital.

As his condition worsened and his symptoms could no longer be managed, one of his VA doctors suggested traveling to Dallas to see what The Liver Institute — a newly formed program at Methodist Dallas — could do for him.

Unexpectedly, his condition declined rapidly. According to his daughter, Misty, Ralph fell into a coma and was so medically unstable he had to be transported to Methodist Dallas by air ambulance.

Just in Time

Dr. Jeffrey Weinstein, medical director of liver transplant and hepatobiliary services, took on Ralph’s case, working to stabilize him enough to qualify for the transplant wait list.

Given how sick Ralph was, he and his family prepared for the worst — that a liver might not come in time.

Just one month later, they got the call: a liver was available.

A Changed Man

Ralph didn’t expect to survive his liver failure, so his life-saving transplant transformed his outlook.

After his recovery, he dedicated himself to “really getting to know [his] two daughters and having a great relationship with them.”

Ralph remains deeply grateful to Dr. Weinstein “for taking a chance on a guy like me” and to The Liver Institute team for more than 20 years of excellent care that continues at each of his follow-up appointments.

Words of Wisdom

When asked what advice he would give to patients awaiting or recovering from a transplant, Ralph’s answer is simple: “Have patience.”

“There’s a lot to deal with right after surgery,” he remembers. “Just have patience with it all. The medications seem overwhelming at first, but you get the hang of it.”

He also offers this reminder: take care of your diet.

“I didn’t follow a healthy diet and ended up with fatty liver disease,” Ralph says. “I wish I had educated myself earlier on how important nutrition is to caring for your new liver. I’ve worked really hard to change my diet and reverse my condition. Be smart and eat well from the beginning!”