Dear Tanja, you and Tim sound like a love story for the ages.

I know a couple of people who've had liver transplants (each for a different cause.) I'm glad to say they are doing remarkably well.

The important thing now and while they were on the list was following an exemplary lifestyle. The little bit of pastrami shows that Tim is very sensitive. The people I know didn't really get with it until they were referred to a nutritionist or dietitian. It had to be someone who had the doctor's approval and who knew exactly what to do for the patient's particular condition.

It was a big shake up. It hardly seems that a couple little bites of a meat sandwich can do a person in, but it can. It took tough love from the doctor and guidance from the food specialist to get things on the right track. I'm something of a health nut and they asked my advice on what to eat, but I'm not qualified for that sort of thing. They needed expert advise from a professional.

Maybe you can get a referral for both of you to a qualified dietitian in your area. My thoughts will be with you.