Karl’s journey began with Dr. Bacon performing a liver biopsy in 2005 resulting in a diagnosis of NASH disease. Initially, Karl said he didn’t take NASH seriously but that changed when he had a relatively routine upper GI in 2016 which revealed a problem. This led Karl to Dr. Tetri, in February 2017 he went from having a relatively benign NASH liver to one having multiple large and small cancerous lesions within 6 months. “If it wasn’t for Dr. Tetri’s vigilance with a six-month cycle of ultrasounds my outcome would have been dramatically different and I’m not sure I would be here today,” said Karl.

After Karl received the cancer diagnosis he figured it would be prudent to interview other institutions since it seemed he was heading down the path of needing a transplant. The other institutions had all the medical credentials but it was clear that he was going to be just another person in the waiting room. “There was no question that SLULC was the right place for me,” said Karl.

From that point things moved quickly and Karl met Drs. Nazzal, Varma, Vahessan, Desai and Befeler plus countless interns, medical students, fellows, and coordinators (this includes Brittany, his coordinator, who is a classic example of a compassionate and supportive professional.) Karl was placed on the transplant list in January 2018 and was blessed with a donor liver 9 months later in September. Here’s what made St. Louis University Liver Center a standout – there is a genuine compassion and sincere concern for the patient. During office visits it was typical to have 2-3 doctors, interns and nurses involved. The warm reception Karl and his family felt wasn’t just from the doctors but everyone they came in contact with including all the administrative and hospital staff.

“Love and gratitude go to my wife Kathy and my daughter Katie. Their constant participation in my doctor visits and their myriad of questions were crucial – they were my personal stars. Their support along with the rest of my family’s support made it possible to get through everything. I’ve been truly blessed to have a strong support system, be in excellent health, and have such a successful outcome” – Karl Reinlein