Marine Vet's End-Stage Liver Disease: From 317 lbs to Transplant Fight (MELD 29)

Andrew Mondragon — Marine veteran, dad, husband, oilfield worker — was diagnosed with end-stage liver disease in June 2025. Dropped from 317 to 190 lbs. MELD score 29. Accepted for liver transplant eval at OHSU. Still cracking jokes while fighting for his life and family.He shares the raw truth: the first signs (back pain, yellow eyes, 14 liters of fluid drained), functional alcoholism (4 shots Fireball + 2 beers nightly), denial, shame, family guilt, Marine Corps influence on suppressing emotions, and his current optimism despite the waiting game.If you're facing addiction, liver issues, or watching someone you love go through it then this episode is for you. Real, no sugarcoating, full of fight.Trigger Warning: Liver failure, addiction, family impact, transplant discussion.Help is available: 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) | 1-800-662-HELP (SAMHSA) | befrienders.org (international)Timestamps:00:00 – Intro & Andrew's Story01:00 – First Signs (March 2025 – Back Pain & Yellow Eyes)04:00 – Diagnosis: Decompensated Liver Cirrhosis05:30 – Mental Fog, Fluid Buildup, MELD 2907:00 – Andrew's Background: Marine Corps, Oil Fields, Sheriff09:00 – Functional Alcoholism & Denial12:00 – Transplant Reality & Survivor's Guilt15:00 – Positive Outlook & Future Hope18:00 – Family Impact & Kids20:00 – The Waiting Game & Paracentesis22:00 – Fears & Cellular Memory25:00 – Message to Viewers Fighting AddictionFollow Andrew: @komododrew (Instagram)Support the channel ❤️Free 30-min Sober Mentoring: https://calendly.com/thewillpowerpodcast/30minDonate: https://buymeacoffee.com/willpowerpodcastSubscribe, like, share if this hit home. More real stories coming.#LiverTransplant #EndStageLiverDisease #SoberJourney #MarineVet #AddictionRecovery #WillpowerPodcast #MELDScore