I'm 64 could I be a good candidate as a live donor?

Posted by ellgi @ellgi, May 9, 2016

My 37 yr old son will need a liver, I'm 64 could I be a good candidate as a live donor?

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Only a transplant facility can give you proof positive of your ability to be a donor. But just based on your age, and this is only a layperson's observation who is also a kidney recipient, that would not automatically disqualify you.
There are a whole host of tests the recipient and the donor must go through to make this determination.
Stay strong and vigilant in efforts and encourage your son to work with a liver nutritionist, acupuncturist, and any other holistic means that can improve his situation.
Best wishes on your journey!!

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@colleenyoung

Welcome to Connect @ellgi, I'd like to introduce you to other members who shared their liver transplant. experiences (both recipients and donors). You may appreciate reading the messages on this thread. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/liver-transplant-for-primary-biliary-cirrhosis-pbc/

I'm also tagging @rosemarya @wmoser2613 to join the discussion here. They both have had a liver transplant. @coastalgirl received a kidney transplant from a living donor and @uneeq1 is a living kidney donor.

@ellgi, I'm sure you have many questions as your son prepares for needing a liver transplant. Sharing with people who have been there can help. Is your son currently on a transplant list?

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O my goodness. I am so sorry for the loss of your sister. I lost my brother 2 years ago. I feel your pain. Please accept my condolences.
I can tell that you are a strong loving sis and mom. Your son is fortunate to have you there.

Let me share that I, too, had close loved one who was dealing with an alcohol problem during my time of liver failure and transplant. I remember the fear and tension that lived inside of me. And sometimes made hope hard to feel. One thing that helped me in seemingly hopeless times, was to look for one positive thing each day. And to celebrate that in my heart. Each night I could recall that one bright moment and feel peace and hope. ( I am a prayerful person, so for me, that provided my strength each day) many times, on my darkest days, even the blessings were numerous.
I encourage you to take care of yourself, physically, mentally, spiritually.
I am keeping you in my thoughts. You are not alone.
Rosemary

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@colleenyoung

Welcome to Connect @ellgi, I'd like to introduce you to other members who shared their liver transplant. experiences (both recipients and donors). You may appreciate reading the messages on this thread. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/liver-transplant-for-primary-biliary-cirrhosis-pbc/

I'm also tagging @rosemarya @wmoser2613 to join the discussion here. They both have had a liver transplant. @coastalgirl received a kidney transplant from a living donor and @uneeq1 is a living kidney donor.

@ellgi, I'm sure you have many questions as your son prepares for needing a liver transplant. Sharing with people who have been there can help. Is your son currently on a transplant list?

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I can't find your last message now but thank you for it! I too am a praying woman and I am a child of the Most High! As is my son. I do appreciate greatly your advice.

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I had a liver transplant five years ago… And I initially started my review at Yale transplant center… I had a wonderful pathologist Hepatologist who strongly suggested to me to go south… Meaning southern United States because that is the only place where there is many young people that can become donors for your son . By donors I mean people that unfortunately die or have accidents.

Giving part of your liver to your son is a wonderful idea but you must realize that the operation on you will be just as intense as the operation on your son.

I would suggest that you travel to Florida Mayo Clinic it does the largest amount of liver transplants in the United States. Five years ago it was strongly suggested that having donor livers was a great option… I believe even at Mayo this is become an option of last resort.
Good luck my prayers are with you!
Dik Glass

REPLY
@colleenyoung

Welcome to Connect @ellgi, I'd like to introduce you to other members who shared their liver transplant. experiences (both recipients and donors). You may appreciate reading the messages on this thread. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/liver-transplant-for-primary-biliary-cirrhosis-pbc/

I'm also tagging @rosemarya @wmoser2613 to join the discussion here. They both have had a liver transplant. @coastalgirl received a kidney transplant from a living donor and @uneeq1 is a living kidney donor.

@ellgi, I'm sure you have many questions as your son prepares for needing a liver transplant. Sharing with people who have been there can help. Is your son currently on a transplant list?

Jump to this post

Dear @ellgi , I am thinking about you and your son. I hope that there is some forward movement. I wish you both patience and hope on your step-by-step journey. May you enjoy some special blessings today. Rosemary

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@ellgi

I appreciate this information. Can late stage cirrhosis have the improvement potential you mention?

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HI, I am still in evaluation, but when I was first diagnosed ended up in the ICU severely decompensated. I went in for an infection in my leg where I had injured myself. When the Dr. told me I had ESLD(laennec's cirrhosis-alcoholic) and the ramifications of such a diagnosis,, all I could think was that this was the end. But when I was discharged I knew I didn't want to cash out. I am only in my 40s. So the first thing I did was realize that alcohol was what would kill me, so I quit. This has to be the number one priority! It was a little tough for a while,but as time passed I lost any desire. I have a saying that you will never quit anything unless you really want to.My desire to stay alive was greater by far than my desire for a beer.It has been a little over 3 yrs. The other thing you have to make yourself do is take prescribed medications as directed. This was difficult for me as I had never even taken aspirin before, so the nausea was terrible. It took about a year before I could handle it. Diet is also difficult. As a mechanic and parts man all my life .most of my meals came out of a paper bag and were eaten standing up while working. Breakfast was a coffee and a bagel with about 3 cigarettes for a chaser.(P.S. quit smoking the same way 10 yrs ago, just decided I really wanted to) But After multiple visits to the nutritionist I have about got that handled.I said all that to say this, I still have ESLD. However, with the changes I have made in my lifestyle I am doing OK., all things considered. I still need a transplant, and the disease is still progressing,,but not as fast ,I think. I still have problems that sometimes land me in the hospital.,But the upside is sometimes I feel almost normal for a couple of days here and there. I am pretty sure I would have never made it this far if I hadn't changed my ways. As a matter of fact I can say with some certainty that I probably would not be here.If you listen to your Hepatolagist and follow their instructions, you can slow down the progression in most cases, and feel a little better than you did.You probably won't enter any triathelons, but it's nice to have enough energy to get to the mailbox and back .Like I tell people, vomiting a couple times a week is still better than everyday. Also,let me apologize for this rambling reply Never give up! Good luck I am hoping the best for you.

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@ellgi

I appreciate this information. Can late stage cirrhosis have the improvement potential you mention?

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Thank you for your insight I greatly appreciate

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@ellgi

I appreciate this information. Can late stage cirrhosis have the improvement potential you mention?

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Your welcome! Anytime.

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@ellgi

I appreciate this information. Can late stage cirrhosis have the improvement potential you mention?

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Dear Crew ,
Good note ,,,, good luck
Keep up the hard work and get yourself listed at mutilple liver transplant centers ...!!!!
Go to Florida Mayo in Jacksonville......
The are very good
DG 5 years and counting

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@ellgi

I appreciate this information. Can late stage cirrhosis have the improvement potential you mention?

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thanx. I am already a patient at Mayo Jacksonville. I agree they are excellent! Far and away the best hospital I have ever had the need to visit, and there have been a few.

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