| Author |
Message |
John
Member
Username: John_a
Post Number: 3
Registered: 03-2011
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 19, 2011 - 01:36 pm: | 
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Hello all,
I am just beginning the process for determining if I can be a donor to my wife who is in need of a liver transplant. We live in the Dallas, TX area, but for insurance purposes, her transplant will take place at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, AZ.
I went through some blood tests last week. It will take a week or two to get those results. If that goes well, I will travel out to AZ for a week of evaluation testing. From what I understand, it is similar to what my wife went through to get on their list. We are hoping and praying that all goes well, and that the transplant can happen at the end of May. We would greatly appreciate any of your prayers as well.
My wife was first diagnosed about two years ago, so this has been a long process for us. We are looking forward to seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. |
LadyDi
Forum Leader
Username: Ladydi
Post Number: 2615
Registered: 03-2008
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 19, 2011 - 02:16 pm: |
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Welcome to you John!
I have no advice for you, as I donated a kidney rather than liver. I can sympathize with you in that it is very frightening and stressful to have a spouse who is suffering.
We have a number of liver donors on the board here, and I know they will chime in shortly with plenty of advice and experience.
Best of luck to you both!
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nervous1
Member
Username: Ohboy
Post Number: 15
Registered: 03-2011
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 20, 2011 - 12:10 pm: |
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Hi John,
I am "done" with the testing process to donate my liver. My surgery is in June. I am donating to a friend of a friend and will meet her this Friday..Yikes! Anyhow, since this is new to me too, I don't know if I can be of help, but let me know if you want to email. Good luck! |
GOOSE
Member
Username: Goose2903
Post Number: 6
Registered: 03-2011
| | Posted on Saturday, April 23, 2011 - 09:08 am: |
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John , as a live liver donor , I can appreciate what you are thinking. Its been 2 1/2 months since I donated a part of my liver. I am doing great , back at work full time, walking for an hour a day and basically leading a normal life. Be strong , be positive , its a great thing you are doing and God will take care of you both. As i tell people around me , I feel like I have a direct connection to God now and am confident he will take care of me come what may.
Good luck
| Liver Donor to Father in law |
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Liver Giver
Forum Leader
Username: Beteboop
Post Number: 827
Registered: 10-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, April 28, 2011 - 09:01 pm: |
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Hi John
Checking in to see how the testing is moving along and if everyone is in good spirits.
Please update us all real soon
Dawn
Forum Leader Living Organ Donation
Liver Donor 11/19/07 to brother Anthony
Good and bad things happen in life, but what matters, what defines us, is how we handle them |
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John
Member
Username: John_a
Post Number: 4
Registered: 03-2011
| | Posted on Friday, April 29, 2011 - 10:07 am: |
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We did get my blood test results back quicker than expected, but I will not be able to be a donor. I have a factor V Lieden, a genetic issue that may cause abnormal blood clots. It seems that this particular clotting factor is produced/stored in the liver, and that will prevent me from being a liver donor.
We have started the process again with a second donor candidate. He is getting medical information together and hopefully will have his blood test soon. My wife is a teacher, and we are hoping to have the transplant done in early June so she has plenty of time for recovery before school starts again in the fall.
We are obviously disappointed that I will not be able to be my wife's donor, but we are keeping our spirits up. At least now, we have the post-surgery caregiver situation taken care of. |
Chad
Forum Leader
Username: Horace_mann
Post Number: 224
Registered: 12-2008
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 04, 2011 - 10:15 am: |
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John - you get bonus points just for stepping forward. Although it didn't work out as hoped I have a feeling it will work out with another donor candidate. You have my hopes and prayers that all will go as planned and your wife will be back in the classroom this fall.
Chad - non-directed kidney donor Oct. 2007
'OCTODONOR' |
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Liver Giver
Forum Leader
Username: Beteboop
Post Number: 832
Registered: 10-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, May 05, 2011 - 07:49 pm: |
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Hi John,
I know a few people that have stepped forward with the desire to donate to their loved ones and have found medical situations that did prevent that but like Chad said, you get bonus points for stepping up! I know someone who went through testing and actually discovered she had a very dangerous condition with her arteries and stepping up ended up saving her life!
The fact that you are now relieved of the post surgery caregiver stress is an important piece of the transplant puzzle. Let us know how the new potential donor is making out with testing.
Praying for good news soon
Dawn
Forum Leader Living Organ Donation
Liver Donor 11/19/07 to brother Anthony
Good and bad things happen in life, but what matters, what defines us, is how we handle them |
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John
Member
Username: John_a
Post Number: 6
Registered: 03-2011
| | Posted on Monday, June 27, 2011 - 11:26 am: |
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Our second donor candidate is a match! My wife's transplant is scheduled for July 15 at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix. |
sonia
Member
Username: Soniadonor
Post Number: 48
Registered: 03-2009
| | Posted on Monday, June 27, 2011 - 12:07 pm: |
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Congratulations!! I bet you two are feeling so relieved to have found a donor and have a set date for surgery!
Yippee! Will be thinking of you!
Non-direct kidney donor, Oct 2009
Minneapolis, MN, USA
"We exist temporarily through what we take but, we live forever through what we give." Douglas M. Lawson |
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John
Member
Username: John_a
Post Number: 7
Registered: 03-2011
| | Posted on Thursday, August 04, 2011 - 02:37 pm: |
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Thanks, Sonia, but the surgery has been postponed. The donor developed some complications at the beginning of the surgery. He had an enlarged prostrate, and the catheter irritated it causing bleeding. The surgeon had already made the incision and retracted the ribs. They were minutes away from dissecting his liver when they noticed blood in the catheter. It will be at least two months before the donor can recover and possibly re-tested. In the meanwhile, we are in the process of screening the next donor candidate. |
sonia
Member
Username: Soniadonor
Post Number: 52
Registered: 03-2009
| | Posted on Thursday, August 04, 2011 - 03:22 pm: |
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Hello John,
I am sorry to hear about the delay. I hope the donor is recovering well and quickly. He has a lot of karma points wracked up, so I would like to think he'll be alright.
Keep your head up. I am sure this has been a trying time for you and your wife. I bet the wait feels longer than it truly is. Stay strong and I wish you the best of luck with the 3rd donor attempt.
keep us posted!
Non-direct kidney donor, Oct 2009
Minneapolis, MN, USA
"We exist temporarily through what we take but, we live forever through what we give." Douglas M. Lawson |
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Nichole
Member
Username: Nichole8
Post Number: 1
Registered: 08-2011
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 - 02:24 pm: |
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Hi everyone, I see an outpouring of support so i feel i'm in the right place  I'm being evaluated tomorrow to be a liver donor for my mom and i'm scared to death. I'm scared that i will be a match and scared i won't. I'm concerned i will say the wrong things and let my family down. I don't know if i can handle this but it's the only option in saving my mom's life. I feel selfish for even saying that i don't want to but my desire to keep my mom alive is just as strong. I feel if i don't pass the psych eval's my entire family will hate me for not saving my mother. Am i being selfish or am i just scared? idk. Any advice???HELP please |
Liver Giver
Forum Leader
Username: Beteboop
Post Number: 853
Registered: 10-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 - 02:49 pm: |
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Hi Nicole,
You most certainly are in the right place May I ask how old you are? Whatever decision you come to regarding being a liver donor is NOT selfish. It is a huge decision and there are complications that need to be considered.
Your family should not be pressuring you into being a donor and the psychologists and doctors would not let you donate if they feel you are doing so under duress.
There are a few of us living liver donors here and I know that we will all be willing to speak to you by email, posts or phone. Please feel free to contact me directly and we can start chatting.
In the mean time do not make any decisions until you are sure that this is right for YOU and Mom. As far as being scared, yes that is more than normal.
This is a tremendous decision and situation to be living in. You must be as comfortable as possible with whatever you decide.
God Bless
Dawn
Forum Leader Living Organ Donation
Liver Donor 11/19/07 to brother Anthony
Good and bad things happen in life, but what matters, what defines us, is how we handle them |
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Angela
Member
Username: Angie2011
Post Number: 19
Registered: 07-2011
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 - 09:45 pm: |
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Hi Nichole,
I donated part of my liver to my mother in law 2 1/2 months ago, and it was not an easy decision for me, specially because I have a 2 year old daughter. You're not being selfish, it's a huge decision that should not be taking slightly. I agree with Liver Giver, your family should not be pressuring you. You really need to think about your decision and make sure this is what you want do to. The donor team is looking after your well being, and if you are not ready, they will not give you the green light to proceed..
My surgery was scheduled for April, I had some personal issues in March, and when I spoke to the psychologist, she told me that I was not ready for the surgery, and it was re-scheduled.
In the meantime, I'm doing great, and I went back to work on the 7th week. I'm also available to talk by phone or e-mail. I wish you and your mom all the best, and I will add both of you in my prayers.
May God Bless
Living Liver Donor to Mother in Law 6-2-11
New York Presbyterian Hospital in NYC.. Magnificent Team
The good we do today becomes the happiness of tomorrow... Unknown |
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Nichole
Member
Username: Nichole8
Post Number: 2
Registered: 08-2011
| | Posted on Saturday, August 20, 2011 - 12:03 pm: |
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Thank you for all the advice. I had the evaluation thursday and it went well, I don't feel as nervous. I'm still scared but i want to give this gift to my mom. I'm 37 but i don't act like it (bit immature). If i am a match i've decided to go ahead and do it. I'm happy to hear after 7 weeks you were doing well that gives me hope. I've been fortunate and havn't had any medical problems so the idea of surgery scared the heck out of me but seeing my mom so hopeful and grateful is keeping me strong. I would love to talk with you both. Thank you again |
Heather
Forum Leader
Username: Heather
Post Number: 3306
Registered: 05-2003
| | Posted on Monday, August 22, 2011 - 05:47 pm: |
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Hi Nichole. I donated a kidney at about your age. I agree with the others..only do it if it is YOUR decision. You will be scared up til the time you get rolled in...off and on. It kinda hit me in waves...sometimes I was ok and others it kinda overwhelmed me..what I was about to do. I had never been in the hospital before that time...so it was a bit scary to say the least. Seems there are more liver donors lately than kidney.
I am happy you are at peace with your decision and can move forward now. I am sure your mom will be grateful for the wonderful gift of life you will be giving her.
Heather
Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
Heather's Blog
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago
DONATE LIFE |
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Angela
Member
Username: Angie2011
Post Number: 21
Registered: 07-2011
| | Posted on Monday, August 22, 2011 - 09:47 pm: |
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Hi Nichole,
I'm glad the evaluation went well, and even more happy because you sound more comfortable with your decision.
You're going to have a lot of mixed emotions throughout the entire process, all that is normal. The first time I went to the hospital was to give birth of my daughter 3 years ago.. just thinking about needles used to freak me out..
Your mom will always be grateful to you for giving her a second chance at life, but words cannot describe how blessed and thankful you will feel.
My personal e-mail is aduran126@gmail.com. Please feel free to e-mail me, and we can talk more.
God Bless
Living Liver Donor to Mother in Law 6-2-11
New York Presbyterian Hospital in NYC.. Magnificent Team
The good we do today becomes the happiness of tomorrow... Unknown |
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