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Message |
Erika
Member
Username: Eleep
Post Number: 2
Registered: 06-2010
| | Posted on Thursday, June 03, 2010 - 03:44 pm: | 
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I've been reading your posts to each other regarding possible living liver donation, and they are so incredibly helpful. It's exactly what I've been looking for and I can tell there are many people on this site that can help me navigate what's ahead.
I, too am considering liver donation for my dad. What I haven't seen anyone talk about though. . .is how far post-partum a donor can be? I have a 2 year old and a 4 month old. Luckily, I have another family member who is a match to my dad and willing to start the testing but should anything go wrong. . .I'm next.
The transplant folks called me today to say that they weren't all that comfortable with performing surgery on someone less than 1 year post-partum. I just wonder if my dad has that long and if there's anyone around here with that kind of experience? I saw that a few of you had young children. . .
Thanks for the help. You've already helped so much. |
Heather
Forum Leader
Username: Heather
Post Number: 2940
Registered: 05-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, June 03, 2010 - 04:15 pm: |
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Hi Erika. I am a kidney donor. I can't help with your question. I bet it depends on the center and the surgeon, really. But I can see them not wanting to do this surgery on someone who just had a baby. Hopefully your dad will be ok until someone can get the testing done and donate. It is awesome he has 2 people ready to go forward for him. You are wonderful for being willing. Please keep in touch with us and let us know how things work out.
Heather
Forum Leader - Living Organ Donation
EC Illinois, USA
Kidney donor to dad 12/1/99
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes, Chicago
DONATE LIFE |
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Liver Giver
Forum Leader
Username: Beteboop
Post Number: 751
Registered: 10-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, June 03, 2010 - 04:34 pm: |
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Hi Erika,
I think it is wonderful that you are willing to step up to the plate for Dad, so to speak, and even more incredible that there are other potential donors for your Dad.
It is quite tiring in regards to recouperating after donation so in addition to complications which I do not even have knowledge of I would say that it would be difficult for you to care for your 2 very little ones and care for yourself post resection. that said, if your support system is strong and you are to be the donor for your Dad then just know you will need to put your recovery 1st for a little while, not always an easy thing to do for a Mom!!!
Keep us updated. My prayers are with your family and your Dad.
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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Chad
Member
Username: Horace_mann
Post Number: 110
Registered: 12-2008
| | Posted on Friday, June 04, 2010 - 08:59 am: |
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Erika – you’re a real hero to even consider this so soon after giving birth. If it happens, it would be like giving life to two people within the same year. Wow!
I’m on the kidney side of the house so I can’t speak to liver donation since I know all aspects are different. On the plus side your liver regenerates (pretty sure I haven’t grown another kidney….yet). Since it is an idea you’re kicking around, learn as much as you can as fast as you can since so much about a transplant can change within a very short time. When you make the decision, you’ll want to be as informed and prepared as you can be, and not be rushed by a sudden change of events. If it moves forward with you and you feel it isn’t something you can do for whatever reason, then let the transplant team know. In my case the transplant team told me they would tell the intended recipient that I , “Wasn’t a suitable donor.” That’s all they need to know.
Whether this happens or not, you’re in the right place Erika. I can’t speak for myself but others in TBuddies have lots of wisdom and experience to share. Let your other family member in line ahead of you know about us – I think having a support group of this nature is tremendously helpful when facing so many important decisions. You and your father are in my prayers and hope all will be well.
| Chad - non-directed kidney donor Oct. 2007 |
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Tawnya
Member
Username: Daddys_liver_girl
Post Number: 31
Registered: 04-2010
| | Posted on Saturday, June 05, 2010 - 01:35 pm: |
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Hi Erika, and welcome!!
Congrats on your decision to donate part of your liver to your father. I did the same for my father 5 weeks ago. However, I can't be of much help on post-partum because I don't have children. If your dad is very ill, and needs a new liver ASAP, then I would do exactly what your doing. Wait to see if your other family member can donate and then, go from there. I wish I could help you more.
Please keep us posted on your dad. I hope everything works out for you and your family. Take Care and Good Luck! |
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