| Author |
Message |
Don
Member
Username: Mn_donor
Post Number: 1
Registered: 06-2011
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 08, 2011 - 03:27 pm: | 
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Hi all, my name is Don and i just sent in my blood type and various other questionnares to my father-in-law's transplant team. I have a couple questions about liver donation and was hoping i could get some input from you all. First, i'll give you a little backround info. I'm a 40 yr old father of a beautiful 4 yr old boy and happily married to my wife of 10 yrs. We live in MN and the University will be performing the transplant if i'm a match. i'm in relatively good shape at 5'10" 200 lbs. The weight is mostly muscle and i can still run a couple miles without breaking too much of a sweat. I have little to no reservation about donating to my 53yo father-in-law. Most people think i'm not thinking this through because he is my wife's step-father, and he's only been married to my mother-in-law for 8 yrs. But my wife loves him like a dad and he is the only only grandfather my son has(my father lives in CA).
My question is about whether the fact that i drink occasionally will prohibit me from being a donor. I am willing to quit drinking altogether if need be so i'm hoping they give me that option. if they do, how long will i need to abstain before i can donate? Donny's(father-in-law) in end stage liver failure, has hep-c, and is going to the hospital almost once a week for high ammonia levels. I'm worried they'll deny me or it'll take too long to donate.
Sorry for the rambling post. I'm just anxious, nervous, and glad i've found a place to voice my concerns. Thanks for reading and i look forward to any info, advice, you can provide us.
Don |
Jack R
Forum Leader
Username: Jack_r
Post Number: 481
Registered: 08-2010
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 08, 2011 - 04:03 pm: |
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Hello don,
welcome to the site. There are a lot of factors that enter into Organ donation matching either for deceased or living donors. the mnore information you obtain the better comfort level you will have.
The well being of the a living Donor is always of primary concern. For living Donors they have a special issue in the sense that are they a match (in the Kidney Living Donor area they have a unmatched living donor swap program in place but not for Livers as yet) and handling rejection is always difficult.
While one doesn't have to be alcohol free if the individual doesn't have "a drinking problem" {and they will know from tests} that won't enter the evaluation.
I wouldn't concern yourself with what others think and at times even the best of friends can say something that is meant well but comes across poorly.
Please, freely use the "Links", "Search" areas above, and especially read the post in this Forum. If you elect to send a message on any "posts" it most likely will generate responses from those who have previously responded.
Also, check out the "liver" forum.
Cardiac history going back to 1993. Heart Transplant received in Oct. 2004. Interesting first year and have been very physically active ever since. I currently am pro-active with the SE PA. Gift of Life and a member of Johns Hopkins patient administered Heart Transplant Foundation.
Exercise - look around you and don't tell me you can't -Blog |
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Don
Member
Username: Mn_donor
Post Number: 2
Registered: 06-2011
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 08, 2011 - 04:18 pm: |
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Thanks Jack. I look forward to searching for as much info i as can. |
jenn
Member
Username: Jaydee
Post Number: 5
Registered: 05-2011
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 08, 2011 - 04:25 pm: |
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hi Don,
your story seems pretty similar to mine. I have recently also just sent in my blood type and questionnaire to my mom's transplant team. I am also an occassional drinker and was also wondering whether I had to stop drinking or not. I made the decision to just quit until I talk to the transplant team and find out what they say. My mom has an appointment with them next week and we will be able to find out more then. I haven't told anyone exept for my immediate family that I am considering being a live liver donor. I thought I would just wait and see what the result say (whether I would even be a match or not) before I tell anybody else. My mom also suffers from hep c.
Take care and I hope everything works out for you.
Jennifer |
Don
Member
Username: Mn_donor
Post Number: 3
Registered: 06-2011
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 08, 2011 - 04:30 pm: |
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Hey Jen,
It's nice to know there are similiar stories out there. Yeah, i cut my drinking down drastically when i decided to try and donate. (it's was 106 here in MN yesterday so i admit i had a couple cold ones) but i'm ready to quit completely when/if they tell me i'm a match.
Good luck with your Mom and please keep me posted on the posted on your results going forward as i will with you. Don |
Jack R
Forum Leader
Username: Jack_r
Post Number: 482
Registered: 08-2010
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 08, 2011 - 06:32 pm: |
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Don,
I forgot one final thought.
That is one hell of a Father's or F-i-L Day gift.
Cardiac history going back to 1993. Heart Transplant received in Oct. 2004. Interesting first year and have been very physically active ever since. I currently am pro-active with the SE PA. Gift of Life and a member of Johns Hopkins patient administered Heart Transplant Foundation.
Exercise - look around you and don't tell me you can't -Blog |
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Liver Giver
Forum Leader
Username: Beteboop
Post Number: 836
Registered: 10-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, June 09, 2011 - 06:16 am: |
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Hi Don,
Welcome to our family here at transplantbuddies. I am living liver donor to my brother Anthony in 2007. It is quite a gift that you are willing to give and may God bless you simply for your heart alone!
Alcohol- different centers follow different protocol both pre and post resection. I stopped drinking like you and Jen about 10 months pre resection and my centers policy was not alcohol for 1 year post. Tawnya and Nicole are also living liver donors and I am sure they will chime in to what their respective centers policy is too.
Remember that with the abilities liver to regenerate, moderate drinking in a healthy liver should not be a factor in your evaluation process or have caused any damage to your liver. Of course, your center will determine that through the tests that they run in the screening process.
My brother too had hepc and he did not want me to donate to him. It was a painful existance for us all watching him become more ill and refusing to have me even tested for the possibility. He finally agreed and I was the match that my heart told me all along that I would be. Anthony was so decompensated and malnourished when we went into the OR that if it had to be postponed they would not have rescheduled. It was a very difficult recovery for Anthony but he did begin to bounce back and get the sparkle back in to his beautiful eyes! We were able to spend 9 additional months with Anthony and I wouldn't change anything about my decision to donate except to have him agree to it at an earlier point in time when he was stronger.
Tawnya and Nicole both donated to their fathers and all 4 are doing well. We also have Jordan on transplantfriends who received from his cousin on January 14, 2011. Please find and read all of our stories and don't hesitate to email me to talk further.
I shall keep your family in my prayers!
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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Don
Member
Username: Mn_donor
Post Number: 4
Registered: 06-2011
| | Posted on Thursday, June 09, 2011 - 01:47 pm: |
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Thanks Giver,
All this info is a big help. I just talked with Donny's transplant coordinator this morning and scheduled my full day eval for the 27th. pretty excited i must say. He in end stage liver failure so any time i can give him will be a blessing. Thanks all of you for all your prayers.
Don |
Don
Member
Username: Mn_donor
Post Number: 5
Registered: 06-2011
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 15, 2011 - 02:21 pm: |
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Hey all,
I am going in next Mon for my MRI, CT and bloodwork to see if i'm a match and i'm wondering about how long after the tests it will take for them to tell me if i'm a match or not. I've read a lot of the stories here and haven't found anything on that yet. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Don |
Tawnya
Member
Username: Daddys_liver_girl
Post Number: 63
Registered: 04-2010
| | Posted on Thursday, June 16, 2011 - 04:59 pm: |
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Hi, Don
I donated part of my liver to my father on 4-29-10. My father also had Hep-C and when we found out that he had an encapsulated tumor in his liver, and he needed a transplant, I immediately went to my primary Dr. and got my blood test done. I found out the next week that I was his exact match.
The hospital that performed our surgery put me through immediate testing once I showed them a copy of my blood work, put my dad on Chemo so his cancerous tumor wouldn't spread, and told me that when my dad was ready fro transplant, they would call me. After their testing, It probably took a week to find out I was approved to be my dad's donor.
They told me I could have 2 drinks a week but a month before the resection, I should stop completely. I stopped completely 4 months before the surgery. The thought of poisoning my liver I was about to give to my dieing father just didn't make sense to me, so I stopped drinking. I drank O'douls (neer-beer) during those months and stopped drinking the neer-beer one month before the surgery.
The University that performed our surgery told us that they could move very quickly if my dad needed them to. It took us a year before our surgery actually happened because they had to make sure my dad's cancer tumor didn't spread anywhere else and they wanted him to do Chemo which he did.
It took me 2 months to heal completely and two in half months until I drank alcohol. At the 2 month mark, I got my complex metabolic blood tests which showed that my liver had fully grown back and was functioning like new. That's when my Dr.'s told me to start incorporating alcohol in my diet and to let them know how I felt. I started slow. One drink here and there, and so on and so on.
It has been a year since my donation, and I feel exactly the same as I did before the surgery.
I hope this information helps you. Good luck with everything and please keep us posted. You may contact me anytime via e-mail. ((Hugs)) ((Hugs))
Tawnya
I am a Live Liver donor.
I donated my right liver lobe to my father on 4-29-10.
USC University Hospital in California performed our surgery. So far, so good. We are both doing great. |
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jenn
Member
Username: Jaydee
Post Number: 7
Registered: 05-2011
| | Posted on Thursday, June 16, 2011 - 05:34 pm: |
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Hi Tawnya,
Thanks for sharing your story. I'm very interested in knowing more about how your dad is now doing after his surgery. My mom also has hep C but not yet on the transplant list. We just had a meeting with at the transplant clinic on Monday and they are in the process of deciding whether it is time to put her on the waiting list. She currently has a MELD score of 15 and has been having complications from ascites lately. I have already gotten my blood tests done because I am determined to be a living donor for my mom if she is put on the list. I have read that hep C comes back even after having a transplant. Has your dad had the treatment for hep C? Has it came back? Can you have treatment even if you have had a transplant?
Jennifer |
Liver Giver
Forum Leader
Username: Beteboop
Post Number: 837
Registered: 10-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, June 16, 2011 - 07:33 pm: |
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Hi Don & Jenn,
@ Don, the blood results came back pretty quickly stating that we were a blood match and then we needed to schedule the battery of tests: ct-scans, mri, chest x-ray, blood tests (they test you for every known disease and parasite, I believe), general physical, psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker..... I'm surprised that they are doing mri's before or with the blood typing. For the simple reason that the insurance company has to pay for the tests and if the blood type doesn't match then the mri is an added expense to them. All said I started testing late August and in October we got the November date for surgery. Again, every transplant center is different.
@ Jenn, It is true that the hep c does not go away with the new liver. I do know a few people that have gone through the treatment both after a transplant and before even needing one. Some centers use a treatment that I have heard is a bit kinder to the body. I don't know a lot about it but I know that the people that have had the treatment now have no trace of hep c in their blood 
I hope to hear good news from you both very soon!
Stay strong!
Dawn
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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Don
Member
Username: Mn_donor
Post Number: 6
Registered: 06-2011
| | Posted on Friday, June 17, 2011 - 01:12 pm: |
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Tawnya, awesome info. My F-i-L has been in and out of the hospital almost once a week for a month now for either high amonia in his blood or his procedure for the cancer in his liver. The chemo pellets have worked though and one of his cancer spots is gone and the other is shrinking. But we can see him getting weaker and weaker by the day almost. I've quit drinking entirely even though i don't know if i'll be a match but i'm hoping...
Liver Giver, my blood tests came back a match. Next Mon i have more blood tests, EKG, Chest X-Ray, MRCP, Abdominal and liver CT with Angio. whew, gonna be a long day. 6:30am to 330pm. But i'm excited to get it started. My F-i_L's insurance is paying for everything.
Thank you both for your info, thoughts, and prayers.
Fingers crossed, Don
PS. i was on my way to work last night with a co-worker and we were stopped at a stop-light. She gently elbows me and points to a new bldg just constructed across the street from work. The new 10 foot high neon says "BE THE MATCH" pretty awesome. |
Tawnya
Member
Username: Daddys_liver_girl
Post Number: 64
Registered: 04-2010
| | Posted on Friday, June 17, 2011 - 07:28 pm: |
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Hi Jenn,
In 2004, my father volunteered to try some new medicine to reverse his HEP-C, ( Feron or something like that, not sure of the exact name) but it didn't work, so we as a family, knew he would one day need a liver transplant. That's when I discovered Live donation. I told my father about it and we all agreed that when he need a new liver, I would be the one to donate to him.
He had an encapsulated caner tumor deep in his liver which his Hematologist suggested a new portal Chemo where they shoot the Chemo straight through the Femoral Artery right to where the tumor is in the liver. He did that twice and then we did the transplant.
His HEP-C can and probably will come back even with though he has a new liver. My dad gets blood work done 2-4 times a month so they can keep tabs on his HEP-C. We all were informed that his HEP-C could return or stay dormant after the transplant. We are a tight family and decided we were willing to take that chance.
So far, his bloods have come back fine. Sometimes his enzyme levels are higher than other times and sometimes they are just right. My father is doing great to say the least. His color in his skin is a perfect peachy-pink and plump again, he looks less old, and his psoriasis has completely gone away. He eats what he wants and he says he feels like a million bucks.
My father wasn't ill or in and out of the hospital. The only way we knew he was in need of a new liver was when the tests showed he had liver cancer. He has HMO insurance and they were stalling to get us to see the University Hospital who performs live liver procedures. I was ready to donate NOW and did not want to wait around when it was convenient for them to get us in so we called the Insurance Commissioner demanding an appointment ASAP. Three days later, we were at the Universaity making the arrangement's.
It sounds like your mom is sick, maybe she can't wait around either. Just so you know, we were pushy and once we called the Insurance Commissioner, the ball was rolling in our favor. This information id for you too, Don. Don't let them stall, this is your family. Make them get the ball rolling. Good luck with everything, Jenn and keep us posted. Tawnya
Don,
I love it when life shows you little signs that things are in place. "BE THE MATCH," what are the odds? Good luck with your testing, and remember, neer-beer isn't that bad. For me, it was a great substitute. Tawnya
I am a Live Liver donor.
I donated my right liver lobe to my father on 4-29-10.
USC University Hospital in California performed our surgery. So far, so good. We are both doing great. |
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Tawnya
Member
Username: Daddys_liver_girl
Post Number: 65
Registered: 04-2010
| | Posted on Friday, June 17, 2011 - 07:37 pm: |
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Jenn, I almost forgot. The HEP-C, if it comes back, can take up to 10-15 years to resurface in the recipient. By that time my dad will be close to 80. He said that works for him. Again, it might not resurface, you just never know.
Tawnya
I am a Live Liver donor.
I donated my right liver lobe to my father on 4-29-10.
USC University Hospital in California performed our surgery. So far, so good. We are both doing great. |
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jenn
Member
Username: Jaydee
Post Number: 8
Registered: 05-2011
| | Posted on Monday, June 20, 2011 - 09:57 am: |
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Tawnya and Liver Giver thanks for sharing your information with me. It really is a great blessing being able to talk to people that have gone through a similar experience. It really gives me a lot of hope. I will keep you posted with my mom's situation and the decisions the doctors make.
Jenn |
Don
Member
Username: Mn_donor
Post Number: 7
Registered: 06-2011
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 28, 2011 - 01:01 pm: |
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Hello all,
Had my big screening process yesterday. Everything looked good, liver looks like it working excellently, heart, lungs, only concern is my platelets were a little low and i had some crystals in my urine (passed a kidney stone 14 yrs ago but no other issues since). They wanted to run another series of tests for that. But otherwise the social worker said she wished all of her cases were as easy : ) Due to the holiday, we probably won't know anything till next Wed/Thu but fingers crossed we can proceed with transplant by end of Aug early Sep. Thanks for all your prayers and well wishes.
On another note: If you anyone is considering getting transplant done in the Minnesota i highly recommend the University of Minnesota Transplant teams. They treated me like royalty yesterday. Between 6 different appts, labs, MRI's, CT's and Dr visits between 630 am and 3 pm, i probably only waited a TOTAL of 15-20 min. and i got out of there an hour and a half early to boot. Very nicely done Uof M. |
livingdonor101
Member
Username: Livingdonor101
Post Number: 3
Registered: 03-2011
| | Posted on Thursday, June 30, 2011 - 10:44 am: |
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During your liver donor evaluation process, I want to encourage you to research as much as possible outside the information provided by the transplant center. It's important to realize that each center creates their own standards and often are not as forthcoming as one would expect.
Unfortunately, i disagree with the blanket statement that the 'well being of the living donor is always the primary concern'. A near 40% complication rate for any other elective surgery would be seen as unethical and unacceptable, especially when the graft survival rate is no better than for a deceased donor liver.
I'm glad of U of Minnesota is personable, but what are their stats? How proficient is the surgeon? What is their donor mortality/morbidity rate? How is their graft survival and recipient survival rate? Some of this is available on the OPTN website, but some isn't. And OPTN data is notoriously incomplete and rife with errors in regards to living donors.
Ask these tough questions of the surgeon and transplant coordinator. Demand a real response. If they hedge, be concerned. This isn't just your dad's life and health we're talking about; it's yours too. Two liver donors died in 2010 at separate facilities. Up until that point, neither had 'lost' a donor.
http://www.livingdonor101.com/living_liver_donors.shtml |
nervous1
Member
Username: Ohboy
Post Number: 26
Registered: 03-2011
| | Posted on Friday, July 01, 2011 - 11:25 am: |
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Hi Don,
I am two weeks post op donating a portion of my liver. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. One thing I found...it seems that each person/hospital has their own protocol. For example, it seems other donors had at least 4 days post op stay at the hospital. I had one. The hospital I was at believes in kicking you out ASAP to avoid any MRSA type illnesses. Having said that, I still loved getting information from others as it eased my nerves as well as gave me ideas of what to ask of my own doctors. Best to you, |
Liver Giver
Forum Leader
Username: Beteboop
Post Number: 839
Registered: 10-2007
| | Posted on Sunday, July 03, 2011 - 07:21 am: |
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livingdonor101
While I can appreciate your sharing of the possible negative outcomes of being a living liver donor I believe that the "well being of the donor" is of primary concern to the living donors surgeon and surgical team. That is the primary reason that the living donors screening, preop, surgery and post op are considered completely seperate from that of the recipient. The primary physician, psychiatrist and social worker had no information about my brother's condition and only looked at me from MY health perspective. If any tests came back indicating a problem or area of concern for me to undergo the resection than that specialist would have not cleared me for surgery and they ALL needed to clear me for surgery in order to proceed.
One of the 2010 donor deaths occurred at my transplant center and even having that knowledge before my resection would not have stopped me from proceeding when every test conducted indicated that there was no reason for me to not have surgery. Despite all tests the side effects up to and including death are present in any surgery including cosmetic surgeries and how many thousands of surgeries are performed daily in the USA?
I had no complications from my resection and I would not hesitate to do it again if it were possible. My brother died 9 months post transplant and although in my heart I wanted him to have a new life and a life time of happiness after the surgery that was not in the Lord's plans.
We had 9 extra months with my brother and I wouldn't trade that time for anything in the world. The only peace I have since his passing is that we had that time together and we did all we could to keep him with us. When he grew tired we were forced to let him go but did so knowing that he was ready to leave us.
As I said, I appreciate your sharing your concerns and do not deny that much of your information is potentially a reality for some and I wonder what your connection to liver resection is?
I may be wrong but I strongly feel that you will find the general consensus here to be in favor of living liver donation.
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
Forum Leader
Username: Horace_mann
Post Number: 231
Registered: 12-2008
| | Posted on Sunday, July 03, 2011 - 07:13 pm: |
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I always felt my health was the primary concern of the transplant center (University of Utah) both pre and post op. I had three, six and twelve month follow up exams and annual exams every year since.
It's also my responsibility to keep my physicians informed and health history up to date. My doctors know I only have one kidney and in case they've forgotten I remind them when they prescribe any new meds or treatment.
Dawn said it well with regards to surgery risks and I would also get in line to do it again if possible. No, it doesn't always have a fairy tale ending but if that were the case we'd all sit in locked homes with the curtains drawn and never venture further than the front porch. We mitigate what we can and trust God to take care of the rest. It's worked for me for 46 years.
Chad - non-directed kidney donor Oct. 2007
'OCTODONOR' |
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nervous1
Member
Username: Ohboy
Post Number: 27
Registered: 03-2011
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 05, 2011 - 09:08 pm: |
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OK...well at my preop appt...the first thing the surgeon said was..."I want you to know you could DIE from this operation". yep, no mixing words at the hospital I was at!!!! They did mention the 2 recent deaths (2010 I believe) more than once (meaning not just at the preop, but at the initial testing phases too). I personally felt that there was no sugar coating anything when I was going through the screening process....right down to the lovely pictures they share with you! |
Don
Member
Username: Mn_donor
Post Number: 8
Registered: 06-2011
| | Posted on Thursday, July 07, 2011 - 02:30 am: |
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Hello all. Had my last appt. tue. Just a thorough check-up by the U doctor. They did find a small kidney stone, but said that shouldn't affect my chances of donating. The two transplant teams were supposed t meet today so i'm sure we'll be hearing from them soon.
LivingDonor- thanks for the concern. I agree before one seriously considers donating they should check all the facts. I have and i'm very comfortable with my team. Here at the U they have a separate donor and recipient team so there is no conflict of interest. They always start out saying that this is TOTALLY my decision and i can change my mind for any reason at any time including right before they would put me under. And with no questions asked. but thank you for the link, it was helpful. I don't have any fantasies that this procedure would be easy on me. I've been made well aware of the risks, but my FIL is a very good man and still relativey young(58). And he's the only grandfather my 4yr old has and i need him around if only for a little longer. I think the easiest decision i've made is to try and help him.
Nervous- awesome news. How are you feeling? i hear the pain post-op is the worst but i'm ready for it. Here in MN I will be in the hospital for a whole week post-op and will have scheduled appts every other week for 3 months then once a month till 6 months and again at 9 mo. and 1 yr. How is the recipient doing?
Liver Giver- great info thanks.
Chad- well said, couldn't have said it better myself.
I will post as soon as i hear whether it's a go. Fingers Crossed.
And thank you all.
Don |
sonia
Member
Username: Soniadonor
Post Number: 51
Registered: 03-2009
| | Posted on Thursday, July 07, 2011 - 08:31 am: |
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Hello fellow Minnesotan!
Good luck with everything, it sounds like your transplant team is taking good care and you are taking good care to get all your facts.
I live in Mpls and donated my kidney at the U of M in 2009 and had a great experience and no complications. I know kidney and liver donations are very different, but I hope your experience will be good like mine.
Thinking of you! Keep the updates coming!
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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Don
Member
Username: Mn_donor
Post Number: 9
Registered: 06-2011
| | Posted on Thursday, July 07, 2011 - 04:13 pm: |
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Hey Sonia!
So glad to hear from you. I can't tell you how relieved i am to hear from someone who donated at the U of M. I would love to ask a few questions like who your Dr. was and how you're feeling now and how long did it take before you went back to work. If you wouldn't mind i'd loe to hear from you at dhmii@hotmail.com so we're not posting back and forth on the forum. Otherwise, i'd just like to know how you're doing now and how your recipient is doing. Thanks!!
Don |
nervous1
Member
Username: Ohboy
Post Number: 29
Registered: 03-2011
| | Posted on Friday, July 08, 2011 - 11:41 am: |
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Hey Don,
I'm now 3 weeks post op. Honestly, the pain wasn't as bad as I thought, nor did it last as long as i thought!!! Right now the only pain I have is rib cage pain and the incision burns and itches. BUT it does not affect my enjoying company, walking, eating, etc. My tip to anyone is to be brutally brave at first and get up and walk as soon as they let you. Stand up straight...scream if you have to...LOL. I did that and was up and walking like a maniac in no time. Those who don't tend to heal a bit slower with more pain (or so I hear) Best of luck and ask anything anytime!!!! |
Angela
Member
Username: Angie2011
Post Number: 7
Registered: 07-2011
| | Posted on Monday, July 11, 2011 - 02:02 pm: |
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Hello everyone!
I'm very new at this site and I'm extremely excited to have found it.. I donated part of my liver to my mother in law on 6-2-11. I'm doing great and will be back to work by next week.. my mother in law is also doing great.. she's still at the hospital because she had a bad case of edema.. but she might go home this week.. (i'm praying to God)
Don.. you're a great son in law.. I will be praying for you and your F-I-L.. I'm in NY but if you have any questions please feel free to ask me.. I have a 2 year old daughter which was my main concern before the surgery.. but I can tell you that I would not change not even one minute of my journey.. I'm blessed because God gave me the opportunity to help a human being who was very sick.... best of luck..
Nervous1... hope you're feeling better.. may god bless you.. I hope the recipient is doing well.. you're right about standing up straight.. its not easy but the recovery is faster..my worse pain was on my ribcage and my lower back.. I did not take pain pills when I got home since I was never in pain.. take care..
May god bless you all.. |
Liver Giver
Forum Leader
Username: Beteboop
Post Number: 843
Registered: 10-2007
| | Posted on Monday, July 11, 2011 - 02:14 pm: |
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Hi Angela,
I am so happy to hear that you and your m-i-l are doing well. You have given her a beautiful gift and are a very special d-i-l.
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: 9
Registered: 07-2011
| | Posted on Monday, July 11, 2011 - 02:47 pm: |
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Hi Liver Giver,
Thanks for your kind words... I'm so blessed to have found this group.. its great to read comments from people who have and are going through this wonderful journey..
I know your brother is blessing you from heaven.
May God Bless! |
Angela
Member
Username: Angie2011
Post Number: 10
Registered: 07-2011
| | Posted on Monday, July 11, 2011 - 02:59 pm: |
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Hello everyone!
I'm very new at this site and I'm extremely excited to have found it.. I donated part of my liver to my mother in law on 6-2-11. I'm doing great and will be back to work by next week.. my mother in law is also doing great.. she's still at the hospital because she had a bad case of edema.. but she might go home this week.. (i'm praying to God)
Don.. you're a great son in law.. I will be praying for you and your F-I-L.. I'm in NY but if you have any questions please feel free to ask me.. I have a 2 year old daughter which was my main concern before the surgery.. but I can tell you that I would not change not even one minute of my journey.. I'm blessed because God gave me the opportunity to help a human being who was very sick.... best of luck..
Nervous1... hope you're feeling better.. may god bless you.. I hope the recipient is doing well.. you're right about standing up straight.. its not easy but the recovery is faster..my worse pain was on my ribcage and my lower back.. I did not take pain pills when I got home since I was never in pain.. take care..
May god bless you all.. |
Angela
Member
Username: Angie2011
Post Number: 14
Registered: 07-2011
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 13, 2011 - 02:46 pm: |
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Hello everyone!
I'm very new at this site and I'm extremely excited to have found it.. I donated part of my liver to my mother in law on 6-2-11. I'm doing great and will be back to work by next week.. my mother in law is also doing great.. she's still at the hospital because she had a bad case of edema.. but she might go home this week.. (i'm praying to God)
Don.. you're a great son in law.. I will be praying for you and your F-I-L.. I'm in NY but if you have any questions please feel free to ask me.. I have a 2 year old daughter which was my main concern before the surgery.. but I can tell you that I would not change not even one minute of my journey.. I'm blessed because God gave me the opportunity to help a human being who was very sick.... best of luck..
Nervous1... hope you're feeling better.. may god bless you.. I hope the recipient is doing well.. you're right about standing up straight.. its not easy but the recovery is faster..my worse pain was on my ribcage and my lower back.. I did not take pain pills when I got home since I was never in pain.. take care..
May god bless you all..
Living Liver Donor to Mother in Law 6-2-11
The good we do today becomes the happiness of tomorrow... Unknown |
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nervous1
Member
Username: Ohboy
Post Number: 30
Registered: 03-2011
| | Posted on Saturday, July 16, 2011 - 12:26 pm: |
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My recipient is kicking butt, thanks! It makes it worth while. It's only been one month, so she's not out of the woods yet, but it looks like it will be a success. I'm doing pretty well too. It was not nearly as bad as a feared. Thank you for your kind words. |
Don
Member
Username: Mn_donor
Post Number: 10
Registered: 06-2011
| | Posted on Monday, September 05, 2011 - 12:58 pm: |
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It's On!!!
OK everyone, after months of tests and consultations and more labs and more consultations, we have a date!! I will (god willing) be donating 60% of my liver to my F-I-L Oct. 26th. Everything looks great, we just need to get him as healthy as possible. Any questions? please feel free to post it here. Thanks everyone for your well wishing and future prayers.
Don |
Jack R
Forum Leader
Username: Jack_r
Post Number: 542
Registered: 08-2010
| | Posted on Monday, September 05, 2011 - 02:19 pm: |
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We are glad for your extended family and yourself. It does put Thanksgiving and Christmas into proper context.
Best of everything for you and yours.
Cardiac history going back to 1993. Heart Transplant received in Oct. 2004. Interesting first year and have been very physically active ever since. I currently am pro-active with the SE PA. Gift of Life and a member of Johns Hopkins patient administered Heart Transplant Foundation.
Exercise - look around you and don't tell me you can't -Blog |
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Angela
Member
Username: Angie2011
Post Number: 25
Registered: 07-2011
| | Posted on Monday, September 05, 2011 - 05:54 pm: |
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Great news, Don. Wishing you and your family good health and all the best.
You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
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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sonia
Member
Username: Soniadonor
Post Number: 53
Registered: 03-2009
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 13, 2011 - 10:54 am: |
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Don! That is great news! You and your family will be in my thoughts. Stay healthy. I don't want you guys to catch a cold this fall.
Funny, my surgery at the U of M was on Oct 28, 2009. Jack is right to say that it puts the holidays in proper context. That year was...magical for me. I wish the same to you and yours.
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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Don
Member
Username: Mn_donor
Post Number: 11
Registered: 06-2011
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 - 09:47 am: |
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Thanks Sonia.
And even better (scarier) news. They've upped our transplant date to Sep 28. That's only two weeks away!!
F-I-L isn't doing very well so we want to get this done while we still can. Luckily i'm already in good enough shape to do this. Pic is of lil Don and i today waiting for the bus on his 1st day of school.
Keep those prayers coming people. Thanks!!
Don |
Angela
Member
Username: Angie2011
Post Number: 29
Registered: 07-2011
| | Posted on Monday, September 19, 2011 - 09:00 pm: |
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Hi Don,
Your son is so cute! It must be an exciting time for him.
The same situation happened to me with my M-I-L. She was getting worse, and the date was moved. It was scary... But you will be fine, and you look very healthy. You and your family will be in my thoughts, and prayers.
God bless and stay strong!
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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Liver Giver
Forum Leader
Username: Beteboop
Post Number: 857
Registered: 10-2007
| | Posted on Monday, September 19, 2011 - 10:40 pm: |
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Hi Don,
I am sorry to hear that they needed to push up the surgery due to your mother in laws decline.
I shall keep you all in prayer and hope to hear good news in just a few weeks.
If you want to chat don't hesitate to call
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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Heather
Forum Leader
Username: Heather
Post Number: 3317
Registered: 05-2003
| | Posted on Monday, September 19, 2011 - 10:43 pm: |
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Don,
great picture of you and your son! Wow..only 2 weeks and it will all be done!! I will be praying for you as well. Your FIL is a blessed man to have you in his life.
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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Tawnya
Member
Username: Daddys_liver_girl
Post Number: 67
Registered: 04-2010
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 - 04:13 am: |
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Hi Don,
I know the date coming up so soon can be scary, but I must say that from your picture, you look very healthy and I have a funny suspicion that all will go well. I will be thinking and talking to god about you and F-I-L on that special day. Please keep us posted. Sending positive and strong vibes your way!!!! Your angel sister, Tawnya
I am a Live Liver donor.
I donated my right liver lobe to my father on 4-29-10.
USC University Hospital in California performed our surgery. So far, so good. We are both doing great. |
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sonia
Member
Username: Soniadonor
Post Number: 54
Registered: 03-2009
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 - 08:35 am: |
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Oh wow!! That is soon! Stay strong. I agree with everyone - you look healthy. And you can trust the doctors at the U if they say you are healthy. Stay confident and strong. Eat your veggies and get lots of sleep! 
I only hope that your mama in law stays healthy enough until the 28th so that she can benefit from your gift.
We are sending good vibes your way!
Sonia
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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Don
Member
Username: Mn_donor
Post Number: 12
Registered: 06-2011
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 - 12:08 am: |
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Hello all, sad so say the transplant has been called off. Donny took a turn for the worse this weekend and is too sick for the operation. He's in stable condition after a night spent in critical condition and the Transplant team informed us that if/when he is healthy enough for the transplant he will go on the cadaver livers list. Our family is strong and we're doing well, we still believe he is going to get well enough for the surgery and be ok but whatever happens we'll be together.
So i'll keep you all informed here. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers. Don |
sonia
Member
Username: Soniadonor
Post Number: 55
Registered: 03-2009
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 - 10:29 am: |
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Hi Don,
I am so sorry to hear about the bad news. I hope your father in law has a speady recovery and is able to receive a transplant in the near future.
You are a very kind soul to put yourself out there for him. Don't ever forget that. Your family does sound strong and your FIL is so lucky to have all of you.
Thank you for sharing your story and I hope to hear some good news soon.
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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LadyDi
Forum Leader
Username: Ladydi
Post Number: 2687
Registered: 03-2008
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 - 07:42 pm: |
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So sorry to hear this Don. All the best to your father-in-law and hope he recovers soon.
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DonR
Member
Username: Don62
Post Number: 1
Registered: 09-2011
| | Posted on Thursday, September 29, 2011 - 09:57 am: |
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Don, I just signed up today and read through your posts. I donated part of my liver to my brother on July 5th of this year. He was doing great for 4 weeks and developed a blood clot in the new liver. He was placed back on the list for 2 weeks and was lucky enough to receive a cadaveric liver. He's still in the hospital, but just recently turned the corner. My brother is 50 and survived his initial liver failure in 2007, he survived the first transplant, he survived the liver failure after the first transplant, then the second transplant surgery and the infections and associated complications of the second surgery. Keep the faith and stay strong there's always hope. |
Heather
Forum Leader
Username: Heather
Post Number: 3326
Registered: 05-2003
| | Posted on Friday, September 30, 2011 - 07:17 pm: |
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Welcome, DonR. How great of you to donate. I am so sorry things did not work out with your liver.. I am so glad your brother has turned the corner. I hope all is well this time around.
How are you doing? Can you tell us a bit about your story? Where you had your surgery..how was your recovery? how are you feeling?
Nice to have you here!
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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DonR
Member
Username: Don62
Post Number: 5
Registered: 09-2011
| | Posted on Friday, September 30, 2011 - 08:11 pm: |
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Thanks Heather! I'm doing pretty good. I went back to work this past Monday. I work as a deputy sheriff/police officer so the gun belt and vest are causing some minor pain and irritation on my scar.
My surgery was on July 5th so I'm just shy of three months post op. Our surgeries were done at Penn State Hershey Medical Center in Hershey PA. I cannot say enough about the facility and the staff, they were incredible. My recovery was a little bumpy at first. I had some minor problems getting my bowels and bladder going after surgery. Then at just over 2 weeks I had a reaction to the staples and got an infection at the incision site. They pulled them out, cleaned it out and it had to heal from the inside out. I had a wound vac on it for a week after a week of wet to dry dressings that my poor wife had to change. It eventually healed and I just took it easy for the summer. My abdominal muscles are still pretty week but I'm just slowly working at it. I wasn't exactly going to get hired to do underwear ads pre-op either, so it is what it is.
My story is pretty standard. My brother's liver was shot, he needed a new one, and I love him very much so I donated. It was never really even a thought. He originally went into liver failure in early 2007 so it was kind of lingering in the back of my mind for a while. He found out in late October of 2010 that he was going to get listed. He hit the list on Christmas Eve and I made the call to donate on December 27th (my 40th b-day) I went through the screening process and tried to bank cash and time off. I found out on the Friday before Memorial Day that the surgery was a go. I spent the next month with a lot of sleepless nights as it hit me that my liver was good enough and it was going to actually happen. I had a lot of great and supportive people around me, especially my wife, sister-in-law, my kids, and my parents. I wouldn't have gotten through it with out them.
Don R.
Liver Donor to Brother 07/05/2011
Penn State Hershey Medical Center
Hershey PA |
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Heather
Forum Leader
Username: Heather
Post Number: 3328
Registered: 05-2003
| | Posted on Friday, September 30, 2011 - 09:59 pm: |
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I sure understand the sleepless nights when you finally realize it is not just talk..that it is really going to happen...I was quite scared once it hit me. I was 35 when I donated my kidney to my dad.
My dad had an incision on his arm at some point after transplant and it was quite large to be on an arm..but it was an incision that had to be open and heal from the inside. It is not pretty...but it is amazing how quickly it does close up...my mom had the joys of packing that...so I can imagine yours was much larger. Glad you are doing well and back to work. Be careful! And thank you for sharing your story with us.
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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Liver Giver
Forum Leader
Username: Beteboop
Post Number: 859
Registered: 10-2007
| | Posted on Friday, September 30, 2011 - 10:13 pm: |
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Welcome to our family DonR. It certainly sounds like your recovery was much different than mine. I am glad to hear that things are moving in the right direction and you are feeling much better now.
How is your brother doing now?
I shall certainly keep you both in thought and prayer.
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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DonR
Member
Username: Don62
Post Number: 8
Registered: 09-2011
| | Posted on Monday, October 03, 2011 - 06:22 pm: |
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Thanks, he's doing well. We know he's better because he's giving my sister-in-law a hard time. He should be heading to a rehab hospital by the end of the week, one step closer to home.
Don R.
Liver Donor to Brother 07/05/2011
Penn State Hershey Medical Center
Hershey PA |
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Don
Member
Username: Mn_donor
Post Number: 13
Registered: 06-2011
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 04, 2011 - 10:07 pm: |
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To all. My FIL passed Sat. His kidneys failed, his liver completely failed and he didn't want to be kept alive on machines. It was a difficult decision for us all but we honored his wishes. We were only one week away from me being able to donate part of my liver and that's definitely the hardest part of this. I just want to say i'm glad i tried, i wish i could've helped and i'd do it all over again if given the chance. If you're considering donating a part or your liver i STRONGLY encourage you to do it. My only regret is not pushing hard enough to get it scheduled sooner. This was a gift of life and the people who need it may not say so, but they are desperate and their life hangs in the balance. Peace and love to you all. Don |
DonR
Member
Username: Don62
Post Number: 11
Registered: 09-2011
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 05, 2011 - 07:59 am: |
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I'm sorry to hear that Don. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. You did everything you could, there's nothing to say that scheduling it sooner would have changed what happened. So please have no regrets and don't beat yourself up.
Don R.
Liver Donor to Brother 07/05/2011
Penn State Hershey Medical Center
Hershey PA |
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sonia
Member
Username: Soniadonor
Post Number: 56
Registered: 03-2009
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 05, 2011 - 08:27 am: |
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Don! I am sad to hear this news. I hope spending time with your family and friends will bring you and your wife comfort during this time. It sounds like your father in law was a very brave man. You are an amazing person to offer what you did. Not everyone would. I agree with DonR - don't have any regrets.
With sympathy, Sonia
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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Heather
Forum Leader
Username: Heather
Post Number: 3334
Registered: 05-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 05, 2011 - 09:50 am: |
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Don I am so sorry for your loss...made especially hard considering you had wanted to help avoid this by donating. As I have told others through the years on this forum..you are as much a donor as those of us who actually donated..because you were wanting, willing and ready to step in at any time and put your life and health on the line to give someone else a second chance at life. Have no regrets.
Heather
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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jenn
Member
Username: Jaydee
Post Number: 23
Registered: 05-2011
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 05, 2011 - 06:03 pm: |
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Hi Don,
I was just reading back on some of these old posts and I know we had similar stories and unfortunately they both ended in similar ways. I wanted more than anything in the world for my mom to have a second chance but God also had a different plan for her. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Jenn |
Liver Giver
Forum Leader
Username: Beteboop
Post Number: 862
Registered: 10-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, October 06, 2011 - 05:18 am: |
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Don,
I am so sorry to hear about your f-i-l. I felt/feel the same way that if my brother had allowed us to have the surgery sooner then things may have turned out different.
It isn't much but I try to think that the entire experience and loss of Anthony is a part of God's bigger plan.
Take care and stay in touch. You are a hero and an angel!
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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LadyDi
Forum Leader
Username: Ladydi
Post Number: 2696
Registered: 03-2008
| | Posted on Thursday, October 06, 2011 - 11:50 am: |
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I am so sorry for your loss Don! My sympathies to you and your family.
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Angela
Member
Username: Angie2011
Post Number: 37
Registered: 07-2011
| | Posted on Thursday, October 06, 2011 - 10:58 pm: |
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Don,
Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. You are a wonderful son in law, and he will always be watching over you and your family.
May God give you strength and peace during this difficult time.
I will pray for you and your family!
Take care!
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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