Re: THANK YOU, Live donor question

[Guest guest]

I enjoyed reading your experiences with live donation, also. I was hoping someone would have something to chime in with concerning the other side of things. To each their own. Thank goodness. Thanks for taking the time to share.

in MO.

son, Nick(9)liver disease 1/09

Subject: Re: THANK YOU, Live donor questionTo: Date: Tuesday, April 7, 2009, 8:34 PM

Thank you so much for sharing your story.

It is an individual decision, but as a wife who was sitting by watching her 40 year old husband with PSC with a low meld score (15) but had 2 major varices episodes (1st one almost killed him--that is how he was diagnosed) and the risk of bile duct cancer being high and the quality of life slowly slipping away, I did not think twice about donating. I didn't think I would be able to since I am only 5 feet 3 inches and he is over 6 foot..but I was a perfect match. Yes the surgery is more serious and painful for the donor, but the risk of death I believe was less than 1%. My husband did not ask me and to be honest I don't think he wanted me to do it...but it all just happened so quickly. I am sure my family had their views, but they knew me and supported my decision. I had an excellent surgeon (Dr. Abouljoud at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit MI) and I

put my trust in him. The surgery was 10/16/06. I was almost back to 100%, but I had back problems prior to surgery and I just recently had spinal fusion in February. I was scared to death for that surgery, but everything went well and I am recuperating. I am only 42 and have had 2 major surgeries and I still feel good today. Hopefully that will be the last for many years. I am glad live liver donation is at least a choice. I would do it again in a heartbeat to save someone's life. It is the most gratifying feeling. RE: Re: Live donor question

-----Original Message-----First of all, according to Baylor, the donor must be the same blood type

Baylor has only done 4 living donor transplants since 2002. I think 3 were for children. I do know the one they did at Baylor Dallas passed away after surgery.

Barb in Texas - Together in the Fight - Whatever it Takes!

Son Ken (34) UC 91 PSC 99, LTX 6/21 & 6/30 2007 @ Baylor/Dallas