Transplant liver.

[Nictesla]

Me again, is there an age cut off for getting a liver liver transplant in England ? I know its 63 in France. I am 61 and a half .

[AyrshireK]

Whilst there is no age cut off in the UK they say 'advanced age is a relative contraindication to transplant'. Most centres say about 65 or 70 - it's very much taken on an individual basis - we've had members on here who have been transplanted at 65. When my hubby was being assessed there was a chap who was 71 being assessed at the same time, his problem was liver cancer due to haemochromatosis.

Ask for referral to a t/p unit.

Katie

[Nictesla in reply to AyrshireK]

Thank you again x I feel a bit more positive now....

[AyrshireK in reply to Nictesla]

Transplant assessment is designed to give you a full body MOT. The purpose of assessment is to confirm diagnosis and ensure that transplant is the necessary next step i.e. is transplant required. Part two of the assessment is to ensure the patient is actually fit enough to endure the long operation and recovery period and manage the aftercare going forward. They check heart and lung and scans ensure there is nothing else going on in the body which might prevent surgery.

It's a full on assessment and includes physical tests plus lots of discussions with the transplant team - surgeons, anaesthetists, social work, transplant co-ordinators, consultants and more. Some centres even arrange for post transplant patients to come in and chat with you to get the patients view point.

I wish you the very best of luck.

Katie

[alfredthegreat]

Hi Nictesla. I had my liver transplant at Addenbrookes hospital last year August bank holiday. I was 68 years (+ 8 months old) so time is well on your side as far as transplant goes. Best wishes to you. Alf

[LAJ123]

hi,

I had a very successful transplant in 2016 when I was 62. a year later a friend also had an equally successful procedure at 62, he's also doing very well.

There is no official age limit and every person is assessed according to need and probability of a successful outcome. Clearly as a person gets older, there are ever diminishing returns regarding the individuals risk vs benefit of major surgery, responsible use of the limited number of donated organs and cost to the NHS.

On page 28 of the annual report of the National Health Service Blood and Transplant Service (NHSBT), you can see the liver transplant statistics, nationally and for each separate transplant centre. This will show you the age range of recipients. There is a link on the British Liver Trust website but here is the link to save time.

nhsbtdbe.blob.core.windows....

Hope this answers your question.

Jim

britishlivertrust.org.uk/

[CarpeDiem11 in reply to LAJ123]

Thank- you for posting this. It will make for interesting reading

[Val2005]

I had my transplant in Spain, where I live, when I was 67.

I am now 81 and well and enjoying life. I think about looking after myself and my liver every day - and yes, I have the occasional glass of wine. My illness was caused by paracetamol, not alcohol. Today I go to see my liver specialist in Alicante, which is now just a once a year meeting. It’s a five hour trip for about fifteen minutes with the specialist whilst she sees my latest blood results.

Hope all goes well for you.

[Radnor]

Was your letter fro a liver consultant? It is unusual for a letter to come direct from them All the consultants I have ever seen write to my GP and I am copied in.Private consultations may differ , but not under NHS. Insist on seeing a liver consultant to get clarification. I recall someone on here said a receptionist actually said 'oh is cirrhosis serious then!' There are numerous charts and measures for liver disease, different tests and every one of us is unique. Unlike a blood test for example for a simple condition, livers are complex, so diagnosis is too. This is why we should not comment on LFT's. I am sure the helpline can also assist you in the best way forward, wishing you a positive outcome after such a shock Hazelx

[Radnor]

Reply was for your other post but , lack of sleep syndrome on my part lol

[Hidden]

I have just 4 weeks ago, had my transplant I am 68 years old. Keeping fit is a big key in my opinion. I wish you so much luck and send virtual hugs. Stay strong. This site is a great place to be inspired and gain confidence. I was full of doubt and fear. If happened for me and many others, it is vital you never lose hope. Jaycee