Are people with previous drug and alcohol problems eligible to get a liver transplant?

[Phil1983]

I'm pretty sure I've got serious liver problems. Blood tests were good but i can't definitive tests at the moment.

I used to smoke legal highs (cannaboids) years ago and I think they fucked up my liver. Since then I've been a binge drinker which i think pushed it over the edge.

I haven't taken drugs in years and I've stopped drinking.

I'm trying to be positive but I'm scared. I think my past would disqualify me.

[AyrshireK]

If you are in the UK then there is a requirement to have a proven period of abstinence from drink for a minimum period of 6 months prior to assessment for transplant and during transplant assessment (if alcohol is a contributory factor to your illness) then your drink and drug history is assessed and you have to make a declaration promising life long abstinence thereafter. Prior drug use also does not bar you from transplant listing. The clinical protocols for liver transplant assessment/listing can be found at:- services.nhslothian.scot/sc... (these are the Scottish ones & you'll see detailed a chapter on illicit drug use).

Katie

[Koassilator in reply to AyrshireK]

🙄 Wish I could type quicker.

[Uplight99 in reply to AyrshireK]

Something I’ve always wondered, how do they tell if you have previous drug or alcohol use? I’m assuming they can tell from the damage to your liver?

[AyrshireK in reply to Uplight99]

They demand honesty and one of the first discussions you have at t/p unit is your liver history so they will know what's what.

[Bootandall in reply to AyrshireK]

They also test your blood and make you fill out a questionnaire asking how much alcohol you drink at every follow up appointment no matter what the cause of your cirrhosis is. I have cirrhosis due to longstanding Hep C, not drinking, but I did drink and also have used Marijuana and cocaine.

[Bootandall in reply to Bootandall]

Sorry, that was for Uplight not you Katie.

[Koassilator in reply to Bootandall]

Brightspark. 😜

[AyrshireK in reply to Bootandall]

No worries, hubby who has non alcohol related auto immune cirrhosis and was never asked about drink at transplant clinic appointments and never had to fill in a questionnaire (life long t-total).

Katie

[1football]

Hi Phil

Katie is 100% correct.

Am more concerned that you think you need a liver transplant.A transplant really is the last course of action and is extremely serious,if you have liver issues the consultants will explore every possible way of treating you before going down the transplant route & even then you have to pass an assessment,the only reason am saying this is because you mention your pretty sure you have a problem, are you under a liver consultant?

All the best

Huw

[Phil1983]

Hi Huw

I know I'm way ahead of myself. I haven't been diagnosed with anything as my bloods were good and I can't get a scan because of the pandemic.

I'm convinced there's something wrong. I've had right side pain, mild shoulder pain, a few days of dizziness, days of nausea, sudden appearance of veins and capillaries on my ankles, a line of veins below my chest, weird stools sometimes green.

I'm a total wreck and I ask about a transplant because I'm trying to find some hope for the future as I'm seriously depressed and feeling stuck. I've read way too much online.

I know it's irrational to think about a transplant when I'm not that sick but I'm just trying to establish some hope for the future.

I'm 6 weeks without booze. I'm eating a very strict diet and exercising. I've lost nearly 30 lbs in 3 months. But mentally I'm a wreck.

I guess I want to comfort myself with the hope that If my liver is fucked there's still hope.

I know it's not healthy to think this way. I just wish I could focus on something else.

I've worked hard on my physical health in the last few months but I'm finding my mental health a much greater challenge.

I'm sorry for people that are living through serious liver problems I'm sure I sound ridiculous but I'm just really scared and feel helpless with the pandemic I can't do anymore that speak to my GP on the phone.

[Hidden]

Hi Phil,

The forum members have shared some good advice on here. If you want to have a further chat our nurse led helpline is open today 10am to 3pm on 0800 652 7330

Best wishes

trust1