Emphysema and liver transplant

[Davideo]

Is it possible to have a liver transplant if you have mild emphysema?

[AyrshireK]

It wouldn't be appropriate for any of us to say yes or no.

The transplant assessment involves a multitude of tests which look into whether a patient is actually in need of transplant (thorough assessment of liver health) and also whether they have any issues that would contraindicate transplant or indeed if they have any extra-hepatic health issues that make the procedure more difficult or indeed impossible.

Part of the transplant assessment is a full lung and heart health assessment - the anaesthetist often has the final say on whether they'd be prepared to put someone on the operating table. They obviously won't risk operating on someone whom they feel will possibly not survive the operation.

Katie

[Davideo in reply to AyrshireK]

Thanks for reply I'm hoping it don't come to that. Anixety is kicking in. Just had a beef burger as well. I hope this is not mild HE

[Davideo]

Also scared to take any anixety tablets because they damage the liver

[AyrshireK]

I think first thing is first you need to get a thorough examination and tests to see where you stand with your liver just now. Maybe as alcohol becomes very much a thing of your past you will find the anxiety drops ............ booze is a depressant so it only fuels your anxiety rather than actually helping it. Maybe doctor can help with alternatives to tablets to help deal with anxiety or be able to prescribe some which are more liver safe.

I wouldn't even think about transplant at the moment as you can only be assessed once you are properly off the booze and able to cope with life challenges without it. There are strict criteria for transplant where alcohol has been the causal factor of the liver damage.

I hope you get all your tests and things done soon so you can go about rectifying the situation and getting on with living your life. As others have mentioned in recent posts positive thinking and living life positively go a long way to keeping you both mentally and physically fit.

All the best,

Katie

[Davideo]

Thanks been of the booze because the anixety can last weeks after ones day drinking. It's not worth it. 5 times in 3 years is to many.

[Davideo]

The main thing I know I can do it. Stay of drinking. The only way is to do is to make hard choices. I need to stay away from people who drink. That simple. Harder than it seems but if your life is at stake it needs to be done.

[AyrshireK]

Sounds like you have reached the turning point Davideo and hopefully you can grasp the opportunity to turn your life round for the better, kick the booze well and truly into touch and go about improving your physical and mental health.

Katie

[Davideo in reply to AyrshireK]

Enough is enough I'm no good to anyone in a box

[Millie09 in reply to Davideo]

Day at a time Davideo.. my anxiety was through the roof ,depression panic disorder bought on by physical and mental abuse by my ex husband. No .. no one placed alcohol in my hands but I had a full time job ,mortgage, 3 children whom I had to protect till they were old enough to stand on their own two feet... then it was too late for me health wise ,thats when the reality kicked in , I couldn't stop drinking, I was totally dependent on it yet I was on the verge of a massive life changing diagnosis of liver failure. I had only my dad who I was living with who took care of me along with my sister

My life story would take ages to tell but what I'm really trying to say is if I can do it then I'm totally positive that you can .

Rollercoaster ride ,but try not to over think the future , or even the past as that can hinder your recovery .

Onwards and upwards!!!

my best wishes

Linda

[Davideo in reply to Millie09]

20 years of my life booze was my medication. It was like being in a coma. It took over my life. Now I've woken up. I'm seeing life again as did before I was 18(sober). I'm 41 now. It's like I've been in a coma 18-38. Strange feeling to see the world again. Still had a few relapses since 38 but hey at least I can sleep without a drink. That's something I will never miss. 20 years I couldn't.

[Millie09 in reply to Davideo]

Seeing life without booze is like starting over again it was for me ,once I had passed my relapses ,my 2 yrs cbt and counselling I had by then started a new part time job ,my own flat , eating healthy and actually enjoying cooking and eventually able to go out socialising and being comfortable not drinking alcohol. But im so pleased that you are sober , living life again even with issues we all have when living with cirrhosis, this forum is a great place to seek help and advice, also the BLT nurse helpline

[Davideo]

Thanks I was thinking of joining a gym. Maybe do some volunteering with people with addictions. It would give me an advantage having experience of addiction myself. Also studied lots about the liver. Also might lead to a job as well as helping people out. Need to sort me anixety out with the doctor first. One step at a time hey. Forgot to mention the brain fog but sometimes me diet can cause that.

[Davideo]

I also need to change from red meat to white. But I have cut it out. I had a beef burger though today brown bun and salad. But chicken turkey or tuna for next few days. I like jacket potato salad along with the above meats