hi , can I donate my liver to my mum she’s 75 , I’m 51 as she has cirrhosis, any advice appreciated

[Sharonmcfarlane]

hi , can I donate my liver to my mum she’s 75 , I’m 51 as she has cirrhosis, any advice appreciated

[mtk0925]

I’ve never heard of that you can’t live with out your liver. Possibly you can donate a portion but if she has cirrhosis sounds like she needs a full new one

[Sharonmcfarlane in reply to mtk0925]

ok thank u

[AyrshireK]

Hi Sharon, live donation of a portion of a healthy person's liver is possible (in some cases) BUT whether this would be possible in your mum's case is probably doubtful.

To get any transplant Mum would first need to be assessed and listed for transplant for a cadaver liver - surgeons will ALWAYS prefer this than putting a healhy person through a massive and risky operation that can actually leave them more poorly than the recipient.

Transplant assessment consists of a great many tests to (a) assess if t/p is needed, is the patient poorly enough to need it ? - just having a diagnosis of cirrhosis doesn't mean someone needs a transplant - having uncontrollable symptoms probably might.

Part (b) of assessment looks at whether the patient is actually fit enough to have the op. Are there other health issues at play? Heart, lung health, general health, dietary health and I hate to say it but age is a factor. Whilst there is technically no age limit the older someone is the more likelihood of other frailties which would contraindicate t/p.

They also assess what kind of liver a person needs - not everyone can have a split or live liver.

Sadly, if someone doesn't meet criteria for t/p they won't get listed. Having a potential live donor on hand doesn't change the listing process or criteria. No shortcuts.

The live donor also has to go through a similar assessment process including mental health evaluations. It's a massive op, same scar, loosing part of your liver. Meaning you can't lift or drive or potentially work for weeks/months. If mum needs care post op you probably won't be able to do it as you'd be in need of just as much care. Donors have died undergoing the op. How would Mum go on then?

I considered it briefly when my hubby was waiting for t/p in 2014 but quickly knocked it on the head. He needs me here, well and fit enough to care, drive etc. It's 2022 now and hubby is stable, still living life even with cirrhosis. How the h*ll would he have gone on if i'd died during the op?

Realistically at 75 I would think that transplant won't be considered suitable. It depends how poorly mum is with her cirrhosis as to how long she has left and how well she looks after herself. You can live for many years even with cirrhosis. I think you need to make the most of life with her now. You can ask the question about t/p assessment but be prepared for a no.

You and Mum need to live life to the nax.

Best wishes, Katie x

[Sharonmcfarlane in reply to AyrshireK]

thank you so much for your knowledge and understanding , it’s very much appreciated at this time . Wish you and your husband a good life together . Thank you x

[AyrshireK]

I have just had a read at your profile and you say mum is newly diagnosed and only on carvedilol (beta blocker to treat portal hypertension).

You also mention 'end stage' - this doesn't mean end of life it purely means that cirrhosis is the end/last stage of liver fibrosis. A great many people on here have cirrhosis diagnosis (my hubby for 10 years, many others for even longer). Hubbies doctor has patients who have had cirrhosis for 20 + years who are nowhere near deaths door nor needing transplant.

Mum needs to keep well, eat healthily, exercise and keep an eye out for potential symptoms. Whilst cirrhosis can't be cured progress can be slowed or stopped and improvements made.

britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

Katie

[Sharonmcfarlane in reply to AyrshireK]

thank you I’ve call the dr this morning for more of an understanding , mum has a lot of symptoms , exhaustion , cold fluid in legs and tummy . Thanks for your advice

[Granky]

I seem to recall during my wife’s illness being told that cirrhosis caused by diabetes and fatty liver is more difficult than those caused by alcohol. Give up drinking far more chance of stabilising. People seem to assume alcohol is the cause but I also believe nearly 50% are diet related. So depending on the cause can help answer your question.

[Sharonmcfarlane]

non alcohol related … they have said fatty deposits in liver , bloods getting checked for autoimmune disease as mum has sarcoidosis also … thank you all for your advice .

[sophiaS1980]

I don't know where you live but here in America you can give your mom a portion of your liver even at age 75 but it would depend on her and your health. They will look at your health too. There is a man 77 just got a portion of his son's liver in my doc's practice about 8 months ago. Make sure that's what your mom really needs,but first try eating right and getting some exercise. Good Luck!

[Sharonmcfarlane]

thank you , I appreciate all the support and advice just now and I’m in Scotland . Take care

[Roy1955]

I can't add much to Katys reply except that just because your her daughter does not mean your liver will be a match for her.

Also she would probably say no to putting you at risk.

[BritishLiverTrust5 Moderator British Liver Trust]

Dear Sharonmcfarlane

If you are in the UK and would find it useful to talk things over, our nurse-led helpline is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm on 0800 652 7330 (excluding bank holidays)

Best wishes

British Liver Trust

[Sharonmcfarlane in reply to BritishLiverTrust5]

thank you