latest news on liver transplants fo4 young people

[Harriet-sarah]

take a look at this link where young people are waiting longer than people over age of 60 for transplant decisions made by computer algorithms

bbc.co.uk/news/health-66259618

any thoughts? I’ve just been given probably 5 years to live without a transplant, and some have been waiting for 4-5 years I’m 42

[kensimmons]

This seems to explain it in a few words -

In 2018, a new computer algorithm was launched to cut deaths on the waiting list. It prioritises patients who are most likely to die soon, which in practice, tends to be older people.

And...

"Olive McGowan, the chief nurse for NHS Blood and Transplant, acknowledges that it is incredibly stressful for young patients on the waiting list. She points out that difficult decisions have to be made because there there are not enough livers to go around."

I would encourage anyone in need of a liver, if needed, to consider going the "living donor" route because that seems (as far as I know - please note I am not a doctor or expert in any of this) that seems to mean you can be treated much quicker (and you free up a donor liver for someone who must go that route). Sincere best wishes to you!

Again, I am not a doctor, your doctor or the wonderful people who answer the phone at the "Liver Line" (as I like to call it) should be who you call on Monday if you wish.

[Readlots]

I don’t understand the bit about signing up for the organ donor register. I thought that had changed to an opt out system so that more organs could be used. I know it’s good practice to tell relatives your wishes so that it’s easier on them. But I didn’t think you needed to be on the register any more. Have I got that wrong? Might explain the shortage. I hope you get yours soon Harriet- Sarah xxx

[Harriet-sarah in reply to Readlots]

I think they are in the process of changing it but are coming up against ethical reasons, personal I would obviously vote for it, but religious and personal opinions human rights are a battlefield to over come. I can’t just see why people can’t just opt out if they felt so strongly about it. I’m not even on the list yet my consultant said I’m too high risk at the moment to put me on list hence he wants to see me once a month to see any progress or deterioration. I’ve spent every day science last September one minute I’m dying next minute I’m not I need a transplant next minute I don’t, to then dying and needing transplant in the next 5 yrs, my head is so messed up with emotions I literally don’t know if I’m coming or going! I just take each day as it comes but can’t make any plans, i absently thought today I would have another dog, but then I had to stop myself and go ‘oh yeah I can’t cause I might not be alive’