My dad needs a liver transplant

[suzydisney971]

This is my first post on this board. My dad has cirrosis (sp?) of the liver (heavy drinker). He has started to retain a lot of fluid since April and it just won't go away. They tap him and in a couple of days, the fluid comes back. He is currently in the hospital because he is so weak and doesn't have an appetite. He doesn't eat very well and when he starts to eat again, he ends up vomitting so he's afraid to eat. This isn't helping his weakness or getting him healthy. He is being placed on the waiting list but he is O+ and there are lots of patients waiting and not enough donors with that type of blood. Not to mention, his levels aren't low enough where he needs the transplant right away. I'm awaiting to get tested. (I tried giving blood but veins are impossible to find). I've scheduled a physical and hoping they will be able to draw blood to see if it matches. I'm an only child and praying that I'm the donor my dad needs. Not to mention, it's my responsibility to ask friends and family if they would be willing to get tested and donate a part of their liver. I also need to find other options for donors, as in putting up fliers at a church or finding a message board to request for donors but that's hard too. It's not easy to ask and I feel guilty knowing that I'm asking for something that I will never be able to repay. It's so hard having to deal with all the medical issues and get the answers he needs. (My parents don't speak english very well so I'm the translator). And while all this is going on, my husband and I are trying to buy a house and we just lost the financing however, the closing isn't until 10/15 so we have time and are in the process of filing an application with another broker. It's like, can anything else go wrong or just another obstacle that I need to jump for my life to go back to normal?

Sorry that this is so long. I'm glad that this board exists so that I know there are other people who are facing the same types of issues as I am and that I'm not alone.

 

[imabrat]

Suzy I am sorry that your dad is facing this , my dad also suffered from cirrhosis of the liver but he died 29 years ago , he was never even considered for one because you just never heard of anything like this years ago.
I hope your dad can find a donor , I wish you the very best of luck.

 

[suzydisney971]

Thank you. I'm constantly in tears every time I think about it or even when someone like you is nice to me. I usually try to not think about it or just be very practical and I can usually get away with it but other times, it just gets to me.

 

[Mackey Mouse]

HI Suzy... I was sorry to read about your Dad......it is hard when you are the only one and one of your parents becomes ill.... You will find the strength to handle all of this, I know that sounds strange to say, but you will find it. Do you belong actively to a religious group where maybe you could some support from members there?? I would do whatever I needed to do to get my Dad the help that he needs. Hopefully he will find a donor and he will get another chance with a new liver..

Please know you can post here and ask for support....many of us have ill husbands, fathers, mothers, daughters, sons, grandsons, etc and have been in your shoes... we are here for you.

 

[LuvOrlando]

Hi Suzy. I am very sorry to read about your dad and will keep both of you in my prayers.

 

[suzydisney971]

I finally have some good news. My dad is finally out of the hospital and has been placed on the list. Bad news is he is too healthy for a liver, good news is he is too healthy for a liver. I have my doctor's appointment next week and will get my blood tested just before I go to Disney. Hopefully I will have good news and be his donor. The best birthday present I could ever get would be to have my dad healthy and back to his old self again. (my birthday is 3 days after my appointment).

 

[LuvOrlando]

Hi Suzydisney971

I have heard recently that Dr's can now take a portion of a living person's liver for transplant and that they will both grow back to normal size in time. Its my guess that this is the surgery you are hoping to have.

Your parents are very lucky to have such a devoted daughter, I really hope they appreciate you as much as you deserve.

I hope things will work out for you

 

[onesadduck]

I'm so sorry for the situation you're in. I hope you can donate! Keeping you and your father in my prayers,
Alisa

 

[Mackey Mouse]

Please let us know how you and he are doing...

 

[suzydisney971]

Thank you all for your prayers and well wishes. It is greatly appreciated. It seems easier to talk to strangers than it does my own family sometimes. I guess I feel like I have to be the strong one all the time and this way I can let myself speak freely without burdening anyone. Thank you all again.

 

[LuvOrlando]

Thank you all for your prayers and well wishes. It is greatly appreciated. It seems easier to talk to strangers than it does my own family sometimes. I guess I feel like I have to be the strong one all the time and this way I can let myself speak freely without burdening anyone. Thank you all again.

When you say you can't talk to your own family, if you mean your spouse and kids and friends its probably because hearing how this situation hurts you actually hurts them too. I'm sure they want to listen and help you but since they can't change things for you, the situation is often too frustrating for people from different backgrounds to hear. Only someone who has walked in your shoes can understand how very intoxicating a single ray of hope can be.

Here is a big

 

[suzydisney971]

Well I'm back from a great vacation. We had a great time and my husband has now been converted into a Disney lover. Maybe not as much as I am but he definitely wants to go back again so I'm pretty happy with that. And got some great news. My father and I have the same blood type. The doctor called while I was away and told me. So that's one hurdle down now. We had tested other people but so far no one else matches so it looks like it's down to me. I'm also happy to report that my dad was fine while I was away. I was really worried that he was going to take a turn for the worse and we would have to rush home but it didn't happen. It was really great being and not having to worry about anything except to be on time for the opening of the parks and where to eat. I'll keep you posted on what happens if I end up being his donor.

 

[Eeyore's Mom]

My 4 year old DS is the recipient of a living donor transplant and just wanted to wish you well with your dad. I also lost a 39 year old neighbor and friend to liver disease this past weekend. She never quit drinking so was not able to be placed on the transplant list. Hope your dad gets the 2nd chance and lives life large (in a healthy way)!!

 

[safetymom]

I am so sorry to hear the struggles your family has been having. I will keep you all in my prayers. Remember to take some time for yourself while you are trying to be there for everyone else.

 

[savage1]

I can so relate. My dad also has Cirhossis (sp?) and needs a liver transplant. My brothers and I are going to meet with his doctor this week and find out what we need to do. All of us are going to be tested. On top of this my mom has cancer and is undergoing a new treatment. She seems to be holding up well, and we are all there for both of them. So if you need a sympathetic shoulder, I can be there for you. Maybe we can form our own support group help each other through this.

 

[frdeb1999]

So sorry to hear about your dad Suzy. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

 

[suzydisney971]

Thank you very much. I really appreciate your kindness.