Liver Vitamin

Liver disease?

I just found out that my dad has liver disease. They have been hiding it from me and I wanted to know some stuff about it. It is stage 4 and the doctor said he only has 3-6 months I think. I would without a doubt give him a piece of mine if that is possible but would that work? Could a piece of my liver help me if his is from what it sounds like completely destroyed? thanks guys

Public Comments

1. I'm sorry to hear about your dad. People can do well with a piece of a liver donated from a relative, but you would have to go through a screening process first. You might try to find out first if he is a candidate for transplant. Some people are not eligible because their medical problems (in the liver or elsewhere in the body) mean that they would not do well after the transplant. Take a look at the source below for "who may not be given a liver" and "living donor." Best wishes to you and your dad during this difficult time.
2. You could be a living donor..here is a link to learn more about it.. http://www.transplantliving.org/livingdonation/livingdonor/default.aspx I have to say that if your father has many other medical conditions, it will be decided, by the surgeon, whether he will need to have a complete liver or can survive with a partial. There are many things involved with this. For one, they usually try to get a liver from a person the same size, the blood type has to match, and the donor has to be in top physical, healthy shape themselves and willing to undergo many tests to be sure the liver they have is suitable. The liver part that is taken from you can regenerate itself over time. A transplant surgeon told me this, himself, when I asked. Another thing, your dad has a right to refuse you being a donor. It is best to talk this over with him before making any arrangements with the doctors for this. It is hard for a patient to have their family take such a risk... it may be unacceptable to him because he would not be able to live with himself knowing that you gave your life for his if something happens. The risks for the recipient are close to being the same for the donor. The only difference is that the recipient has to take medication to stop rejection and is usually in a very weakened state making it more difficult to recover from it. Another thing is that, since there is a shortage of organs, the doctors may not consider a cadever organ for your father if they know you are willing to give yours. So, this decision should be discussed with him first. If you want to know more about cirrhosis (death of the liver cells) and what your Dad may go through, here is a link: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/cirrhosis_ez/ Here is a site that explains clearly the transplant process. There are transplant centers all over the USA. http://www.surgery.usc.edu/divisions/hep/patientguide/index.html It is very hard watching a love one go through so much. It is evident the love you have for your father, he should be proud to have you as his son. I hope this information helps you and I wish you, your Dad and your family the best.