Can Celiacs Donate Their Liver?

[annie76]

Hi, I've been around here for awhile and I know there is alot of knowledge on this site. Basically, I am really freeking out here. My mother is going in for a liver biopsy next week, she has ascites (really bad) and all kinds of other problems. She is an alcoholic, but has stopped drinking. Ascites is a pretty good sign that cirrhosis is nearing and end stage. Which means she's going to die, its only a matter of time. I just want to know if we can donate our liver? Maybe thats a dumb question, but you know I really don't know that much about this yet, I've only known about my celiac for 8 months. Matter of fact any info. or experiences you may have with cirrhosis would be greatly appreciated.

[blueeyedmanda]

I am not sure about organs but I know we cannot donate Bone Marrow. I even googled it one day and it said where there have been instances of celiac being passed through the blood and the person who was getting the bone marrow developed the celiac then. It was an eye opener.

[jacqui]

Hi, I've been around here for awhile and I know there is alot of knowledge on this site. Basically, I am really freeking out here. My mother is going in for a liver biopsy next week, she has ascites (really bad) and all kinds of other problems. She is an alcoholic, but has stopped drinking. Ascites is a pretty good sign that cirrhosis is nearing and end stage. Which means she's going to die, its only a matter of time. I just want to know if we can donate our liver? Maybe thats a dumb question, but you know I really don't know that much about this yet, I've only known about my celiac for 8 months. Matter of fact any info. or experiences you may have with cirrhosis would be greatly appreciated.

sorry to hear about your Mom, but I doubt you can donate. I know I cannot donate b/c I was told by the blood bank and a bone marrow drive that because of my autoimmune diseases I cannot donate. I have the donor sticker on my license but I have a feeeling I'll be dontaed to scieance!!! (ha,ha,ha - actually no kidding)

Your Mom is in my prayers,

Jacqui

[2kids4me]

This is a site about the criteria for living donations (of liver).

Sorry to hear about your mom, I hope she can feel a bit better while on supportive care..

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What is involved in the donor evaluation process?

A living-donor candidate must complete the following evaluation process to determine if they can safely donate:

The first testing determines if the donor's blood type is compatible with that of the recipient. Additional blood tests are performed to test for healthy functioning of the donor's liver, kidneys and thyroid, and to screen for exposure to transmittable viruses such as hepatitis and HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

If donor's and recipient's blood types are compatible, a physical examination with a DAOT physician is scheduled to further assess the donor's overall heath.

Abdominal ultrasound testing is performed to screen for abnormalities of the liver and other abdominal organs and blood vessels.

Consultations with the DAOT's social worker and psychiatrist are scheduled.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is performed to create a detailed anatomical "road map" of the donor's internal organs to aid the surgery.

Sometimes additional testing, such as pulmonary function testing, echocardiogram, or exercise stress testing, is required.

The standard time required to complete the donor evaluation process is two to four weeks. If necessary, however, it can be completed in as little as 48 hours.

Sandy

[annie76]

Thanks for the response. I had a biopsy shortly after I was diagnosed, and my liver is perfectly fine. Also aside from celiac I have no other conditions, and I was worked up the wazoo before they found the celiac. I read that you can't have cancer, diabetes, heart disease, or aids of course. I'm just racking my brain, there are a few more family members who could help if I can't. My mother doesn't understand the progression of cirrhosis, frankly I think she's in shock. It is just in my nature to find out whats going to happen and be prepared for it. This is just really hard, she's only 59. Thank you for your help.

[Guest Happynwgal2]

sorry to hear about your Mom, but I doubt you can donate. I know I cannot donate b/c I was told by the blood bank and a bone marrow drive that because of my autoimmune diseases I cannot donate. I have the donor sticker on my license but I have a feeeling I'll be dontaed to scieance!!! (ha,ha,ha - actually no kidding)

Your Mom is in my prayers,

Jacqui

One more thing I have not thought about because of Celiac: I cannot be an organ donor. I guess it makes sense. And blood drives are also out, huh? I have not been able to donate blood anyway, because I am too honest about when I lived in Europe - in the late 70's and 1980. Red Cross (at least they used to have this rule about 3-4 years ago) says that I may have been exposed to HIV and other nasty illnesses there. Well, I knew I wasn't, but that does not help. I am not allowed to donate blood...

Now knowing I have Celiac, I cannot donate even if I had not lived in Europe way back when....

And to annie76: your mom will be in my prayers... I am glad she has stopped drinking, but so sorry she has such serious health problems.