I posted several months ago that my partner likely had liver cancer. He does not.
The diagnosis is cirrhosis from alcohol abuse.
I would appreciate advice on anything I could do to prepare my body to be a potential liver donor to my partner.
He was just admitted a few days ago with bleeding esophageal varices and then when into pulmonary edema unexpectedly.
He made it out of intensive care but he is much sicker than I thought he was.
Thank you.
Best wishes! Taking good care of yourself, good quality whole foods, appropriate regular cardiovascular and resistance exercise, avoiding hepatotoxic substances, and consulting your primary care physician about any concerns (s)he might have about your candidacy for liver donation are all elements to address, the sooner the better. Again, best wishes for both of you.
Organ donation is more mental than physical. Doctors will take care of the physical piece. Make sure that you surround yourself with people who support you in this process rather than those who doubt if you are taking the right step (trust me, there will be many!). Other than that, eat good and feel happy.
You are going to do a great thing and should be proud of it. Good luck.
I'm sorry to hear about your partner, but you have to remember that positive thinking is always key!
What you plan on doing is an extraordinary thing, even to go through with the testing process is extremely noble of you.
As for preparing your body for your testing/pre-op, I wouldn't say there's too much you should or really can do. Make sure that you're staying away from alcohol, smoking, the obvious I guess. The only other extra thing you could really do is start to eat healthy and exercise. Although recently I've heard that Garlic, Grapefruit and Green Tea are really good for your liver as well.
If you have ANY questions about your testing, or donation process feel free to Private Message me at any time, I would love to discuss things further. I'm a liver donor myself!
I wish you two the best of luck with everything, my prayers are with your family tonight!