A couple of weeks ago, in Monday's Bitchfest, I mentioned that my older brother is having a liver transplant on November 1.
For those that didn't read it, here's a re-cap:
At the beginning of July, my brother was admitted to the hospital for throwing up blood. It turned out to be his blood vessels bursting in his esophagus. They later discovered that his liver was really scarred and it wasn't functioning properly. He lost a lot of blood and we almost lost him. He had bands put on the vessels to stop the bleeding in his esophagus and they put a stent in his liver to help the blood flow.
He has been diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis, which means that his body was attacking his own liver. So it was nothing that he did, just something that happens.
My younger brother is match to be a living donor, so he will be giving my older brother about 60% of his liver.
I have never been so scared. I feel bad that I can't be there for the surgery. It's happening in Minneapolis, where my older brother lives, and I live in Manitoba. My parents are out there now, but my sister and I are staying in Manitoba. My sister has two kids and is pregnant with her third. It would be too difficult for us to go.
If you ladies could spare any thoughts and/or prayers for my brothers and my family, it would be appreciated. You ladies are all awesome!!
Just wanted to let you know my sister's boyfriend donated his liver to his father in July, and they are recovering remarkably. What an amazing thing your brother is doing. Best wishes and if you ever want to talk to him to put your mind at ease, I can put you in touch - they are the nicest people you'll ever meet.
@violet1183 I'm glad that your sister's boyfriend and his dad are doing well! That gives me hope. If he would be willing to tell me about his experience that would be great. Thank you, so much.
Sending lots of prayers to your family. My mom had a kidney transplant (from her brother) and it gave her almost 20 extra years. Organ donation is so amazing. I hope he does really well!
Sending lots of prayers to your family. My mom had a kidney transplant (from her brother) and it gave her almost 20 extra years. Organ donation is so amazing. I hope he does really well!
@kmkaull2 That's awesome that your mom got an extra 20 years out of the transplant. Thank you.
Good luck! My cousins did a living donor transplant for a kidney two years ago. It was rough for both of them, but they are now doing much better. It is an amazing gift!
@Steamboat1679 I'm glad that your cousins are doing well! Reading about other's positive experiences gives me hope. Thank you.
Lots of prayers and love for you. I always say a prayer to saint Jude in tough situations like these. Your family sounds wonderful. Please keep us posted.
Re: Brothers' Liver Transplant