Cirrhosis Support Group

Cirrhosis is a consequence of chronic liver disease, most commonly caused by alcoholism and hepatitis C. Ascites is the most common complication of cirrhosis and is associated with a poor quality of life, increased risk of infections, and a poor long term outcome. Liver damage from cirrhosis cannot be reversed, but treatment can stop or delay further progression and...

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Skitwin 07/25/2018

Hi everyone,

I am helping a reporter who wants to write an article on the 6 month waiting period of sobriety. My husband suffered from alcohol dependance, and simply did not have 6 months to show he was capable of sobriety. All the data show that it makes no difference in the outcome of surgery. If any of you are interested in speaking with her, you can remain anonymous. She wants to hear the stories of those who are dealing with this rule, or have dealt with it, and know their thoughts and experiences. This is for a very well-known national newsparper. You can reach me at suzanne.morss@gmail.com if you are interested in participating.

I have a personal stake in this. My husband died 10 years ago, and was never even placed on the list as it turned out. He didn't have a chance. I want the public to know about this rule. Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

Trissa01 07/27/2018

The recovery and treatment with immuno suppressents post transplant is long & intense. I'm sure that is the reason for the n6 month sobriety rule. If you can't refrain from alcohol the transplant will be a loss, that might have been a life saver to some one else.
Also the patient needs to be alcohol free to under go the surgery. The prep period for transplant is intense, too. Is the patient going to be attentive, on time, committed to the regimen? Must be sober for that.
The demand is greater than supply. Criterea must be designed to place the organ with the most suited (greatest chance for success) candidate.

Skitwin 07/27/2018

I'm sorry, that is just not true. Please read my previous response. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4394109/ This is not a commonly accepted rule, it is used in the USA. Canada is in the midst of abolishing it, as many European countries have done. I am not interested in debate, I just want to find people who want to talk about how the 6 month rule has affected their chances to survive, or families who have lost loved ones because of it. If you would like to start a non-scientific discussion, please start your own thread. Thanks!

Tamidgray 07/29/2018

I did the 6 months sober ,I am coming up on 10 month sober. I have done everything the Dr have of me.
I am not on the list because of no insurance.
I hit one wall and then something is needed hit another wall. I am going to die, never getting on the list.

Trissa01 08/01/2018

In these forums, any member can respond any way they they choose within the Rules of the Road guidelines

Skitwin 08/01/2018

Of course they can, Trissa. I was asking for people to help me out, and I was polite about it. I am not sure where your response came from, but if it is because I asked people to respond to my question instead of arguing about the data, and that upset you, I apologize. You are, of course, free to start your own thread to debate the scientific evidence.

Jamiesue1966 08/19/2018

Hi,
I suffered from cirrhosis in 2011 and received a new liver in 2012. Originally I was told that I only had 3 months to live and the waiting period was 6 months. Needless to say, I spent 6 months in and out of the hospital and just under the 6 month mark, my gallbladder gave out. I spent approximately 2 weeks in the hospital and they didn't think I was going to make it.
Then one day I was told that I was on the top of the A+ transplant list (6 months in). They sent me home, taking about 50 pills a day. 22 days later we got a call saying they had a liver for me and now over 6 years later, I'm doing very well. It was probably the worst time of my life but it has changed my perspective on life. God bless

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