89 yr old father offers liver to me

[expat-n-thailand]

I'm 61, with Hep c 1a [possibly early cirosis] and not considering mainstream tx for the obvious reasons and recently my generous father who is 89 yrs old [and has abused his liver much less than me] offered his liver to me.  I said....."Gee, Thanks Pop, but first I have to clear my hep c [?] and the cost of a transplant is too expensive [$300,000 in US??] and lots of other obsticles.  Not like changing a tire. 
could someone please confirm my concerns??
Do I have to clear my hep c before transplant??
What is the cost in the US?? [I'm living in Thailand with my father and cost could be reduced by at least 50%] No medical insurance and have to pay out of pocket.
and what about compatable blood types??
and other considerations and concerns?? [his age, my age]

[Hank's mom]

Hi Expat -

Do you know you need a liver? You say you believe you have little cirrhosis - transplants are really meant only for livers that are failing or in extreme danger of failing - a transplant also does not cure HCV, so if you don't need a liver....

I am far from being the expert on this, but I will tell you what I know - I am on the transplant list so I have a little stuff to add.

First off you and your dad have to be a perfect or very nearly perfect match - it may not be so as you are a combination of your mom and dad. I have not cleared HCV and may or may not do treatment after the surgery - I cannot use the current treatments.

You didn't say  if your dad and you both live in Thailand - this could present a problem as well. Really, all other questions come form that question - insurances, possible public assistance, etc.

Let us know,
Susie

[Rainbow]

Mom is right.  I doubt that they would transplant somebody with early cirrhosis.

No, you don't have to clear before a transplant.  Blood, tissue type and size of liver have to be a perfect match.  The price is ablout what you quoted unless there are complications and people have to stay in the hospital longer.

The risk is higher for the donor, so in all honesty, I'm surprised that you would consider an 89 year old.

[robin]

I'm surprised that any transplant center would consider an 89 year old donor liver, even if in perfect condition. You don't have to clear for transplant but keep in mind, if you don't clear, you will still need to treat because without treatment, your newly transplanted liver will become cirrhotic relatively quickly. They say anywhere from a few years up to 10 and you will probably need to start looking at transplantation again. It is NOT an easy thing, the antirejection medications are very expensive ( a couple thousand a month) plus you have to have considerable labs and follow up with doctors. The cost of the initial transplant is just the beginning. The expense afterwards is pretty remarkable. Good luck and keep your spirits high...robin

[Angel]

evryone covered everything but i just wanted to add that here in california they will not take a living donar liver if the person is 55 years or older so age does play into this . i wish you well.  angel