Q. How can the Support Group Help?
The liver is a vital organ which performs many complex functions e.g. processing digested food and converting it into energy, controlling the levels of fat in the blood and fighting infection.
There are over one hundred liver disorders. The most common are hepatitis, cirrhosis, gallstones, cancer of the liver and primary biliary cirrhosis.
Typical signs include fatigue and weakness, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite and weight loss, itchy skin, jaundice and fluid in the abdomen.
With severe disease the liver cannot remove waste products and these can be carried to the brain. Symptoms range from minor memory lapses, slurred speech, confusion, or in severe cases, unconsciousness.
Q. Is cirrhosis only caused by alcohol abuse? No. It is a popular misconception that cirrhosis only affects people who drink too much alcohol over the years. In fact there are many children with liver disorders. However alcohol abuse is a common contributory factor - a fact being well publicised by the authorities at the moment.
Q. How long will I have to wait for my transplant? It could range from a couple of months to eighteen months depending on your condition and other factors.
This varies greatly depending on your recovery rate. Twelve to twenty one days is normal.
Q. What is the NHS
Organ Donor Register?
Q. How can I become an organ
donor?
Q. Do people with
liver disease have difficulty obtaining
travel/medical insurance?
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