Can you donate a portion of your liver?
My aunt is very ill and needs a liver. Our family is looking into living donation options. My question is, can you donate a portion of your liver and remain healthy yourself? How much is typically donated?
5 answers
6 months ago
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I am thinking of doing this for a family member but I am really scared about the pain and recovery. Has anyone here donated a portion of their liver? Did you face any long-term health issues after it grew back?
8 months ago
It is completely normal to feel terrified and emotionally drained when deciding on liver donation. I went through the same emotional rollercoaster when my father needed a transplant. Yes, you can donate, and knowing it grows back helps, but please give yourself space to process all these heavy feelings.
6 months ago
Yes, you absolutely can! The liver actually regenerates back to its original size super fast, so don't stress too much about being left with less liver. Just focus on finding a great doctor and taking it one step at a time, dear.
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Consult a gastroenterologist
yrs exp
6 months ago
Living liver donation is highly successful now. They usually take the right or left lobe, and within 3 months, your liver volume returns to about 90% of its original size. Just make sure your BMI and liver fat levels are optimal before the screening.
8 months ago
I donated a portion of my liver to my brother four years ago. The first week of recovery is tough, I won't sugarcoat it, but the liver regenerates incredibly fast. My tip is to start walking slowly as soon as the doctors allow post-op, it speeds up recovery like magic.