Premature Death

The Guardian published a 2 page article today allowing the mother of 22 yr. old Gary who died from 'multiple organ failure caused by alcoholic hepatitis' to defend herself. It also explained why he was denied a liver transplant under the guidelines of the Liver Advisory Group:

"Patients who are likely to return to a damaging pattern of alcohol consumption aren't deemed suitable candidates for liver transplants."

Gary's mother was being vilified for trying her hardest to get the NHS to change its mind and to allow her son a second chance. Whilst extremely sad, the guidelines make every sense and it is only right and proper that the limited supply of transplant organs go only to those who stand a good chance of making the best use of them.

But where does this end? Are we going to deny those that participate in dangerous sports or pastimes from organ transplants? Should motorcyclists be excluded? There are already controls on operations on the obese and smokers.

The lesson for all alcohol misusers is to seek treatment early and do not expect a liver transplant if you are still drinking. The usual rule is no alcohol for 6 months for those considered to be alcohol abusers. The only safe way of ensuring you don't end up like Gary is to seek inpatient rehab sooner rather than later. If Gary's death saves a few dozen others who learn from this, I hope it will appease his poor mother.