no insurance, need a tp

[orphanedhawk]

I have finally stopped being in denial. I need a transplant and am in Bangkok looking into solutions here. I considered a live liver tp since my sister offered to be a donor. Now she's getting squeemish.
My heptoligist at home suggested giving my assists to my kids so I could get med-i-cal.
In Bangkok a tp costs about $30,000 which isn't a problem for me but in California I've gotten quotes ranging from a quarter to half a million bucks.
What to do? I'm not sure but I'm gathering information. Any ideas or advice guys??
OH

[orphanedhawk]

Thankyou all for the kind words of comforting support.
I'm not broke  or desperate nor am I giving up!
My sister waffles but we are all looking into what can be done.
I've stuck my computer whiz son on searching the net for solutions and I'm setting up an appointment at a differnt hospital in Bangkok with liver specialists.
Hugs, OH

[zazza]

I want my name on that list too - "the list of people who will be thinking of you and praying for you ". Wishing you the best outcome possible from all this,

Za

[nygirl7]

Oh Hawk I'm just so sorry about all of this.

I don't have any expertise in this area at all - I just wanted to add my name to the list of people who will be thinking of you and praying for you. I'm so sorry - but I just know in time it will work out and you will get that liver that you need.

We're behind you all the way, Hawk.

Debby

[evangelin]

I don't know anything helpful but I am and will be praying for you.  It looks like Joe is failing his third try at tx and we might have to look at this too.  We had a friend living in Thailand and he got good medical care also.  By the way, we have no medical insurance either and unless something major changes, we have little hope of getting it. Our state covered his tx tries but are threatening to end his coverage.  We may have one foot on a banana peel but we need to try hard to focus on the positive because the emotions that go with thinking negative seem to push things in the wrong direction fast.
Lifting you up friend,
Ev

[orphanedhawk]

Please don't beleive that quality of care is best in the U.S.
I've had excellent care in other areas in Thailand including not having to wait long for appointments or dealing with insurance issues. And there are excellent surgeons here as well. My dentist is incredible!!
I'm not sure you have researched tp issues if you think my body would reject an Asian donor.
Sorry, but thats the truth as I know it.

[meki]

OH OH OH --- love you.

Just keep us updated. OK?

[HCA]

I do hope your sister ultimately consents.
A living donor transplant is ( I believe) most likely to be a success.
The donor's liver rapidly re-grows to normal size,but I'm sure that you and your sister have already gone into the details.
I know from your previous posts-one where you asked what Child B meant in particular-that your liver was decompensating.
I am sure that you will get the procedure organised one way or another.
Look forward to hearing of your progress and of a happy resolution

[foofighter]

So sorry to hear what you are dealing with. Are you thinking about the med-i-cal possibility? This just *****.

That is all there is to say.

Foo

[desrt]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27828057/

[desrt]

merryBe:
Could you please give your reference for "The genetics would make rejection more likely." Also not sure I follow your reasoning about lower cost due to "less rejection".

OH:
I'm sorry to hear this. What is your MELD score?

[fretboard]

Terribly sorry to hear of your reality, what to do?  I'm sure some of the transplant ppl could help you and I hope they chime in with something encouraging.  I hope you've placed this question on the transplant forum.  God Bless you

[charm27]

I would consider what your hepatologist advised.  I couldnt give you any further advice since I dont have the knowledge on this subject.
Im SURE someone will chime in here soon and help give you their opinions.
I wish you well...My prayers go out to you SO MUCH!!
I wish I had a answer for everyone here.....................

Best of luck.
Charm27

[merryBe]

sorry to hear it's come to this...

I'd work on your sister first. If you have it done in Bangkok you may save there, I'd be more inclined to stick to Tokyo, since the Japenese have some fine surgeons.
What you don't want is an asian liver, unless you yourself are asian or part asian. The genetics would make rejection more likely. I know the price state side is highest, but so is quality of care.
there is one member in here who got the hospital to go down to80 K or so....not sure how she negotiated that, but she did. So who knows....and plus, if you have a donor, the cost to the hospital is higher, but overall your after care cost should be lower due to less rejection, so it ends up being a wash in the end, as far as the insurance goes, cost wise.

I think you have to allow your sis some time to process....it is one thing to say you will when it isn't needed, and another thing to look posible death in the face for real. Just give her some time is all, to come to grips with it...I'm sure love will prevail.
hang in there