A few thoughts

[Guest guest]

Hi all,

I just wanted to make a few comments in regard to the recent postings

about the unfairness of life, etc. I also wanted to say welcome to

Darlene and to tell you that I hope that you find the answers and the

help that you are searching for in this group. As you can see by

now, there are many here who are willing to help you as much as

possible. I appreciate your concerns and I completely understand

your feelings of anger ... as as been stated here before, this is a

place for you to be able to discuss those feelings with the ones who

understand the gamut of emotions that are part and parcel with (or is

it to?) the disease of PSC.

Most of you all know by now that my husband is one of the alcoholic

PSC'ers. I appreciate those of you who have come to the defense of

the couple of us here in this group who have husbands who are

alcoholics ... and that is not to make anyone feel guilty at all for

their very VALID feelings of anger toward those who do not take care

of themselves and might be given a higher priority when it comes down

to transplant time.

Interestingly, I have been impressed with those ladies here in this

group who have posted about their desire to donate a portion of their

liver to their husbands ... and I have had the thought come to my

mind a time or two. But I would ABSOLUTELY NOT even begin to

consider donating any of my liver to my alcoholic husband under the

present circumstances and have had to ask myself if that is selfish.

But I can answer that with a resounding " NO! " Until he can realize

that he is responsible for his own health and is willing to take the

positive steps to face that responsibility, he has no right to expect

a new liver. And he has no right to expect anyone to risk their life

for him if he cannot even prove that he will appreciate the gift of

life and be a good steward with the gift that God has given him. I

am glad that the transplant center here in Indianapolis would not

even consider him for a liver transplant until he would be able to

prove that he has made a positive lifestyle change and be free of

alcohol and in treatment for a minimum of 6 months. Ultimately, God

is in control, and His perfect will is done ... I have seen His hand

in my/our life/lives time and again and have trust and can rest in

the comfort and assurance that all will work for the best according

to His plan for me and my family.

I appreciate the great support that is present in this group of

wonderful people. I am still gathering and arming myself with as

much information as possible, while at the same time I am fully aware

that the ball is presently in Steve's court. I just wanted to share

with you these thoughts that have crossed my mind in the last couple

of days while reading the posts.

Beth wife of Steve, PSC dx 12/93