Hello, This is John.  I do have a question
for anyone that has medical experience on transplant. I have had a
liver transplant on 11-14-2001.

 I would really like an opinion and I am not trying to be one of those
who look down on drinking because
I used to drink and now I don’t! But I just got back from the U.S.
Transplant games in Pittsburgh. I have learned a lot about alcohol in
the last 8 years. Everyone always talks about how we really need to
take care of ourselves and live right after transplant. And how
alcohol is off limits for transplant recipients. We should
anyway. But they have been really pushing health at the transplant
games. And at the closing ceremonies when it was over and everyone
went out into the main walk areas out of the stadium the National
Kidney Foundation had set up multiple tables for individuals to
purchase drinks, (beer to hard liquor). I am sure it is a money thing
but personally I can not believe they could do something like this.
1st I can’t believe it won’t hurt your Kidney’s. I have been told it
is OK to drink in moderation but I feel this is just wrong especially
after a transplant of any kind! I know it ruins your liver!! These
games also included donor
families! I am sure that there are some donor families that lost a
loved one to drunk driving! There are a lot of side affects of
drinking and medications. I also know that they say that drinking
could be good for your
heart but I can’t help but wonder if it really out weighs the affects
it has on the rest of your organs. Not to mention putting this right
in the face of others who have quit or are trying to quit!

My real question to you is am I out of line by thinking this is just
wrong. Especially, at the transplant games. This indicates to me
that the NKF supports and promotes alcohol.

If these types of people really want to drink let them meet at a bar
or set up there own party after the venue is over. Not put on and
supported by the National Kidney Foundation.

I fully intend on pushing this issue unless I get enough negative feed
back telling me I am wrong.
Thank you
John