General Chat

From the BBC website: 'His surgeon Roger Williams confirmed his condition had deteriorated but was not life threatening at the moment. He said the next few days were crucial. Best, 59, had a liver transplant in 2002 following drinking problems. He was admitted to the Cromwell Hospital with flu-like symptoms and developed a kidney infection. But on Wednesday it appeared his condition had changed. It was understood he was suffering from internal bleeding and was on life support. Professor Williams, who is in charge of the former footballer's care, told the Sun newspaper that Best was 'certainly severely ill and is fighting for his life.' The professor also told the newspaper he had not traced the cause of the bleeding. 'We are not giving up. There's still a chance we can get him through this,' he added. When Best was admitted to the hospital, Professor Williams said that prescribed drugs needed after his transplant, rather than alcohol abuse, were the cause of his illness. He said the ex-footballer had become more susceptible to infections after a course of medication to suppress the immune system and prevent his body rejecting the new liver. And Mr Hughes said his client had been 'off the drink' before being admitted to the hospital. ' nell

And you are right Gerri!!! If i needed a lung transplant and a previous non smoker was in the next bed i would like to think i would say give the lungs to them, cos i abused my lungs!! and i prob inflicted my smoking on them too!!! Karen!! Day 34!!

I'd also like to say that if you aren't going to treat alcoholics because their illness is their fault, then people who have smoking-related, or sexually transmitted diseases also shouldn't be treated. In fact anyone who doesn't lead a healthy life drinking 2 litres of water a day and eating at least 5 portions of fruit and veg, as well as doing a minimum of 2 sets of 30 minutes' exercise per week clearly doesn't deserve help. That should save the NHS a few bob. nell

Karen day 34? Are you giving up the fags? I wish I could. I would like to try that Zioban but my doc says I have to join a group thingy. Get a cert to prove I attended, then he MIGHT think about giving me a presciption for it. >>>she says as she lights another one<<<< Gerri

Alcoholism is a disease if he had cancer you wouldn't say it's his own fault I pray for him and any other alcoholics too who are fighting a dreadful disease , as with cigarettes and heroin its usually too late when you find out you are addicted with heroin I feel you should have the sense to keep away from it, but alcohol and cigarettes are flogged everywhere and pushed at you continually. I have been affected by alcoholism not as the drinker but being the spouse and the mother of alcoholics and to see the dreadful things it causes and does breaks your heart but until you have walked in the shoes of any addict please offer them a prayer at least ,Kind regards Lara

Yep Gerri I gave up the evil weed!!! But its still killing me!!!! Honestly !!!! dont believe a word of it that its all in the mind!!! It physical!!!! and blinking painfull!!! Its not an easy thing to do even 6 weeks into it!!! I dont expect any sampathy but now and again somone on here remembers and gives a gentle hug and a 'GOOD ON YA' That makes all the difference!! Karen

Sorry Lara!!! I wasnt wishing ill for anyone!!! But well all know that george Best's life and medical records are well publisised!!! So maybe the media has enticed us to have an opinion!! Karen!

I completely agree with what Nell says and hope those who haven't got the humanity or compassion to wish someone well don't smoke, drink, eat any unhealthy foods or ever have to watch someone they care about fail to overcome an addiction. I really can't be doing with that sort of judgemental attitude based on a limited knowledge picked up from the crap the tabloids publish. Regardless of what has been published, Best's doctor has said that his illness is a reaction common in people who have had this type of transplant. I hope he pulls through.

I'm disgusted with all of you who have come on to this thread to criticize George. Bryan asked for prayers for him & if you had no prayers or thoughts you should have stayed away. You could have put up your own thread if you wanted to complain about his lifestyle. THIS THREAD IS FOR PRAYERS & THOUGHTS, THANK YOU Vivienne

Round of applause for Vivienne, Well done you xxhugxx

Well said Nell. I wish George all the best in his fight. Sheila x

I'll just pray what I'd pray for anyone - When his time comes may his passing be peaceful.

Hope God is with George in his fight, and for all those that critiscise 'There But For The Grace Of God' springs to mind! My brother is alchoholic and has had a liver transplant it is an illness he struggles to fight! I like a pint myself and any of us who drink which Im sure most do, can end up going down that rocky road. Lets not critiscise George lets pity the man and remember what a fantastic soccer player he really was. Even if he played for the other Manchester Team. Davex

He was great in his day and one of the best footballers ever. But sorry it was self inflicted, If I get lung cancer through smoking I wouldnt want anyone to feel sorry for me, I know the consequences so that would be my fault. Feel sorry for his family for what he has put them through, but for him, no. he enjoyed himself. The worse thing is that someone who has never drank or smoked in their life needed that liver far more than him, and would have appreciated it more. What a waste. Yvonne

Dave, I agree with you, George was a fantastic football player and who are we to judge others. I hope he doesn't suffer any more, whatever the outcome. June xx

Does not look good for him. Well said Nell. Marion

Agree with what Nell said earlier, and George has paid his taxes probaly more than most. He is entitled like anybody else in this country to the benefits of the NHS. If he needs another transplant and a liver is available why shouldnt he have it? He is an alchoholic for Gods sake he cant help himself he is ill and needs help! Davex

I agree with all , addiction to anything is a form of illness, which can not be cured by antibiotics or operations, so is more life threatening than we can imagine. Shirley Ann.

I am angry that he has abused the gift of life, the liver which he recieved which someone else would have cherished and looked after. However I do wish him better and not to suffer. and hope if he has a third chance he doesnt abuse it further. The people I really feel sorry for are the donors family, (even though they most likely are unaware who the liver went to) How many of such people are shaking their heads and fretting that their loved ones liver was wasted in the most selfish of ways. And how many are going to be put off donating loved ones organs 'Just in case'. Elaine x

I agree with you Elaine....