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Posted 7/15/2009 12:25 AM (GMT 0)
So today we went to the liver clinic for a follow up for my Dad who was diagnosed with ESLD/cirrhosis on May 20th.  He was in the hospital 3 weeks and we thought he was dying and was not even sure he'd make it to a transplant.  He's been out for a month maybe and has good and bad days.  He has not had any ammonia level difficulties and does not generally sleep except at night. The doctor told us today  that his numbers are still improving and there is a chance he will not even need a transplant.  His bilibrubin is down from 47 to 15!!!  He only stopped drinking at the beginning of may.  So, I'm wondering if he continues not to drink how much he can turn this thing around.  I don't want to get overly hopeful because I am quite aware of the roller coaster of this disease.  Any advice or knowledge is greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much,

Hoping...

Posted 7/15/2009 2:16 AM (GMT 0)
Hello,

My sister has advanced stage liver failure. What i was told that the liver can actually heal it self some as long as you have at least 13% of the liver still working. My sister is only has about 10% of the liver left. Encourage your dad to take his medication excpecally the lactilose if he has ammonia problems. There is a book that has helped me know what types of problems to expect. It can be very upsetting to read it because many of the problems that occur from the liver failure can be fatel themselves. The book is "The Liver Disorders and Hepatitis Sourcebook by Howard J. Worman M.D.

Your dad will need to be alcohol free for at least a year and a half to be put onto the liver transplant list. My sister couldn't stay away from that demon. I wish you and your family the best and remember to stop once in awhile and do something for yourself. I've been taking care of my sister for a year and a half and somedays it is impossible to even focus on my own needs but getting yourself sick won't do your dad any good.

Barbara
Posted 7/15/2009 2:35 AM (GMT 0)

Hello, Barb, and welcome to the forum.  I'm sorry to hear that your sister has liver disease.  From everything that's ever been posted here regarding transplants, my impression is that 6 mos. of documented attendance at AA or authorized alcohol counseling are the requirements for evaluation for liver transplant.  Being listed depends on the MELD score.

Hoping, that's great news that your dad is doing so much better.  I think you can attribute that to his lack of alcohol intake.  That is the single most beneficial thing that anyone with liver disease can do.  If his liver disease was caused by alcohol overindulgence, then it's very possible that he can recover from the damage if he continues not to drink and also to watch his diet and follow up with his hepatologist and all the meds and requirements.  Do be aware, though, that his status could suddenly change for no apparent reason.  He will just have to be monitored closely and encouraged to stay free of alcohol and to live a healthy lifestyle.

Do keep us posted.


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