I have been a member of this site since September and it has brought me much peace and a huge amount of information. After this I will log off but I want to give everyone my thanks and prayers and share my Dad's story.
My Dad ended his battle with cirrhosis on Sunday and passed away peacefully at home. He was diagnosed 2 years ago due to bleeding varices. Had I known then what I know now I would have recognized the signs and encouraged him to see the Dr long before. My Dad was 71 when diagnosed and successfully gave up drinking for about 6 months. Once he started drinking again the disease accelerated. He had many good days and many bad days. Some days he was limited to the wheel chair, others he was able to walk throughout the house. He had many falling spells because he could not keep his balance. He retained fluid and had paracentisis every 4-6 weeks. Towards the end it was every 2 weeks.
In December the Dr declared that there was nothing else to do and handed it over to Hospice. I can not say enough how amazing the hospice organization is. With their help we were able to keep Dad at home. A person came 3 times a week to bathe my father and help mom change the bed linens, the nurse came once a week and they provided equipment around the house to help him be independent. Towards the end they brought in a hospital bed to put in the family room and provided 24 hour nursing care so my mother could focus on just loving my Dad vs providing medical / personal care. The chaplain would visit and even brought his guitar and sang to my Dad.
He slipped into a coma Wednesday (the day before he was very interactive and coherent) and passed away 7:00 am Sunday.
I could not change my father and could not make him stop drinking. I could though love him unconditionally and spend as much time as possible with him. I was thankful I had that time.
Good luck to all and God Bless
Donna