Family member diagnosed with Cirrhosis, now what???

As for my brother, he is holding his own.  Some swelling, still has nose bleeds a couple of times a week, and his belly is tender.  My brother had all his paperwork in order in a file, he printed things off the internet and had all his medical papers organized.  I was impressed AND it is one less thing I will have to do.  When/if he gets to the point he can't do it I will take over.  He seems to be really taking an active role in his care. 

Still waiting on SSI and medical card, but looks like we might have lucked into some medical care in the meantime.   This prayer was answered.

Thanks all for your support.

SSI will use any excuse to deny a claim.  It's maddening.    I believe I went to the hospitals and got all the copies of his medical records and took them into Social Security.  But unless you have power of attorney he's going to have to do it himself.    And if they get all the reports from the doctors and hospitals and still deny.  Appeal it.    He doesn't really need to get a lawyer.......if you've filled out the original paperwork yourselves,  the appeal paper work is very similar.   But if you don't have time to assist him again.......then in that case he may need a lawyer.    I appealed my husband's and he did get approved for it.  Unfortunately ........by the time we applied for it for he, he didn't have enough  work quarters in .....And I made too much money.   

Hope the results of his scans come out good..........take care.......thoughts and prayers...... 

Just to clarify..he hasn't been denied social security yet, he was denied Medicaid at Job and Family Services.  SS told us to apply there for Medicaid and they could issue what they call emergency Medicaid while SS is trying to determine if he qualifies.  If he does qualify his Medicaid would continue, if he was denied the Medicaid would stop.  I told the lady at Job & Family that he had end stage cirrohsis and was going to need a liver transplant and she said, "Oh, well we don't consider that life and death".       hmmm

so, we will just keep plugging away.  thanks again.

We (I say we like I am going through it!!) made it though the battery of tests and saw the hepatologists assistant last week.  She said all the tests looked good except for the MRI shows a cyst on his pancreas.  They want him to come back next week for an endoscopy with ultrasound.  I guess this is different from a regular endoscopy? (he had one of those a couple of weeks ago which is what clued them into the spot on his pancreas).  I am of course worried now that it is cancer.  I know....don't borrow trouble.  My brother is so positive though.  He says he won't worry until he knows the results.  And he probably won't.  His glass is always half full.  However, I am a worry wart. 

Anyway...thanks for all your kind words.  I lurk on the board to see what everyone is doing, but I am usually at work and don't have time to post. 

Thanks again,

Cheryl

Cheryl, When dealing with the government leave the possible transplant out of the language. You need to create a life or death urgency! Been through all this red tape stuff and it is difficult. Sadly your brother is terminal and that is all you need to stress with them, if Doug could walk 50 ft I told them he could ONLY do 25 ft because that was the attitude that motivated people. We all want your brother to do well!!! I hope he gets a transplant but to get him that chance you have to create a whirlwind of urgency. I kept copies of everything and if anyone acted hesitant about making a copy I would give the LOOK and tell them we needed it to keep all caregivers and Dr's up to date, then I would just stand there....like I wasnt leaving till I got what I wanted....okay so that wasnt creating urgency but some intimidation...whoooops! My mummy always said I was the Queen of THE LOOK....lol...yeah the look that gets you grounded or in a fight.

Sue