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Confused, daughter 31 with ESLD

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Posted 2/7/2012 1:00 AM (GMT 0)
My daughter has abused alcohol for several years. A little over two months ago I got the call. She had a decompensated liver from ESLD and may not pull through.

She has since been in the hospital 3 more times. Two with an infection they needed to treat. This last time the Dr. said she needed to be in a acute care facility rather than take care of her at home.

Well, we took her home anyway. I read on this sight that Magace helps with appetite. The results have been amazing. She eats more than me!!! She has three meals a day, snacks. She downs my soy milk, coconut, yogurt, ensure and fruit shakes with a fish oil tab chaser.

Her belly is almost flat!

She is attending AA and walking at least a mile a day. She has stayed sober. Her color is back and she is starting to look darn healthy. I bought her a bike to ride.She is planning to return to school this summer.

Her liver DR said her labs are much improved and she may not need a transplant.

Am I being too hopeful?
Posted 2/7/2012 1:16 AM (GMT 0)
Hello, Cirmom, and welcome to the forum! It sounds like your daughter stopped drinking in time. If she doesn't have cirrhosis, she could return to good health...as long as she doesn't drink. Even if she does have cirrhosis, she can stop it in its tracks with the healthful diet she is now eating. She should also eat a lot of fresh fruits and veggies. She should refrain from eating red meat for now, as it's the most difficult protein for the liver to process.

How was the ESLD diagnosed? Through labs or did they do a biopsy?

The most important indicator of what her future will look like is her sobriety. I'm very glad to hear that she is going to AA. I hope she is going several times a week, at least, to build a good foundation.

Hugs,
Connie
Posted 2/7/2012 1:59 AM (GMT 0)
The said she had cirrhosis through the lab work. She takes lactulose 15cc's twice a day and a slew of other drugs. i'm not sure what she would be like without them.

She is so thin, they said she should eat anything! She is a healthy eater though and doesn't care for prepared foods or a lot of salt.

My sister sent some Indian spices with no sodium and they are really tasty. Tonight, Balti curry with cauliflower, boneless skinned chicken thighs and rice.

I have read a bunch of your posts. Thanks for all the education and encouragement.
Posted 2/7/2012 2:39 AM (GMT 0)
OOPS, I meant compensated liver. I am just now learning the lingo!
Posted 2/7/2012 2:42 AM (GMT 0)
Cirrhosis doesn't show up through blood work. A biopsy determines it. However, if she was having hepatic encephalopathy (that's what the Lactulose is for), then they probably assumed that she has cirrhosis (and she most likely does.) It's good that she's eating well. If she keeps up her healthful lifestyle, she could likely be just fine.

Thanks for the compliment. I'm glad to hear that I've been able to help you. I've learned a tremendous amount myself from the others here.

Hugs,
Connie
Posted 2/7/2012 2:44 AM (GMT 0)
I pray she does not need a liver transplant . . the road to getting one is a long very very rough road!!

Debbie
Posted 2/7/2012 2:47 AM (GMT 0)
Cirmom,
Congrats...sounds like she is doing things right to stay healthy.
Angie1953
Posted 2/7/2012 3:03 AM (GMT 0)
Debbie, it's also a long road back after transplant, too...at least for some of us.

Hugs,
Connie
Posted 2/7/2012 3:54 AM (GMT 0)
Cirmom,
Sounds like your daughter is doing all the right things to regain her health. That is wonderful news.
Welcome to Healing Well. A lovely group of people sharing information and experiences. Please post often and let us know how your daughter is doing.

Emma
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