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Posted 8/27/2005 2:33 PM (GMT 0)
I am quite familiar with the fluid in the belly from ascities. Hubby had his belly drained(papacentiscis)yesterday which was the fourth time in less than six months.I am wondering other than Lactalose and lasix, what can be done to prevent the fluid? We watch his diet very carefully, we also use some herbal things which seem to help.I guess there is no answer, just patience and prayer.I don't know if I am allowed to discuss this or not, but it really bothers him, not me so much, but here goes. There is an imputant problem he is dealing with that really messes with his head, A man thing I suppose. I need imput on this matter to be able to help him!He is only 50 years old and he feels all washed up because of that.Just keeping him alive is more important than the other, but he doesn't think so.Thanks, everyone is so kind and so supportive. I love this group. sbell23 
Posted 8/27/2005 8:17 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome sbell23!

We're glad that you found us and sorry that you needed to.

As the liver disease progresses, the ascites can become more and more difficult to manage.  When we were going through it, the doctors gave Mark FFP and albumin to try to keep the fluid where it belongs.  How much sodium does hubby get in his diet?

Mark turned 50 in February.  I think I understand what you're talking about.  The medications, especially the aldactone (spironolactone), have some interesting side effects.  Gynecomastia, swollen and tender breasts, is very common.

If you have specific questions, feel free to ask.  Many of us have been there, as patients or caregivers, and should be able to help.

You can always send me a private message, if you're not comfortable messaging on the forum.  But, rest assured, we've been there.

God Bless.  Let us know how we can ease some of your worries.

Posted 8/27/2005 11:17 PM (GMT 0)
I am so glad to hear from someone out there. I had hep-c, but the tx worked for me. It didn't for hubby! He is on A salt free diet, and what is ffp? I know about the albumin but can't seem to get these small town doctors here to understand, he needs it after they drain his belly! We used to go to the bigger city which is 2 1/2 hours away but it has bankrupted us literally! So we had to literally train the small town doctors(educate them) on different liver issues.In the city, they always gave him albumin I.V. then lasix then another vial of albumin, after that, he was fine for quite awhile. They just think I am an idot here who doesn't know what I am talking about.I've been going thru this for almost two years with him and have done mega research and have been very observerant on all his treatment. I just don't understand!I am very frustrated!Thanks for listening! sbell23
Posted 8/27/2005 11:37 PM (GMT 0)

sbell23 - Congratulations on your success with hep treatment!

FFP is Fresh Frozen Plasma. It helps more with the anemia that liver patients tend to suffer. But, Mark seemed to get both FFP and albumin IVs, so I mentioned them both.

I understand your frustration. I've done some 'teaching' myself, and not in small towns.  Would it create huge problems if you were to ask the small town doctors to contact the city doctors, or vice versa?  Or is there a patient advocate at the hospital who could intervene on your behalf? Not everyone is open to being taught by a layman; believe me, I know.  But, perhaps, they could 'save face' by consulting with your hubby's other medical team.

Obviously, what matters is getting the proper treatment, keeping hubby as healthy as possible, and reducing your stress.

God Bless.  Let us know if there is any support we can offer.

Posted 10/14/2007 3:32 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, I new here and have been alcohol free for 18 months, I'm 52 years, feel 90.
I have cirrhosis and chronic ascites. I also have periheral neuropathy in my hips and legs, My legs ache day in and day out, some days my hips feel like they are on backwards. I get sharp electrical like pains up and down my legs and charlie horse like cramps that don't go into full clench like a real charley horse, but I do have a great attitude and try not to complain, not so easy alot of days.
I can manage to walk around my home but I must use a wheelchair because my legs just give out me at odd times. My husband is so helpful and does all the things I can't do, which is almost eveything but I wonder what else might help this illness.
Thank you , Maggiend1
Posted 10/14/2007 9:17 PM (GMT 0)

Maggie, welcome to the forum.  You might want to start a new topic--copy what you have written and paste it to a new topic post.  There is more chance of people seeing it that way, rather than tacked onto someone else's topic. 

Congrats on your sobriety.  That is the very best thing you can do for your liver.  Diet should be mostly complex carbohydrates (rice, pasta), fresh fruit and veggies.  Animal protein is hard to digest, but try fish and chicken or turkey.

SBell, draining of ascites is paracentesis.

Connie

Posted 10/14/2007 9:31 PM (GMT 0)
Hello..sbell23,maggiend1 and DesertJules. Welcome to healingwell sbell23 and maggiend1. And a big welcome back DesertJules.

Maggie congrats on your sobriety. It's not an easy thing to do. Try to stay active as possible and with your other issues I do realize it will be hard. It's great that your husband is such a good caregiver. Make sure he knows how much he's appreciated. Most caregivers don't receive much appreciation. Doctor's gave my husband Quinine (SP?) for the the cramps. It seemed to help him some. Most of all keep that great attitude going. That's probably going to get you through the tough times.

Sbell23, doctors should be readjusting his lasix and aldactone occasionally to keep his fluid retention under control. Along with the salt and fluid intake reductions that's probably all that can be done. Lactulose is actually to keep his ammonia levels down. The side affect is diahrea which is one way to get rid of the fluids I guess. And I agree that small town docs don't like to be told anything from big city docs or from regular people either. I had that fight also.

Desertjules gave both of you excellant advice. DJ glad to have you back again. Hang in there and we will be here anytime you need to vent or ask and questions. Thoughts and Prayers to all.
Posted 10/15/2007 4:18 AM (GMT 0)
Pink, yes, you spelled quinine correctly. ;)
Posted 10/16/2007 2:55 AM (GMT 0)
Connie you have me wanting to spell correctly againn (spell check at work spoiled me). I got my dictionary here to help me. With my fibro fog some days I can not spell worth beans. Have a good evening all.
Posted 10/16/2007 5:17 AM (GMT 0)
Pink Grandma, I'm a little anal about spelling, particularly of medical terms and drugs. This comes from being a medical transcriptionist for 15 years. I still have most of my reference books, if I need to confirm anything.

Connie
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