Husband with Alcoholism and Hep C

I see that this subject has been posted by another spouse. Forgive me for writing similar issues if I do so. There have not been any recent activity on this subject so here goes. I am married to a man who found out he had Hep C around 15 years ago. We were married for almost 4 years at that time. He is drinking heavily most days and self medicates with marijuana. His mood swings are progressively getting worse and I really don't feel safe. I am disabled and we talk about things he says to me the following mornings but he is in a foul mood and asking me to go and get medical appovement so he can benefit. I do not wish to at this point. He refuses to seek medical treatment for himself. I am, as many times before very unhappy and feeling a bit hopless myself. I really don't know what to do.

(I edited your post to add a subject line.)

Post Edited By Moderator (themiz) : 1/16/2016 9:33:16 AM (GMT-7)

Nm wife:

I have been in your shoes and agree with themiz...you need to focus on YOU and the support groups she posted could be a life saver for you.

My partner had Hep C since the late 60s AND was a daily drinker. He would say he was a social drinker, but he would drink himself to sleep from work to bedtime and all weekend too. What I didn't realize is that over time his "drunk" phase was getting ugly as the liver disease got worse. He was experiencing High Ammonia levels (Hepatic Encephalopathy) and was very difficult to live with.

He had a medical crisis that brought him to the hospital and to a liver doctor. At that point he was near death and the doc told him he needed a transplant or he would die in 3 months, to get his affairs in order. OR, he could quit drinking, get medical care, and hopefully live 6 months to comply with the UNOS requirements for transplant. It was his choice, not mine, no the kids, HIS choice.

He chose life and has been sober since October 2010!! And got his transplant in May 2011. AND was successfully treated for Hep C in 2014. He is a lucky dude!!! AND, get this. The uglies are not part of his memory. He has amnesia about most of 2010 and 2011!!!!! I, unfortunately, remember every single minute.

The AA meetings he attended did ME a world of good. I finally reliazed it wasn't about ME. There was nothing I could do but take care of ME. He had to decide for himself.

Hoping you are taking care of YOU too.

Hugs, Mama Lama