Brother So Sick

My sweet brother has been a chornic alcoholic all his adult life.  He is 54.  He hasn't worked for over 12 years now and for the last 5 years or so he has looked terribly sick - cold all the time, discolored, bleeding gums, moved very slowly, swelling, etc.  Two months ago in July he went into the hospital with esophagus bleeding - he needed 8 units of blood over the first couple days.  He was in coma state for about a week and very, very, very slowly has come out of it.  Now, two months later he is home and somewhat stable taking lactulose through a feeding tube as his ammonia levels were very high and he was extremely confused and sleepy/sleeping all the time.  The lacltulose is keeping his head clear and making things better.  But he is still very weak and tired.  I am so sad to see him go through this.  He was always good to me.

His wife, an angle on earth, has been by his side the entire time.  But she hasn't really said if he is beyond repair or if these symptoms indicate more severe liver damage.  Is anyone familiar with this set of symptoms?  We are sick not knowing details and wondering if he would have a chance to recover enough to get on the transplant list.  His wife has just not gone into detail much and I am afraid to ask.

Hoping & praying for improvement,

Sandy

Sandy, welcome to the forum.  I am sorry your brother is so ill.  Mer is absolutely right about the alcohol.  He will have to stop and not drink for at least 6 mos. before a transplant would be considered.  From his present symptoms, it sounds like he may need a transplant.  Ask his wife to try to get him to eat fresh fruit and vegetables and drink pure water.  No red meat.  If you think she knows more than she is saying, don't be afraid to ask.  And tell her about this forum.  She will need support and information.

Hugs,

Connie