My dad has alcoholic cirrhosis! HELP!

Hi everyone, I'm new here so please forgive me for rambling on beforehand. Last year my dad started having some symptoms (ascites, fatigue, vomiting) and finally went to the VA. After some research, I was pretty sure it was his liver since he has been an alcoholic since I can remember. When he was done with his appointment, he was very vague about what the doctor told him and said he was given some water pills. He has quit drinking for the most part, but has wine occasionally; he also takes a lot of pain medications for his back. In the last year, he has lost a lot of weight, and I remember how I cringed at his wasted muscles when he took his shirt off after the weight loss. His personality has also changed, but the strange thing is that he is MUCH nicer. He gets very bad leg cramps at night now, his hearing is almost completely gone (don't know if this has to do with the cirrhosis) he's lost of all the hair on his body and has developed womanly breasts. They have not given him anything besides diuretics (no treatment at all) and trying to get any information out of him is like pulling teeth. I was talking about when I have a baby and he said, "If you don't hurry up, my grandchild will only be able to see a picture of me." I asked him if he thought he wouldn't be here next year and he shrugged and said he has a bad liver. Today, he went to the VA for his blood work and the doctor called right away saying that his potassium was way too high and to discontinue the Spironolactone. I have read many posts on this forum and I know this is a very individual disease, but I was wondering with the symptoms that I've listed if anyone could give me some input, any idea as to how long he has left, anything would be much appreciated. This is heartbreaking, my father is only 65 and to see a man that was once larger than life shrivel and waste away is just so hard.

Ava. Welcome to the forum. I'm on the road this morning answering From my phone. Im not a good thumb typer.

Our family story is about the same. I'll write more later.

Meanwhile read to info at the top

And through back posts

He is really sick

But plenty get extra time with good care

Mama Lama

Also, try to get him to let you go to his appointments with him, get his medical power of attorney, go to release of information after any bloodwork and get a copy of it. it is used for MELD Score, and also alot of other things i can help you with. The cramping is due to dehydration of his muscles . . whats left of them. The fluids he takes by mouth go to the belly/Ascites . . there are other diuretics he can take for fluid retention that do not raise potassium. Also, Magnesium depletion will increase the cramping, bloodwork will tell alot of what the problem is.

Again, make sure the Dr's know how important it is for him to live and ask alot of questions . . it makes a big difference,

I hope to hear from you soon
Debbie

Thank you so much for the replies! We are in Los Angeles and my dad is on social security disability. The sad thing is that I don't know if he wants to live. I have tried to go to his appointments with him, but he won't let me. I went to the VA with my husband, but of course they wouldn't give me any information. The only information I have to go on is the vague answers my dad gives, stuff I read on the internet and his appearance. He does eat A LOT of salt and smokes A LOT and there is no way that anyone can make him stop. As far as I know, he doesn't have hep c, only cirrhosis.
I have so many mixed feelings, he was a ****** when I was growing up to me and my mom, a violent alcoholic and I know he's done this to himself but it's still my dad and I feel this enormous pity. Then I get mad again that he's been so selfish his entire life and continues to be selfish now

Thanks Connie for the info I missed . . I get so excited when I see VA, because I feel like I'm giving back to people . . . I got soo much wonderful help and info from this site!!

Ava, I'm not sure about CA, but there is alot of informaton @ VA.gov. you can find facilities, and alot of other good information. I would still apply for disability thru the VA, the worse that can happen is they do nothing. My husband is not service connected, but they still give him $100. a month because they say that SSD isn't enough to live off of!! Good luck to you and your family!!

Debbie