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Husband in liver failure

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Posted 4/27/2013 1:25 PM (GMT 0)
I am new to the forum and am looking for some info on natural herbs for my husbands end stage liver failure. He has Hep C and is now in liver failure . He was just out of the hospital after receiving 4 units of blood and 2 units of plasma. He had some internal hemmoroids banded over a week ago and is still bleeding. He has acites and distinction and is in full liver failure. I was just wondering if milk thistle and artichoke extract would be at all beneficial at this stage and if it would help with the ammonia levels for the confusion. He takes lactulose and xifaxin for this issue and also on a lot of other meds he has been tapped for fluid once but now that he has returned home after 5 days of IV drip he has a lot of water weight. He does take lazix for that but is still very uncomfortable.
Any helpful advice would be greatly appreciated.
He has had Hodgkin's disease in his early years so does not have a spleen either.
Thank you

Post Edited By Moderator (MamaLama) : 4/27/2013 10:54:16 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 4/27/2013 4:14 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Raingirl,
Is your husband in ESLD, or actual liver failure. Is he on a transplant list?

Basically, I do not feel herbs are of any value, though some take Milk Thistle. It seems you are doing the right treatment for the confusion and problems of HE (Hepatic Encephalopathy). My husband is also taking Lactalose and Xifaxin.

Other folks will be along to welcome you and offer support. Take care of yourself. Hugs, themiz
Posted 4/27/2013 4:33 PM (GMT 0)
Ty. He is actually in liver failure and we tried to do the transplant list which proved to be more jumping through hoops with no results Than anything else so he has decided not to do that
Just looking for a way to keep him feeling good and spirits up and whatever helps with the ammonia levels at this point I think. If it not going to be of any comfort or use then I don't want him to have to take another pill on top of the 10 he takes now
Posted 4/27/2013 6:13 PM (GMT 0)
All of my docs said to stay away from so-called natural products as there is no way to know how pure they are. Some are bad for your liver, as well.

What do you mean by "jumping through hoops with no results." Is he not eligible for a transplant, or didn't want to go through the testing? If his liver is failing and he doesn't want to get a transplant, it's certain death in the not so distant future.
Posted 4/27/2013 6:44 PM (GMT 0)
Raingirl, hello and welcome to the forum. I don't understand what you mean by "jumping through hoops." I didn't think I would be able to get through the numerous tests and consults that transplant evaluation at Mayo required, but I made it and am now 1 1/2 years out from transplant.

When I asked my hepatologist about milk thistle, she said it may help or may not. However, I decided against it. I had taken it years ago, when first diagnosed with hep C in '93, and found it of no benefit. And, as David mentioned, herbals are not held to the same standards as FDA approved drugs are.

Has your husband taken treatment for hep C?

Hugs,
Connie
Posted 4/27/2013 6:46 PM (GMT 0)
We were to be put on the list and went to all the classes etc but since he had previous drug history over 20 years ago they wanted him to go through rehab etc. which he was unable to do so they said we weren't doing our part. We did everything else they requested which entailed a 4 hour 1 way drive every 2-3 weeks so after all that cost it was just jumping through hoops to say we didn't do enough and then the 4 hour drives became too much which was when he said " enough". Now we just want to be comfortable for as long as possible
Hospice is now our option
Just thought there might be more we could do ourselves to help it along
Posted 4/27/2013 7:04 PM (GMT 0)
It does seem odd to me that he should be required to go to rehab when he's been clean and sober for over 20 years. I had 25 yrs. of sobriety and 40 yrs. clean from drugs when I went for transplant eval., and they never asked me to go to rehab or counseling, etc. They considered it ancient history. I saw a SW and a psychiatrist during evaluation, and I guess they noted that it was no longer a problem.

Where was your hubby being seen? It does sound like transplant would be the only option for him now.

Even though I live close to Mayo, I don't drive and had to make transportation arrangements. I went 4 days a week for several weeks, with plenty of full days there. The last 2 weeks, I had to be there less, but it was still exhausting. After transplant, I had to go there every day for awhile for blood work. I think the requirements during pre-transplant eval. are a way of testing whether the patient will be compliant post-transplant.

Hugs,
Connie
Posted 4/27/2013 7:09 PM (GMT 0)
Ty. He was going to the U of M in Ann Arbor michigan. After all was said and done the dr was a *****...in my opinion. It was ridiculous the social worker we met with the times we were out there portrayed himself as helpful and said he would take care of it but that didn't happen. Thanks for all the help to each of you we will just take each day as it comes now
Hugs
Posted 4/27/2013 7:20 PM (GMT 0)
Sending you hugs and peace. I am sorry. I hope your husband is able to be comfortable, Raingirl. Take care of you. themiz
Posted 4/27/2013 11:48 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry to hear your news... the answer about herbal medicines is what David said.. the docs told Mike and I that it wasn't a good option.. and some are plain harmful to an already compromised system.. Is another transplant hospital out of the question.. it seems that others would certainly list him..

Of course, I don't know that.. but.

Sandia
Posted 4/28/2013 3:11 AM (GMT 0)
Raingirl,
I have been in nearly the same position as you, but my hubby choose not to continue to seek the transplant option, so we just aimed for quality of life with liver failure. (He died 2 months ago.)

I agree with others about the herbs...at this point I can't see where they could help and could just add more burden to his liver.

Once we knew we were not going the transplant route and I accepted it (tough one) then we just worked on his being able to spend time doing what he wanted (as much a possible with financial and travel limitations)to do.

It was very hard work both physically and emotionally, but sounds like he is taking the meds to help with all the symptoms. I wish you well on this journey...it is a tough one. Feel free to post..vent..ask questions...whatever you need. This forum was a lifesaver for me while going through the last 2 years with my husband. We will be here for you.
Angie1953
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