Posted 10/26/2016 3:07 PM (GMT 0)
hi grayskies,
welcome to our forum. so sorry about your brother. Your brother needs to see a dr. the symptoms you describe are from advanced cirrhosis. an evaluation now, could save his life. his bleeding can get out of control, as his body slows the production of platelets. If hes bleeding from the nose or mouth, that cant be stopped, get him emergency care.
Your dad or someone close, needs to make him aware hes on a very slippery slope. It is intervention time. I could go through a long list of things that can go very wrong, but only a dr can stabilize him at this point. You have done some research, so you know hes at risk for liver cancer, and maybe transplantation.
Now comes the hard part. he has to STOP DRINKING. he has to do his part, or some drs will be reluctant to spend the time and money.. As far as how long he can last, without medical help is different for everyone. But its going to get worse.
if your brother needs a transplant, he will have to show the willingness to do his part. by stopping drinking. he will need documented rehab foe at least 6 months. livers are in high demand, so drs will not list you, if they think, you will not take care of THEIR LIVER.
I myself am recovering from cirrhosis, caused by drugs and alcohol. I had hep c, with a drinking problem. i wouldn't see a dr for liver problems, but blood tests for unrelated issues showed i had a very inflamed liver. A few months later i quit drinking because my legs swelled up like bowling pins. my twin had the same problems, but he couldn't stop drinking. he has liver cancer and end stage cirrhosis now. he is holding on, trying to get the 6 months of sobriety before, his dr will send him for transplant evaluation.
i know how difficult it is waiting and praying, for your loved ones to respond. ask any questions, and god bless