Even as recently as New Year's, Jim, who is in end-stage liver failure, was suffering mightily with encepalopathy and low-sodium induced low blood pressure. He was on a walker (when he could stand without fainting or having a seizure), couldn't walk steps, needed 24 hour supervision, was completely dependent for all bathing and toileting.
The DRs removed his Aldactone and Lasix (diuretics). Slowly he started coming back. Now he walks steps, makes many of his own meals, cleans up his personal space, does his laundry, cleans the litter boxes, administers his own meds, walks without assistance (although I make him take a cane outside of the house). He wants to drive, but DR said only after his gait improves and he has an evaluation by an occupational therapist.
He was building some ascites, so he is back on 50 mg Aldactone once a day, and that had relieved some pressure without screwing up his progress.
We are very very very thankful that he is "coming back." We call it our miracle.
As for me, I had my "final" breast cancer surgery this week to insert permanent implants on both sides. The one side I had radiated could not accept an implant--skin was too thin and infection would have been a guaranteed outcome. After surgery the DR said I may have to wait for up to a year of healing before some other reconstruction method can be tried. Happy news for Jim; unhappy news for me.