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Signs of end stage of liver cirrhosis?

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Posted 2/2/2008 2:15 AM (GMT 0)
Shelly,

Thank you so much for responding. They are giving him Lasix, but have not tapped his stomach yet, although they are giving him shots in his stomach for something. As far as I know, the doctors have not told him a thing, so we are all still wondering what next. The nurse seemed to think it wouldnt be long, but she didnt give me a time frame, as she is not really supposed to. I know that they did an ultrasound yesterday and his liver as well as his spleen are enlarged. Also, his urine is very very dark, which to me signals kidney failure. Just like you said, you feel so helpless and wish that there was something that you could do, but at the same time you are upset with them for doing this to themselves. I have to keep telling myself each day that alcoholism is a disease, and he himself feels more helpless than anyone, as well as responsible. Some days are easier than others, but it would make it so much easier if we just had a timeframe.
Posted 2/2/2008 12:43 PM (GMT 0)
Callapitter, The dark urine and yellow eyes are from jaundice which is caused by liver disease. In his case it’s liver failure from cirrhosis. Most likely advanced and possibly end stage. They must have a reason for not tapping his belly yet. If I were you I would go to the hospital in person and get your brother to give consent for you to get medical information. Some hospitals have a form that is preprinted so all he has to do is sign it. Other hospitals go by verbal consent and the nurse writes it in the chart that he gave the consent. Either way this gives you legal right to ask questions from the nurse or Dr. Once you have gotten the consent then I would speak frankly with the Dr. This is of course assuming that your brother will give consent. If he does give consent then have a list of questions prepared before you talk to the Dr concerning your brothers prognosis, treatment plan, etc. I don’t know of any other way for you to get ALL your questions answered. It is unlikely that the Dr will give you an exact date of your brothers possible death as the Dr really doesn’t know. And don’t forget that your brother could pull out of this and be well enough to go home. The lasix will pull some of the excess fluid off and you will see his feet and hands are less swollen. Hope this helped a little.  Shelly
Posted 2/2/2008 12:46 PM (GMT 0)
Callapitter, I forgot to tell you about the shots in his stomach. It is an anticoagulant injection to prevent blood clots. At least that's my educated guess.

 Shelly

Posted 2/2/2008 2:19 PM (GMT 0)
Shelly,

Thank you so much. I appreciate all the information that you have given me. I apologize for the demanding tone of my last posts... I was in denial a little myself yesterday, I think. I will try and talk to the doctors today and see what I can find out. Once more, thank you all for being so caring and quick to respond.

Calla
Posted 2/3/2008 6:13 PM (GMT 0)
Went to see my brother yesterday at the hospital with my other brother and our sister. Yesterday he was still in denial, but this morning he called me and was depressed. I am thinking it is setting in. I told him that we wanted to be there when they have the conference with him on Monday, but he said that he doesnt want us to be there, that he wants to deal with it on his own. I want to be there for him, but I feel like I should honor his wishes to deal with it himself. Could someone give me some guidance on what I should do? Thanks again for all of your help.
Calla
Posted 2/3/2008 8:38 PM (GMT 0)
Callapitter, If it were my brother. I would figure out what sibling is the closest to him and have that person talk to him. The very least, someone should be out side his room to be there if he changes his mind or if he needs someone with him after his talk with the doctor. It a very personal decision but the information that the doctor is going to give him, will be a very hard pill for your brother to swallow. I am a very pushy person when I feell I need to be. I have brothers that ...I would and could make them listen. But I also have brothers who I am not so close with and would let them know that I am right outside the door in case they need me. Good luck. Thoughts and prayers.
Posted 2/3/2008 10:07 PM (GMT 0)

Callipiter,

       I agree with Shelly, nobody really knows for sure how long one has. In Nov. 2007 they told me I had 6-18 months unless I received a transplant. However, I refuse to let their timetable dictate my life. I am still working full time, still enjoy weekends traveling, and doing all the things I have normally done. I do not travel far just in case the call comes that I have an offer of a liver. I am not suffering from encephalophy, but my legs, ankles and abdomen are swollen. My liver and spleen are also enlarged with my spleen being 22cm. I had more than a litre of fluid drained from my abdomen on Fri.2/1 ( don't know if that is a little or alot, but it sure looked like alot to me). Your brother will not become a candidate for transplant until he shows a history of at least 6 months without drinking (probably more though). Sorry about that bit of bad news. Either way he needs to stop and you need to continue to encourage him to do so. I am glad that I am the one suffering with this disease, because I truly believe it is more difficult for the people who love and care for us. I cannot imagine what my wife and family go thru on a daily basis. Iwill continue to pray for everyone who is suffering from this dreaded disease. Delivered by the mailman.

Posted 2/4/2008 12:01 AM (GMT 0)

Calla, I know you probably feel really frustrated with your brother. At least I would be if he were my brother. Pink Grandma is right. Someone in the family may be able to convince him that he does not have to go thru this alone. If he is determined to go it alone than I would do as Pink Grandma says and stay outside his door. I am fairly certain that he is being ruled by guilt and shame right now. You have to consider the possibility of a death wish on his part. I have seen it in patients before. Mailman had a liter drained off of his belly and felt better afterwards. It is possible that they will tap him and he may feel better too. Do you know if that is the plan tomorrow? We just can't second guess what your brother is thinking right now. Reassure him that you love him no matter what and you will be there for him. He may need to hear that from his family especially if he is suffering from guilt and or remorse. Let us know OK?

 Shelly

Posted 2/4/2008 4:36 AM (GMT 0)
I have let him know that. I am really concerned right now, as he has 103 fever and they can't give him anything for it because of his liver. I am hoping that sepsis is not setting in. Please keep us in your prayers, as we dearly need them. Thanks everyone!

Calla
Posted 2/4/2008 5:09 AM (GMT 0)
Thoughts and prayers are with you and your brother Calla.
Posted 2/4/2008 3:02 PM (GMT 0)
Okay, guys, not sure how long it will be until I am on again. I am going down to the hospital to be with my brother. They had to put oxygen on him last night because his oxygen level dropped below 80 %. Thanks again for all of your support and caring.
Posted 2/4/2008 5:27 PM (GMT 0)
I am sorry, callapitter. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My mother died from cirrhosis and she went through similar problems near the end.
Posted 2/4/2008 9:12 PM (GMT 0)
My thoughts and prayers are with your brother, you, and the rest of your family. Keep us imformed. sad   Delivered by the mailman.
Posted 2/4/2008 10:59 PM (GMT 0)
Just home for a bit from the hospital. He has developed Pneumonia, not sure what that means in the scheme of things, but trying to stay positive. Thanks for all the kind words!
Posted 2/6/2008 1:12 AM (GMT 0)

Hey everyone. yeah

Just thought I would give you guys an update on my brother.   He is doing better today, think they have the pneumonia under control and they think that they have found the reason for his diarreah.  He has some sort of rare infection in his intestines that is causing it and they think that they can get rid of it with antibiotics.  He sounds much better today.  I think they even told him that he might get to go home at the end of the week and have to come back next week to discuss the liver problem.  I just wanted to thank you all for all of your thoughts and prayers and tell you what a great group of people you are.

Thanks again!

Callapitter

Posted 2/6/2008 3:19 PM (GMT 0)

Calla, I am so happy that your brother is feeling better now. I wanted to commend you for all the love and caring you have shown him. Even tho you get frustrated and probably angry with him at times you remained a loyal and loving sister to him when he needed you most. Kudos to you!!!!!!!

 Shelly

Posted 2/6/2008 3:55 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks girl. I know we have a long winding road in front of us, but at least this is a step to the positive. I hope all is well with you guys.
Calla
Posted 2/7/2008 4:38 AM (GMT 0)
Calla, I ditto what Shelly just posted. High 5 to you sister. So many families these days are dysfunctional. Tell your brother we said that he is very lucky to have such a good sister. Take care.
Posted 2/7/2008 3:31 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you so much pink. I have some very good news... he is on his way home.... yeah!!!!! He has an appointment in a couple of weeks to discuss his liver, but until then, hes home!!!! If I ever get over the flu hopefully I can spend some time with him. Thank you all so much and I will keep you posted.
Posted 2/9/2008 3:15 PM (GMT 0)
Calla, I am sorry that I haven't posted sooner. I have been working a lot lately. It sounds like your family has really been going through a lot. I am glad to here that your brother has gotten well enough to go home. You and your family are in my prayers.
Posted 2/27/2008 3:39 AM (GMT 0)
Hi to all  sorry I haven't posted lately, but I received a liver transplant on 2/17/08    Now 8 days into new life and things r going well. I am home from hospital and taking massive amts. of medications including insulin injections 3x per day. My wife Nancy may be doing some posts or me so keep your eyes open for them. I am so very grateful to the family of the young man who died to give life to many others. Please remember this family in prayer. Hope everyone is doin ok.  Gotta go now. talk t ya soon. Delivered by the mailman.

Posted 2/27/2008 3:52 AM (GMT 0)
Mailman, That is such terrific news. I am so happy for you. I will pray for your speedy recovery.
Posted 2/27/2008 4:19 AM (GMT 0)
Oh Mailman if I would still do double back flips I would. What am I talking about I never could in the first place. We are so happy for you. I was wondering how you were doing. Well get well fast because we need you to deliver your mail. tongue tongue tongue tongue yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
Posted 3/1/2008 3:18 AM (GMT 0)
 Hi to all. Thanks Grandma & Butterfly. Things are going well. Pain is decreasing and I'm getting used to the diabetic diet they have me following. Blood sugars are still high and I have to take insulin for now but that may go away in time. Appetite is good but I have lost about 15 lbs. Still don't understand that. I do have alot of discomfort in my right arm and shoulder from when my arm was raised and extended back during surgery. Gotta go now. Please pray for my donors family, I can't imagine what they must feel. Delivered by the mailman.

Posted 3/1/2008 8:59 AM (GMT 0)
You got it Mailman. I'll be praying for them and your full recovery. Without the donors there would be no transplants. May God be with all the families. Nancy if you are reading this.... hello. So glad that you two have a new chance on life. Thoughts and prayers.
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