Connie, You likely won't see this until later, but all fingers and toes crossed here. Hoping for the best possible outcome....
((((PinkGrandma)))) ((((Family)))) So have been so strong through this entire journey, and so very helpful to me and hundreds of others. May your tears be healing tears. Please take care of yourself....
Wizdel, You just never know what you might face with liver disease. I know men can be a little "testy" about seeing a DR, but you need to. My husband, 66 YO, has been a heavy drinker for many many...
Jim is the one with ESLD, but I am the one with dry mouth/irritated tongue because of chemo for my breast cancer. Look into Biotene toothpaste, mouthwash, and drops. It's OTC. There's also a...
ANOTHER JIM UPDATE Jim "graduates" from Hospice effective Monday. He is driving alone, maybe goes out 4 days a week for a couple hours on his own. He's back to reading detective novels voraciously...
One word for you: Hospice. Interview 2 or more of them to determine what they consider appropriate care for your Mom in this situation. They will provide care in facilties such as hospitals and...
((((Barb)))) I am so glad your Gene remains the miracle boy and the one you adore. And the support you are getting from your church, and now finally Hospice, is great. As our situation improves,...
We don't understand it. He is diagnosed with ESLD; hasn't had any alcohol since August; was near death two time in ICU this fall; came home in really crappy shape and required 24/7 care; incontinent;...
WooHoo!! GREAT NEWS!!...
Autumn, I am so sorry for you and your situation with your Mom. ESLD is so friggin complicated, so different for each person (it seems), and so hard for us as caregivers to understand. My husband Jim...
Marioc, Congrats on your successful transplant. But why? Why? Why would you want a tattoo? You should be thinking about everything you can do to keep your body healthy and strong. I'm sorry, but even...
((((Pink Grandma))))...
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...
Hello, I don't know about this particular set of circumstances, but... My husband, who is in end-stage liver failure, recently had a very itchy eczema. GI doc said it wasn't related to his liver;...
Connie, I believe you are right about the DRs assessment of a 6 month life expectancy, regardless of state. We didn't have to pass that hurdle because when Jim was first evaluated, he was in ICU with...
I'm no expert, so I may get some things wrong, but this is my experience. Hospice is a federally mandated program for persons with a limited life expectancy. Hospice emphasizes palliative rather than...
I could not be any happier than I am right now for you and your husband. You have fought a long, hard fight, and you have won!! What an unexpected gift. Holding you close, hoping the call comes soon,...
Hi PG, I understand what you are saying, but Jim, although demented, is an adult and can make his own decisions about this. The decision not to pursue a transplant is consistent with the provisions...
Cellular dehydration is Jim's biggest problem right now. Renal values out of whack. Sodium low. His GI wants weekly blood draws for a month to monitor. I really wish the GI guy would explain the...
"There is just nothing simple about managing the disease in Mark's case." You are so right! There is nothing simple (or even [i]mildly complex) about[b] this disease. Fluids, sodium, medications,...
Thank you, ladies, for your replies and insights. Why does Jim not want a transplant? I'm not sure. He made the decision while he was mentally confused, so maybe now that he is more clear headed, he...
(Synopsis for those not following us. I am nearing the end of treatment for breast cancer. Jim went into liver failure at the end of August, and is now end-stage. Alot of dementia although not...
(((Teresa))) Trish has a very good idea with counseling for Michael. It would give him a place to safely release his fears and frustrations about what is happening to his father and family. If...
Mara2. Grace to you and your family. Your cared so much! Venita...
Doug, As others have said, I am very sorry for what you are going through. I have been a caregiver to my husband, who has alcoholic cirrohsis, since late August. It is a living hell. You are right...
Jim (ESLD since August 2006, alcoholic) has become somewhat stabilized in his dementia. He's been home since the day before Thanksgiving, and we are looking for him to be home at least another few...
I am so sorry, My Father's Child. Cirrohsis is a horrible disease that robs its victims of quality of life. And yes, some DRs can't seem to put the symptoms together into an appropriate diagnosis. I...
Good morning all, Jim, who has ESLD, has a low level of function, both physically and mentally. The general rountine is for him to sit on the couch, eat the multiple small meals I bring to him,...
I've seen it mentioned here a few times....
Thank you all so much for your welcomes and your advice. Some days I am just completely overwhelmed by this disease and its challenges. I simply can't imagine where we are going to end up, and I...
Jim was DX with liver failure in late August. We've been through weeks and weeks of hospital stays, 2 weeks of skilled nursing facility. and maybe a total of 5 weeks at home. The DX is now end-stage...