What is Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is a consequence of chronic liver disease characterized by replacement of liver tissue by fibrotic scar tissue as well as regenerative nodules, leading to progressive los...
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Catch 22
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My Dad (81) had paracentesis on 9/23; 6 litres withdrawn. Lost 14 pounds of fluid. Furosemide and Spirolactone then seemed to start working well. Edema disappeared. He lost 16 additional pounds as of 10/13. Blood work on 10/13 showed that the kidneys were being affected. Both diruectics cut to 1/2 of former dosage. On 10/17, we could not really wake him up fully. Taken to hospital and diagnosed w/ dehyrdration; ammonia level at 40. Propanolol and both diruectics stopped. BP is very low so diruectics and propanolol cannot be resumed. Fluid retention is returning. If BP will increase and stabilize, doctors plan to reinstate diruectics at a lower dosage. Mental status has greatly improved since being hydrated. He will go to rehab to build up strength as soon as BP stabilizes at an acceptable level. If BP does not improve, meds will not be reinstated; fluid will return; more problems seem to surface when ascites and edema is bad. Just a Catch 22 situation. I just hope he will be able to resume his quality of life prior to last week.
Posted on 10/21/09, 09:10 pm |
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You don't seem to be asking a question, but, ask your docs if they will put him on IV albumin to control the fluid build up. Albumin (the component of blood plasma that controls fluid levels) was successfully used until 'modern' medicine decided they could make do with paracenticis, diuretics and transplants!
I refer you to: http://livingwithliverdisease.ning... Craig 
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Sounds like you're going through a lot of the things that I did with my Dad. I was his main caregiver and it was a roller coaster ride.
I hope that they can get him stabilized soon. I'm very glad to hear that his mental status has improved. Good luck with everything. Like you say, it sounds like a Catch 22 at the moment. Keep in contact and let us know how you're doing and what's going on with his status. Many hugs, Josi
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My Dad's BP dropped very low when he was hospitalized. He went from hospital to rehab, where the next day they diagnosed a blood clot in his right foot. Back to hospital to have a filter put in his main trunk vein to prevent a pulmonary embolism. He has been at rehab 2 weeks now and gaining strength. However, the ascites & edema is very bad again. Aldactone was removed and lasix cut in half.
His hands are shaking now. I read on another post that the shaking is a sign of HE. Dad's mental status is good now. I suspect he will be at rehab another week and then discharged. We may need to get some in-home assistance since both my sister and I work full-time.
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