Cirrhosis Support Group
Cirrhosis is a consequence of chronic liver disease, most commonly caused by alcoholism and hepatitis C. Ascites is the most common complication of cirrhosis and is associated with a poor quality of life, increased risk of infections, and a poor long term outcome. Liver damage from cirrhosis cannot be reversed, but treatment can stop or delay further progression and...
Hi I finally figured out how to post...
My dad has just been diagnosed with liver cirrohsis. I know he's had a bad liver for many years but never been to dr. And its hard to get him to see a dr. for anything. He used to drink ALOT in his younger days and he quit for a a long time then the last few (10) years he's been 'social drinking'. Since his diagnosis last month he's been totally alcohol free. And his dr. practically begged him in a warning not to touch alcohol.
I am the only one that can help him at this point as the remainder of family members live out of province.
He's also on a waiting to see a specialist right now. He has alot of symptoms and I am wondering from your opinions how bad it might be? (i realize you cant say for sure but i want some insight because many of you guys know first hand about symptoms and severity)
He has headaches, memory problems-(i dont know if he realizes it but i do), severe stomach pain, appetite loss, some bloating, frequent if not constant diahrrea, spitting small amounts of blood, his muscles cramp whenever he does any physical activity or work, he sleeps during the day up and down at night and he always wants to sleep lately and has lost alot of weight and muscle mass. I probably missed some symptoms.
Alot of times I feel very alone because im the only one helping him (i live with him). I have prepared myself for the worst as much as i can but its still really hard waiting for treatment and not knowing how much treatment he'll take.
Thanks
Firstly hugs! It's such a horrible disease! My dad was officially diagnosed a year ago - he had known for a long time his liver was compromised but decided to still carry on drinking. He only stopped once they did the TIPS procedure. He is very weak, VERY thin. Has very little if any muscle mass. Sleeps most of the day, eats like a little bird. Is quite moody and in a lot of pain. Memory/mood is also part of the symptoms.. He has ascites and they do paracentesis every few weeks. The one thing I read about End Stage Liver Disease is that it is a slow, painful death. He is not eligible for a transplant and his quality of life is awful. The only cure is a transplant. TIPS procedure will help with varices but does not improve the prognosis.
It is difficult to be a carer in this, so perhaps after you have a clearer indication of where he is at, have a discussion on care and what his expectation/needs are. If he can't have a transplant, you will probably need help to care for him towards the end. Read as much as you can, it does help to give you an idea of the bigger picture and what to expect.
Best of luck and keep us posted!
I couldnt stand to see him in so much stomach pain today so I pushed him to go back to the dr. And they gave him an emergency ultrasound, it was too late for the results so he has to go back tomorrow.
Plus the buscopan they gave him today made him feel worse.
Its so hard to watch a loved one to be in so much pain and he cant do much of anything anymore. And i cant fix it.
For you - It's wonderful you are so loving & caring. It is a lot of work to care for someone with an illness. You need to keep balance in your life. Do things for you. We can't make people do what they should fr themselves. To have the energy & patience to care for a loved one, you must take care of yourself first.
Wishing you both the best!
Its helps to know there is support from ppl who understand