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...
The link attached is NOT an advertisement. BUT it is loaded with great information if you or someone you love is considering TIPS. Though I did MUCH research prior to my husband's procedure, I wish I would have had this. Would have saved me a LOT of time. BTW: procedure 1-week old and no complications. We have maintained a low protein/low sodium diet. He is back to work. No confusion at all (and he had had 3 HE episodes since diagnosis last July). Ascites seems to be under control. Hope this link helps someone out there.
http://www.goremedical.com/resources/dam/assets/AH1530EN2.VTRT.PAT_BRO.pdf
http://www.goremedical.com/resources/dam/assets/AH1530EN2.VTRT.PAT_BRO.pdf
deleted_user
I am so glad to hear the good news! I can't belive he is back to work! Wow! Wishing you both blessings!
teacherandlearner
kacc: In the interest of full disclosure about "back to work": Husband is a 36-year traveling salesman. He worked very hard to get his work day / work week to less than 8-hour days...much less. So when I say that he is back to work, I do not mean that he is hittin' and gettin' 8 hours or more a day. BUT he's out there.... Thank you for the blessings though. They are appreciated no matter how long his day.
deleted_user
Hi Teacher.... Im happy to hear your husband is doing well thus far. I had the TIPS in June of 08 and I seem to be doing well with it. Although a trip through the grocery store can seem like I worked an 8 hour day as my energy level can be nil some days, none the less...I have had little complication with the procedure. My GI suggests physical activity I walk currently) and a healthy balanced diet. Low salt is a must . I have actually gained weight....50lbs. since the procedure was done. I am now trying to drink a lot more water and I currently take 2 diuretics to avoid amonia going to the brain which causes encephlophapy (sp)....all in all...it has served me well. Previous to the procedure, I had 2 life threatening esophical bleeds. Havent even come close to this. Hope all goes well for your husband.
teacherandlearner
W Turner: glad that you are doing well. Yes, seems that the TIPS was the right choice for you and my husband. Husband has to monitor his weight right now for signs of quick weight gain (water retention). But he hopes to start putting back on a few dry pounds soon. To the ammonia or lack thereof: Husband was already on lactulose (45 ml. one time a day) prior to procedure. Then post procedure we had to give him 7 doses over the course of the next 3 days before the medicine kicked in (45 ml. 3x daily). Now we are back to 1 dose at night. BUT if it doesn't do the "trick" within a couple of hours or by the next morning, he gets another dose until he goes. No diuretics for him. Kidneys sensitive. So post procedure: no diuretics, off blood pressure medicine. Only taking lactulose and vitamins. No HE. He's sleeping well and at night. In fact, so far...life is pretty normal. Fatigue, yes. I've become the family work horse/pack mule. We can live with that.
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