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...
A few years ago my Mom was diagnosed with cirrhosis. We noticed she was confused a lot but thought it was the onset of dementia. While it might be a combination of the two, I think it's the liver failing.
In Feb 2017 she had a CT which didn't show any varicies. However, a Nov 2017 scan showed large esophageal varicies. Since July she has been falling a lot, confusion becomes more and more frequent. She lost 30+lbs in less than 3 weeks. She has acities but has not had a esophageal bleed. She is on hospice, and has done well with lactulose and 2 diuretics.
My question is: what can we expect from a varicies bleed? I sort of feel her hospice nurse just wants to bury her and be done with it. I asked about a MELD score, and he said he wanted to wait until it was time for her to be recertified (3 months) for hospice to do labs. (He did mention hospice usually doesn't do labs, so maybe I'm overreacting.)
It's horrible to see someone decline so fast.
She is in hospice care. At home or at a center? There apparently reasons why she is not on the transplant list? Not saying that is an answer, very few can get a lver anyway, but it offers hope.
I'm sorry the nurse is giving off those vibes. They deal with this all the time, they are human, it's difficult to hide your feelings sometimes.
Are you clearly hearing what the docs are telling you?
I can tell you, I have seen people in hospice at death's door, given last rites, and by miracle walked out the door and are still working today. Alcoholics who finally stopped drinking & were given a second chance.
You're very kind & doing the right thing by your mom & your conscience.
My Mom's cirrhosis is from a few contributing factors: diabetes, excessive alcohol use, fatty liver, prednasone for asthma, poor diet and no exercise. It's all catching up with her. She's only 68.
I hope I'm over thinking the hospice nurse and his comments. They're all so nice. She is at home, and is as comfortable as possible. She's still mean, so I know she still has life in her.
I think what bothers is me is she is in such denial about how she got to this stage. She has never been one to admit fault or take responsibility for her actions. Yesterday she spoke to my Aunt and when explaining her diagnosis she insisted it was NASH. I remember many times I would pick her up when she was too drunk to drive, and I'd have to stop on the side of the road for her to pee. My Sister would clean up her puke after a night out and too much wine. I think she doesn't consider herself an alcoholic since she drank wine.
I've forgiven her for everything. She wasn't the best mom but she did what she could. I have the opportunity to do better with my family.
It's so hard to watch her waste away. She still eats what she wants. She fusses every time I mention lactulose. She's emotionally abusive. My dad (they divorced when I was 11) does 3 months ago, and since she has really declined. I wonder if it's a coincidence or if she never got over their divorce. She never remarried or dated since my dad. He remarried. That's a whole other story that might just come out on Nancy Grace!
I sometimes feel like death roulette is around the corner. Who will find her or be there when she goes? My Sister, her husband, one of my kids or my husband and I?
Thanks again. It feels good to get out my feelings. It helps with coping. I just pray she doesn't suffer and doesn't bleed.