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 am new here and have a few questions about my future husband I have been with him for ten years now. He drinks everyday after work usually not to bad, but the past 2 years I have noticed when he gets up in the morning I hear him throwing up pretty violently everyday. Several times I have gone into the bathroom and find blood on the floor and in the toilet. He also has these severe itching episodes. I love him but I think I know whats happening, my father was a heavy drinker. Can anybody tell me if this sounds pretty severe symptoms of cirrhosis? He has not been to the Dr since I have been with him. On his nights off he stays up listening to music on the internet and passing out, My heart breaks he does not know I watch him. Hope everybody is doing good. God bless everybody.
First, let me say that I think your future husband does have a problem but it may not be cirrhosis as yet. The reason I say that is because, once bleeding comes as a result of either colon polyps/lesiions or esophageal varicees (both common in liver disease) the bleeds do not come and go. Therefore, my guess would be that he is perhaps dealing with bleeding ulcers due to the drinking. This is not a good thing as sooner or later with the pattern of daily drinking as you describe, will probably result in liver involvment. There are many other symptoms of liver disease and I am sure you can find those by doing a few simple searches on line.
The symptomology varies from individual to individual.
Let me say also, that you cannot "make" him go to the doctor and seek treatment as this has to happen because "he wants" to. The thing you have to decide is whether you want a life with his man that is troubled before it even gets started. Have you talked with him about your concerns for his health and why? Has he been at all responsive? Is he in total denial that there is even a problem? Does he think that his behavior is somehow, "normal"? How long has he been drinking other than "socially"? The answer to these questions should be sought before you decide that you want to stay with him. Marriage will not "make him change" so, are you prepared physically and emotionally to spend a lifetime dealing with a problem this bad and most likely doomed to get worse with time unless he takes the initiative to change.
Don't blame yourself for someone else's problems. Do be supportive as long as he takes steps to change to a more healthy lifestyle. Don't feel guilty for your concerns; they are normal. If anything, he is very fortunate to have someone in his life who sees what is happening and is concerned enough to seek help.
I hope you are a woman of faith because, as is mentioned again and again on this forum, faith is a big part of getting things on the right track. For me, my faith has been my life saving grace. I will pray for you and for your "future husband" and for the situation you face and I hope you visit this site regularly and let us know how you are doing. Most of all, I hope that you take my comments as they are meant.....These are difficult words for some people to hear. Hugs and prayers..........CarolLentz
He must stop drinking which is something only he can do. I hope for both of you that he makes that decision and you have a happy life together!
I had bleeding from esophageal varices and even though I stopped drinking immediately, eight months later I nearly died from a bleeding stomach ulcer. It's not fun.
As Carol mentioned, you can not change him, that's a choice he will have to make. Cirrhosis is not a death sentence, but your future husband must make the choice to stop drinking and take care of himself or continue down a very painful, unpleasant path.
It takes some time, but the human body can recover from a lot of the terrible abuse we subject it to.
I wish you both the best, but he needs to make a very important decision. With his current bleeding issues, unless he stops drinking it will only get worse.
Cirrhosis is not "necessarily" a death sentence. But as sophie1961 says, if your future husband doesn't stop drinking, it will be.
If he does stop, there is the possibility of recovery, depending on how much damage he has done to his liver up til now.
If he continues with his current habits, he will die, probably fairly soon, and it won't be pleasant. If he stops drinking, he may be able to recover, but if he's been bleeding internally for two years, it's pretty serious and he may be past the point of no return.
I know that statement is pretty blunt, but he has serious issues and needs to make some major changes in his life. He must see a doctor to get his health back in line and absolutely must stop drinking.