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...

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Two-Year Anniversary: Life is Good

teacherandlearner
teacherandlearner
This site has been a lifeline for me as the caregiver for my husband who was diagnosed with alcoholic cirrhosis in July 2010. THEN: I was scared to death and felt very alone until I found this site. TODAY: he (and, thus, I) had appts. with both PCP and GI both of whom smiled at his condition today and his progress. He has graduated to the 6-month check-up schedule.

Many on here have generously posted reassuring and uplifting posts explaining that this ugly beast that is cirrhosis can be tamed. Not conquered completely, but certainly tamed. I have read and reread those posts finding in them strength and calm. I, too, wanted to add my husband's successful fight and journey to the mix.

First: I want to celebrate HIM! He quit drinking IMMEDIATELY and started the hard fight to get better. This site (and his doctors) had reassured us that cirrhosis is NOT the death sentence that the internet says it is. But he HAD to quit drinking. He did.

Second: Husband suffered all of the awful effects: jaundice, edema, ascites, parancentesis (over 25 tappings), near kidney failure, cachexia, fatigue, depression, reversed sleeping habits, aggression, HE, HE, and HE, near-death varices (BP drop to 52/34), banding, transfusions, etc.

Third: We diligently followed (and follow) everything that the doctors ordered: low sodium diet, diuretics, lactulose, reduced liquids, increased liquids, vitamins. Had TIPS in May 2011 to reduce ascites. May 2012: TIPS adjusted and ascites gone. No increased HE.

BOTTOMLINE: Our hope for anyone who reads this--HOPE.

I questioned whether to title this posting "Life is Good." thought "Life is Better" might be more honest. Nah! Given where we WERE and where we ARE: .Life. Is. GOOD!

BIG THANK YOU to all who have contributed to this site with important information and reassuring life stories. I have counted on you more than you know.

The Journey Continues.....
deleted_user
deleted_user
What a blessing and encouragement this entry is. I am so happy for you and your husband. God is good........There is always hope through Christ..........A good support system, a good ear to bend every once in a while when things get a bit down and a whole lot of "right livin'" adds to the mix. No, I don't believe that cirrhosis has to be an automatic death sentence. Not if there is determination. Granted, some are not fortunate enough to pull through but even if one is "saved anguish and pain" by being given the "hope" of tomorrow, that is a good thing. Hold onto each other.......for many healthy years to come........Hugs and prayers.......CarolLentz
pugdaddy
pugdaddy
I've been having a hard day. It's all relative, I know - I don't have any of the challenges that are associated with decompensated cirrhosis - but my eyes are burning badly (a symptom from liver damage) - and I'm fighting off depression and that 'pity party' that we're all too familiar with! Thanks for your encouraging post! I'm among those who needed it today ~
deleted_user
deleted_user
Special hugs for you today, Pug....I have said a prayer for you already and will remember you in my evening prayers as well. Have you checked into possible allergies contributing to the burning eye problem? If your weather is anything like where I live, allergies are rampant for everyone....even those who don't usually complain about allergies. I am just coughing up a lung every once in a while. Bronchitis or possible "pneumonia" at this point. Am thinking about making the dreaded trip to Cleveland ER if it isn't markedly better for me in the next day or so. Don't want to wait too long.

Keep up the spirits.......Remember, a little chat with The Lord sometimes works wonders! Hugs and special prayers...............CarolLentz
deleted_user
deleted_user
Thanks for sharing. My husband has his his two year mark too and is doing MUCH better today than 2 years ago! He also has ALD and had everythign except the HE although sometimes I wondered.....

Keep the faith!
pugdaddy
pugdaddy
Carol - I'm convinced that the spiritual component of all this really cannot be overemphasized. And I'm confident that the Lord prompted a couple of good friends to call me last night...and lift me up. I have very good quality of life when compared to so many on these boards - and so much for which to be thankful. I know that faith and fear cannot coexist - but that beast of fear just loves to torment us!
I do however choose to believe that I'll be doing better two years from now than I am today! Thanks - PD
deleted_user
deleted_user
Pug....Yes, Satan sure loves to torment us when he knows we are our most vulnerable but we have the security in our faith that we are much bigger than Satan......I read the end of the book and "we win big time!!!!!!" Just hang in there and know that tomorrow is a new day and there is something that holds a lot of promise in the word "new".
I am stil praying for ya and want you to know that I "love ya"........We are all in this "together!"..........Hugs and prayers.......CarolLentz
pugdaddy
pugdaddy
Love ya too, "girlfriend" - and appreciate your unput as always!!
deleted_user
deleted_user
Pug........I called a relative last night who is in the medical field. Ran past her the problem with dry eye you are having (and I have had from time to time). She agreed that the diuretics can cause "body fluid alterations" but also said that, sometimes the alternative medicines involving use of certain herbs and minerals can also cause it especially when combined with the diuretics. She suggested that you get a nutrition guide and look up the "possible side effects" of each thing you are taking. This might be a clue as to "why" you are having this ongoing problem in spite of using preparations for dry eye. She also said that if you use the preparations such as artificial tears too much that they, too can cause a worsening of the symptoms. She suggested that you go to an eye doctor (even one at WalMart for something like dry eye) and have your eyes checked to make sure there is no infection and to perhaps get a script for ointment as opposed to OTC preparations. Just thought I would send this your way and hope that you have either already looked into this or will............Hope your weekend coming will be blessed.........
Hugs and prayers..............CarolLentz
pugdaddy
pugdaddy
Thanks Carol - it's quite possible that something like Restasis - or perhaps as you mention some type of rx ointment - may do the trick, but I'll review all this w/an opthalmologist. I have to keep it all in perspective - this is 'small potatoes' when compared to HE and some of the other more acute things that liver patients endure. Big hug to ya... and you enjoy the weekend!