Myself and many others on this forum are praying for you and your husband.

Your husband is lucky to have you. I dealt with many of my problems alone. A lot of people just think you're in the hospital for a while, then at home relaxing, not truly knowing how serious this disease can be and how much it affects you.

I wish you both the best, this disease is beatable. Don't feel at all sorry about venting. Sometimes it's the best way to deal with things and we're all here to support you.

When I first began my quest for qualifying to be on the transplant list at Cleveland Clinic, I had the opportunity to see many other patients in my same situation. Only difference, they didn't have the support system that I had and that made it so much more difficult for those patients. I thank God that I have the family I have who are all prepared to pitch in to help out with whatever my husband or I need. My husband is listed as my primary care giver.

It made things so much easier for me and I am sure that your husband will always feel the same way about your care of him. The one thing I can say for certain is that he, as the patient, surely doesn't want you to feel stress or anxiety during his illness. Keep an open line of communication with him, with his doctors and with his other "support" (i.e. other family and friends).

Keep yourself as healthy as you possibly can and get plenty of rest and eat a balanced diet. Remember, no person is an island unto him/herself. We each have our vulnerabilities and it is only natural to have the fears and doubts you have mentioned. Trust God to see you through this "trial". Realize that there will be times when you don't "feel appreciated or qualified" and just know that is part of this disease that your husband faces. We as patients sometimes "forget" that there are other's who are experiencing their own type of suffering.

I do hope you begin feeling stronger and more assured as time goes on. Don't ever feel that you are "venting" with people who don't care. We all care and we all know very well what you are going through as well as what your husband is going through.
My prayers are with you............chin up!!! Hugs and prayers.........CarolLentz

Thank you Carol for your words of encouragement. Each time my husband goes through an episode I feel drained for a minute. I know I will recover soon. The last few weeks were tough with my husbands health but I know its not even near what some of you have suffered. I guess that's why I question my strength. If I am having a hard time with nausea and seizures...HOW will I handle ascites, HE, or bleeding varices. I get scared thinking that any time now he can be facing these dreadful situations. And I wonder how I will be capable of staying strong for him. The night before last I found myself jumping at every cough and burp thinking he was getting sick again. He got tired of me asking him if he was ok every 2 minutes. I know I need to get a better grip on myself but like I said I am still a bit traumatized from the last couple of weeks. I pray to God that he give me the courage and strength I need to be the supporting and loving wife I need to be for my husband. I love him tremendously and I know I must be strong and healthy in order to be of any good to him. And I really do try to make a conscious effort to do so but I surely do have my days of weakness. Like I said I am just a bit drained at the moment. With Gods will and the support of my family and friends I know I will get back on track and build the strength and ammunition for the next battle. Thank you again for your time and kindness. I really do lean on this group for support. I get so scared at times and to be able to share my most inner thoughts and fears with others on this group really does make a difference. May God bless you all with health and peace of mind today and always!

Hi rummi! My husband was diagnosed on Dec 14th. I'm a newbie to this whole process but I know what you are feeling. We've been married for 20 years and he is my best friend. It's devastating watching him go through this and not being able to do or say anything to make the pain go away or the suffering any less. Trying to keep a smile and a good attitude can get frustrating and I keep thinking why him?? I know that's wrong but sometimes I just cant help it. All we can do is our best. We will have good days and bad days just like our spouses. You can vent here anytime you want. It sure feels better to get it off your chest and we are always here to listen! ((HUGS))

Dear Rummi, I trust that you know that we're all here for you. You're one of the old-timers - one who's added so much to this group over the past few years. You and I are among those who don't necessarily visit or post on a daily basis, yet we all experience our periods of being the 'needy one' who needs to reach out. Certainly there's nothing wrong with that...and in fact the only wrong move would be if we, for whatever reason, failed to reach out...and to share our fears and vulnerabilities. I sincerely believe that we ALL benefit from such times...it's the best remedy for the loneliness and isolation that we all - patients, spouses, caregivers all - occasionally feel!

Thank you pugdaddy! It means alot to me that you take the time to read our posts and give feedback when needed. Your knowledge and experience is very much needed on this forum. Its because of your willingness to share your personal experience dealing with Cirrhosis that enables wives like me to learn and assist our spouses with their own battles. Thank you for being so honest and open. I cant express my gratitude enough to all of you who take the time to reply and share experience and knowledge for the benefit of others wellbeing even though you too are suffering with the dreadful effects of the disease. You guys are angels and I pray to God for your health and overall wellbeing today and everyday for the good that you do on this forum. Thank you for being here for me and everyone else who seeks support from this group.

rummi....Just want to say that you don't have to "wait patiently" or anxiously either, for things to get worse for your husband. Some patients don't ever get the "usual" symptoms. Just watch out for but don't anticipate the new symptoms. As long as you are acquainted with the "possibilities" and differing symptoms, you will be ok.

Again, I have been diagnosed with cirrhosis at 65% of my liver involved about 10 years ago. I haven't had all of the possible "complications" and most of the one's I do have, came on gradually. That is where a good doctor comes in so he can ask questions and anticipate the possibility of future treatment and testing. You would drive yourself crazy if you started each day with anticipation of a new/different symptom when it might never happen at all.

I hope this helps and my prayers and best wishes are with you and your hubby.............Hugs and prayers........CarolLentz

Rummi,

Never apologize for venting and trust me you are not a baby. You are a strong support for your husband but sometimes those that provide the support begin to feel weight and burden of bearing the cross. This site is good for that in that it is a way to get your feelings out. Keep your faith and pray, He never promised are fights would be easy but He will come in time. I know we are all praying for you and your husband. Great to hear he is doing better.

God Bless,

Steven

Thank you Steven! I too am praying for all of my Daily Strength friends. I know that our God is Great and I must continue to work on my faith. God Bless you!!

Your story is so sweet. My dad had alcoholic cirrhosis and my mom took such great care of him. I watched her suffer at times both mentally and physically. Yes, please take care of yourself. Ask your kids for help also. My dad quit drinking and was really pretty healthy for 20+ years. He appreciated my mom so much.
Never dreamed I had hep c and would end up having cirrhosis also. But my family has been supportive and it means the world to me. As others have said, family is everything. You are an angel. xo Karen:)