Coughing up blood

[Gregoria67]

Hello everyone. I wondered if anyone can give me any idea on what might be the outcome - my good friend has been a heavy drinker for a long time and a few years ago, was hospitalised with ascities (swollen stomach) which was drained and she had also gone yellow. Eventually she got better and came out of hospital.

But lately her stomach has swollen up again and she has also been coughing up blood. I've googled a bit and I think the blood thing is probably oesophagal varices. She's gone into hospital tonight and having the fluid from her stomach drained I think and an endoscopy.

Just wondered if anyone had any experience of these things and could give me an idea of what might happen?

Just wanted to add that as far as I know, she gave up drinking after the episode a few years ago, so this new episode is not because she's started drinking again I don't think.

Sadly cihrosis is progressive even if you stop drinking

Very sad to hear that. Yes, hopefulhalf has it right. Also not wishing to scare you but if she has oesophagal varices they can rupture at any time. Speak as having a very close relative that died that way. The main organs can shut down, especially if heavy sustained drinking is suddenly stopped. for you and your friend.

Can the doctors do anything about the oesophagal varices? Anything permanent to stop it happening again?

britishlivertrust.org.uk/information-and-support/living-with-a-liver-condition/liver-conditions/cirrhosis/#treatment

Good info here.

She has died and I am absolutely devastated.

Sorry for your loss**@Gregoria67**

So sorry xx

This happened to my mother too, with devastatingly the same outcome. I hope that you have some support around you.

I'm so very sorry for your loss, sending you strength.

So sorry for your loss xx

That's awful. I'm so sorry.

I'm so sorry.

So sorry for your loss

I am so sorry for your loss. My dad is an alcoholic that’s how I’ve stumbled across this thread. We aren’t on the best of terms and he has had to have his stomach drained a few times but he still will not stop. He is only 53. They have him 2 years left to left to live around a year ago. He came out of hospital about 2 weeks ago and is back on the drink hard. I feel like I can’t do anything and have no where to turn

I’m so sorry

@HellOfATime919

I'm so sorry to hear this. I lost my brother due to a combo of mental health and drug and alcohol issues. It is awful to see someone destroy themselves and feel powerless to stop it. I'm so sorry. X