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End stage Cirrhosis, can someone please talk to me about it?

4 replies

MonaLittle · 27/06/2012 19:15

DM has been in hospital for 2 weeks now since she collapsed at home. It turns out she hasn't been eating for god knows how long and has been diagnosed with liver failure (she is an alcoholic). She has had the Ascites in her stomach drained, is being given an enema every 2 days due to the build up of toxins (she is very sleepy, confused and at times acts like she has dementia) but she is still refusing to eat They have tried tube feeding, but she has pulled the tubes out, so if she still doesn't eat by the end of the week they will be trying a double tube. She is also being given an endoscopy next week to check for varices. The doctors will not give any indication as to when or if she will recover, just replying with "It's early days, a lot depends on your DM". I live 200 miles from DM, and have been travelling up at the weekends to see her. Are there any doctors or anyone who has experienced similar situations? DP and I are due to get married in December, at the moment I don't even know if she will still be with us then.

OP posts:
Lifeissweet · 27/06/2012 19:41

I have no experience and nothing to add, except to say I am so sorry you are going through this. It sounds truly awful. Sending hugs your way.

MonaLittle · 27/06/2012 19:49

Thanks Life, I really appreciate your kind words.

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TodaysAGoodDay · 27/06/2012 19:55

I'm really sorry for you and your family. I am also sorry to say that once cirrhosis sets in the liver can't repair itself. Unfortunately the option of transplant will probably not be offered to her either. My uncle had cirrhosis (also an alcoholic), and it's so very hard to watch loved ones deteriorate in front of you. All I can say is that I understand how sad you must be right now. My thoughts are with you x

MonaLittle · 28/06/2012 09:27

Thanks today. I guess what I am looking for is answers just now, realistic ones. I know the outlook is not good, and unfortunately she just doesn't seem to be doing anything to help herself, it's as if the spark inside her has just gone out. I feel awful being so far away, but equally awful taking my DD (5) and DS (8) in to such an scary place for them. We are also due to go on holiday in 2 weeks and I just don't know whether we should just cancel the holiday and the wedding. Although the truth is hard to take, I'd rather know how long she has left than deal with the uncertainty of it all.

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