Alcoholic Father

My fathers an alcoholic and he's currently in hospital.  He's deteriorated severly recently and when we found him naked, having a chat with people who weren't there, involuntary eye movements etc etc. In hospital they have given him a blood transfusion. They are saying he has gall stones and an enlarged liver.  He's suffering from malnutrition, problems walking etc. He's having more tests (an endocopy & gastroscopy) tomorrow.  Other than that the hospital aren't saying much.  Can anyone with a medical background give me any indication from what I've said above (I know it may not be enough info.) about how advanced his liver disease could be?  He's been an alcohol for about 15yrs but only been at the point where hes lost interest in himself and surrounding for about 2yrs.  He has been in hospital twice this year already.

Thanks in advance for any help :)

[boogieman]

hi there. it's hard to say without definitive tests as to the liver condition. his doctors, however should be alerted to his alcohol consumption, if they are not aware due to other complications that may ensue. sounds like there may be some neurological damage as well, that may or may not be permanent such as wernicke-korsakoff syndrome, but the sooner they are aware, the more positive the outlook. take care,  gm

[Maggie1234]

Hi, I am kind of going through the same thing but it has not reached my mom's brain.  She is bleeding from the rectum and her abdomen is very bloated.  I am waiting for answers myself but from experience my dad was also an alcoholic and he was in the hospital he use to hide things and tell me take them home.  His alcoholism affected his brain.  I am not a doctor but my dad did strange things like put a pillow on the stove and turn it on.  We could not look after him any longer, he went back to the hospital and passed away.  I don't want to scare you but alcoholism kills and I hate that damn thing.  

[erasmus2002]

NB: This is not a substitute for detailed medical examination.

A cursory diagnosis would almost certainly be Wernicke's Encephalopathy. It certainly fits the profile you have given. If the doctors have the history you have given here they will certainly consider it and give him an urgent course of Thiamin (Vitamin B1). You should also be aware of the risk that he might later develop Korsakoff's syndrome, and he take appropriate prophylactic measures to prevent or delay this.

[Knica]

Thanks for your replies everyone.  The doctors are aware of his alcohol consumption.  I've read in some detail about Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome and it does concern me a great deal. He does seem to have the symptoms of Wernicke's Encephalopathy.  I believe the last time he was in hospital he was give Thiamin.  Unfortunately as soon as he's well enough he signs himself out and the whole process starts again within a matter of weeks!

Anyway, thanks for your help.