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Avatar universal

Currently going thru liver failure

I am currently going through liver failure.

I have read with much interest and empathy the posts on this list in regards to what happens with this disease.

If there is interest, I will contribute my circumstances, history, and updates as to my "progress".

In 1994, I was diagnosed with hep c. I did not drink at that time, however, I married the woman of my dreams and she loves to go out to bars. So, I began drinking. I now consider myself an alcoholic, though, haven't changed any habits.

About a year ago, a blood test showed "imminent liver failure". I work out every day, appear completely healthy. But, don't want to quit drinking, don't want a transplant (not even sure I qualify), and at 52 years of age, believe I've lived a good life.

My health is surely degrading. My urine is very cloudy. I am on the brink of something that many listmembers' loved ones have gone through.

If there is interest, I will post my progress, so to speak, from the perspective of someone who "appears" healthy.

I am sorry for the losses the listmembers have experienced. I know first hand that some are interested in a detailed report of how liver disease progresses. After all, many of you knew about your loved one's problem long after they, themselves, knew of it.

I know what I'm in for and am willing to share the experience, if others are interested.

Please post to the list if you want me to keep you abreast of my disease/degradation. It may take some time, but I will do the best I can.
31 Responses
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Avatar universal
my husband  and I just found out he is dying with liver ca, that has spread. was never much of a drinker, but he got ca of the lung and radiation helped it and now is has shown up in the liver and bones.we  had no signs of this except  his stomach hurt and he started vomiting and I  took him to the hosp er and they did a ct and said its ca, and today we went tot he ca dr and they tell  us  it is  terminal and he has no longer then 6 months and probably sooner as it is spreading fast. we are so devastated and don't know how to deal with this.  been married 24 yrs and we don't want to part.  how will we ever get through this. diana
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Avatar universal
My husband was dx with hep c & chorrois. I've controlled his dirt for years (low protein). Last year I was dx with cancer & my caregiving was not up to par as before during chemo especially.
We hane no family in the state we live in. He has declined horribly. I'm up and about again. He layed around the past 11 months with little to no activity.
I asked his dr to put him I physical therapy to increase his strenth. He's weak & off balance when he  walks. He's only 68. He is uncoordinated, has fallen lately and is weak. His dr says that his numbers are good n not to worry but I am worried! I can not understand why he has trouble walking nor does the dr address it. Is this liver related? Anything we can add to his diet to help?
Thank you
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Avatar universal
Hey mate
I am a 33 year old soldier who has deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan a couple of times. Always stayed fit. Drank a bit when I was a young soldier but nothing more than my mates. Have two young boys, a beautiful partner of 11 years and am just about to finish law school. Will be admitted to the bar next year. Unfortunately for me, last year I was diagnosed with Cirrohsis of liver although I am only in the early stages. The doctors thought it could be Hepatitis but I have been tested and haven't come up positive. I thought it could be from the drinking from when I joined the army but I didn't drink any more than my mates. I was always a light weight on the booze anyway and have always had a very low tolerance. The doctors think it could be an auto immune disease. They told me not to drink anything which wasn't a problem as I hardly drink anyway. The doctors are playing a wait and see approach with this. For me, I have already been through the mental anguish of preparing myself to die. I am considered an excellent candidate for a transplant but am not sick enough to be put onto the list yet although the doctors assure me that the day will come. I have been advised to stop giving blood which is sad as I have been an active donor for blood and plasma since my mid 20's. My main fear is that my partner will need to care for me when the end comes. Also, I don't want my two children to watch me die. Anyway, my heart goes out to everyone on this forum. God bless and make every day count.
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Avatar universal
Baby you are not God. I  love God, but I'm glad I'm not or who else would I give my problems too when they over whelm me! You are talking about your loved ones dying. Bless your heart but they are the ones dying.You are the one that is going to die before them if you don't give yourself a break and give it to God.He loves you and wow when you do give it to God.you know the old saying weight lifted off those shoulders. Grab Him and hold on tight there is no other wonderful feeling than to be loved by God.Get that personal  relationship going on and you and your family will be fine,just in different places. Don't worry about that you all will meet up again.. I've been dying of Hep C for 25 years-now that's too long  ha! The best gift God ever gives you is eternal life. now be happy and don't kill yourself before you have begun to live. I've lived to long . I can smell a youngster a mile away. Take a deep breath just because you can!!
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Avatar universal
You can get disability. My ex husband and brother both got it. It is considered terminal, so that's why.....
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Avatar universal
Cirrhosis, which is the very end stage of liver disease cause many problems with chemicals in the body, to include the brain. Most people with cirrhosis start to feel tired and lethargic and don't shower as often or lose a sense of proper hygiene. This is very common. They actually don't realize they have forgotten about their hygiene until they are reminded.

Now do you turn yellow?, If is caused by jaundice, and it does not omit.  This is a very late sign of liver failure and most assuredly is a fatal sign. It is also known as the breath of the dead. The reason being is it happens when a person with liver problems or liver failure. This smell however is usually a pungent smell. It is very strong and noticeable.

If your friend has this smell, he should seek medical attention immediately. Especially with cirrhosis. Any change in normal behavior with a cirrhosis patient should be evaluated.

Source(s):it means, your friend is in an advanced stage of liver cirrhosis.
the rotten egg smell is from hydrogen sulfide,coming from inside the body, this happens to all people with liver failure.
normal liver cells will change into scar tissue=cirrhosis-       Copy from Yahoo Answer.
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Avatar universal
My name is Angie culp...I am 44 and I am an ex I.v.drug user...I never shared..worked hard and payed my bills... I thought I was OK...I met a man..with hep c....only shared once with him...now I am swollen..I am sick with almost constant diarrhea ..I have a smell of rotting eggs coming from my insides...I am rotting I think...my viral load is way above 400...right now and I am very sick...I'm not sure how long I will make it...no one does....I would just like to know what I'm to look forward to
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Avatar universal
Hopeful Jeff and you all keep try one's best.  I has hep C since 1986 @ age 27; been through hard life with alcohol for the last 30 yrs.  I am trying to quit many times but the demon keep haunting me back to the bottle.  In 2006 biopsy come back as stage 4 cirrhosis, then 2008 stroke struck and all the complication of diabetes plus eyes going bad. In 2007 MRI show small malignant carcinoma in the liver, ascites, leg swollen. But now I am bounce back;  by believing in whatever your religious are.  Keep praying and change your way of living.  Do not associate yourself with negative thought or persons; be active in your daily life'  My remedy are walking, cyling and taking milk thistle, liverite, centrum silver, omega 3 fish oil 2000mg, calcium+D3 & herbal phyllanthus. Eat well balance meal NO high fat food. Drink a least one gallon of water a day to flush out your waste.   At 54 now I think I have a good change for awhile IF I keep this up.   Good luck to you all & keep praying.  Forgive and forget be happy because life is just as fantasy dream.
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Avatar universal
My kids father has cancer in his prostate, liver and kidney. The doctors say there is not much they can do but make him comfortable. He had to go 2days ago and get a shot to make him urinate. I am wondering how long he has left and how to prepare my kids with his condition. They know he has cancer and that he is sick, how do you tell three young children such terrible news?
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Avatar universal
I don't know you but I love you... I understand what your going through my moms oncologist told me to give up the fight for my mom life because of liver cancer.. I don't know how to give up on my mother... I'm so tired!! Oh God it hurts so bad and I love her so much!!! She's my first thought every morning and my last thought every night...   May God have mercy on you and keep you strong...
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Avatar universal
How did your MRI go? I hope you are well!!
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Avatar universal
I stumbled upon this forum while looking for answers to renal disease, actually, but I paused when I saw your post because you touched my heart. It has me curious as to how things have progressed for all of you, seeing as your original post was over two years ago. I hope and pray that you have pulled through and are happy and healthy. Please reply, I'd love to know that you're ok.

Rani
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Avatar universal
It is nov 11 2011...
My mom is in i.c.u.. bad jaundice..edema..renal failure ..had dialasis last night but wasnt sucessful..  my mom is in denile..and we r watching her last moments of life.. it is bad for her and very hard for us.. i am angry.. sad..broken hearted and can barely sleep here cuz i know whats about to happen. She has fluid in her lungs..spitting up blood..toxins building up..and she thinks tomorrow there will be a new liver.. she had five of us and i am the only one here..staying for each minuet..u will never know how much time u will really have. Stop worry about when how and why. Be grateful for each second they r aware of your presence. Love and be strong. We lost out step dad to cancer 11 years ago..never thought my mom would suffer just as much as he did... I know what will become of this week.. cherish every moment.. thats all we have.. no case will every be the same..except the result.
I am sorry for all your losses. Peace be upon all of you
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Avatar universal
I read the stories here are very much of the same suffering and heartbreak. I can only relate to my story with my wife of 27 years diagnosed with liver disease which we believe is Cirrhosis but have not actually had this confirmed by doctors. She has all the signs ( ascites, jaundice, lack of appetite etc.)  We met when I was 15 and she 13. She is now 48 and I 51. Although not same School yard sweethearts, we did meet at an early age and have been together since. I can only be up front and say that she is and always has been my life, soulmate.
After our two daughters matured, she started drinking, just a small glass of cheap cask wine a night at first, then as time went on, the glass got larger and larger and on to two, three or more glases per night. After a number of years (15) this turned into at least a bottle of sherry a day. With heavy spirits mixed in to the equation in the form of a bottle of brandy lasting usually two days, sometimes one, we are now faced with an unknown future. Many arguments, violent behavour and arrests with a short prison stay did not deter her. Like others who have posted here, my wife denied she had a problem and now still believes it will all heal itself. Fortunately she has stopped drinking for the interim anyhow, who knows what may happen one or two months down the track. I have no idea if she will go back to that demon drink. She has been through detox a number of times but has returned to the drink. Of course I as well as the family are hoping this will be a wake up call but we are now petrified that it may be too late for her, the damage has been done. My daughters have askled me if we should all plan for the worst. I have told them "no" but am I also in denial?

As this woman has been my life I dont believe I could cope without her yet all the heartache she has put me through I do hold inside.

Sorry I am dribbling on now. The question is, is there hope, can there be light at the end of the tunnel or do we "prepare" for the worst?


Paul
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Avatar universal
My heart goes out to each and every one of you.  On the bright side, I have hep c which has progressed to stage 4 cirrhosis (compensated) and HCC (Docs "nuked" a small tumor in Feb.) Six mo. CT scan was negative for more tumors.  I'v had hep c for 30+ years. The only symptoms I have right now are depression and chronic fatigue. I have to watch what I eat as fats, sugar etc. play havoc with digestion. The docs say I can die with hep c and not of it.  I don't know what the future holds, but I try to have a positive attitude, eat right and exercise.  I'm interested in what comes next.  God bless you all.
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Avatar universal
My dad has cirrhosis of the liver he was 44 years old when he was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver . My dad has always been a heavy drinker , He would go every night to the store and get 8 to 9 cases or beer or any beverages he could find . My dad was abusive to my mom when they where together , I was adopted out when I was just 6 1/2 years old I don't have that relationship with my father that I have always wanted since I have found out that he has cirrhoisis and hepititis C . I have tired my best to do everything that I can to make that relationship because i know that with all the signs that I have seen so far I know he won't make it much longer . I have seen my father skin turn yellow , his mouth is starting to bleed , is adbomen is swelled and his legs ,ankles, and feet are swelled . They are red and like they are set on fire , Everyday I ask myself I hope and pray and I cry because I know one day I will get a call and it will not be a good one . I have that gut filling that something is going to happen and it won't be good . I just wait and pray that is all I can do . My father is know 54 years old I am thankful that I have got to have a realtionship with him for these 3 years and if something was to happen to him I would brake down and cry I don't know how to react to it . I am so hurt because I have always wanted my father to be around but I know he won't always be their . I hope that when he does pass he will pass peaceful and I hope everything will work out with you . My god be with you and I do not jugde people who do drink . I know my father did but his was from his childhood and he couldn't talk about his problems to other people .
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Avatar universal
I am 51 and am female. I was diagnosed with Chronic Hep C and my liver in stage 2 or 3 in the year 2008. I  either contracted the virus when at the age of 16 or 17 when I had tried drugs., or when I had worked for a blood bank in my early 20's which happened to close it's doors due to an outbreak of the Hep C virus. I had quit drugs at 17, and stopped drinking in my early 30's. I stopped smoking cigarettes in 2004.  I also have Thalacemia Minor (spelling ? A form of anemia). Because of the anemia, I cannot undergo liver treatment. I had tried, and with in 5 months I had lost an extreme amount of red blood cells. My Hematologist told me to IMMEDIATELY get off treatment. I feel tired a lot, hard to concentrate sometimes, I itch from head to toe, but have sores that come and go only on my back,, buttocks , legs and feet. My feet and ankles seem always to be swollen; especially after work.  If I have a day off or two the swelling goes down because I am able to rest.  I find rest to be very helpful! I try to eat lot's of fruits and veggies and drink a lot of water. I do love cereal and bread, but I am trying to limit myself on both of those items.  I will under go an MRI on Oct 1st of 2011 to see if my liver is in the cirrhosis stage. To die of liver disease sounds just HORRIBLE. I hope to go quickly. I would not want my daughter to watch me suffer. By the way, I found a line of boils on my leg about an itch long. They seem to continually ooze. I keep a clean gauze over them every day and night, but I question how they got there, or maybe I scratched myself to hard.  Any ideas?  I wonder too, does the intense itch from head to toe mean I do have cirrhosis of the liver more than likely, and that my time here is getting short.  Thank for your response . Sincerely your friend
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Avatar universal
ITS NOT FAIR THAT A LIFE BE CUT SHORT BECAUSE OF ALCHOL,,MY BROTHER HAS VERY ADVANCED LIVER DISEASE,,AND NOW IS BEING TOLD HE HAS TO BE SOBER TO BE CONIDERED FOR  A LIVER TRANSPLANT,,,,,WHY WASNT HE EVER TOLD BEFORE,,???????NOW THEY TELL HIM....HE IS VERY SICK,,,,HAS BEEN SOBER FOR ONLY THREE WEEKS,,AND HOSPITALIZED,NOW THE DOCTOR SAYS HE HAS A DEAD LIVER,,IM SO MAD AT THE DOCTORS AND AFRAID MY BROTHERS DISEASE IS TOO ADVANCED NOW,,,IM JUST CONFUSED  ,,IM 47  AND MY SINGLE YOUNG BROTHER IS ONLY 31,,,,
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Avatar universal
I hope you are still around I  think my dad had funny colored urine for years
I belive in his case the danger zone is with continued drinking and loosing body mass
and reocurring acites meens he is close to the end just do not know if it's days months or years
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Avatar universal
Its my partner who has a drink problem, he has been drinking since his 20's he is now 56.He does'nt think he has a problem, I have got used to his drinking, but the last 8 months its beginning to affect our relationship. I am sick to death of him falling over drunk and saying Im to old to do this,the last 3 months he has turned yellow, 1st it was his eyes and now his skin, he is constantly tired and cold and has an appetite of a mouse. He has lost loads of weight and his legs and feet are swollen, he has also got red spots on his chest,bleeding gums and his belly is enormous.
I have googled all these sytems and I think it is liver failure. I have told him to go to the doctors and finally he has, but about his heart condition, as he also has IBS and dilated cardiomyopathy.
I have asked him about what the doctor said about his colour and apparently she said his liver is not happy, thats it, no tests no counselling no tablets, he is in complete denial, its me that is dealing with all this crap, as he does nothing at all about this and is carrying on like this normal behaviour.
I am fed up with coping with him, working full time and looking after my daughter and the house, he never talks to me and tells me whats going on, how long is this going to go on, because I don't want to be a carer for someone I no longer care for.
This may sound harsh but the amount of times I have picked him up and helped him, and told him not to drink so much I am really fed up, and all he does when he is awake is critizise me if I havn'nt done something.

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Avatar universal
Yes I would believe he would be able to collect ssdi and ssi disability. My husband is currently near the end stage of Cirrosis and it's a hard battle, been there with both my brother, he had aids, then contracted Hep c wich caused the cirrosis, he passed Sept 28, 2005. My late husband died of alcoholic cirrsis Nov. 1, 2005.  I never thought it could happen again, but now my current husband is going thru the same thing. He is wasting away to nothing, he has stopped eating, but will still drink water,  If the feeding tubes don't work they will send him home on Hospice.  
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1338424 tn?1275880072
i am sorry to hear of your circumstances and my husband has an uncle whowas diagnosed with scorisis(so?) of the liver he was told if he quit drinking there was a chance he could be put on this for a transplant he did quit cold turkey but he he quit  he stayed sober for a little over a year they put him on the list and we were shocked but happy none the same he had done everything they asked of him to meet the requirments of a transplant recipiant he eventually got the call and is living a pretty normal life an now instead of beer or alcohol he always has suckers and root beer i find it cute that he now driks root beer:) i work in a hospital and i see patients come in with liver failure and i do have contact i help themchoose a menu for each meal their there that is appropriate for their condition so i have seen liver failure in family and in the patients i meet just because you drink does not mean you can never be eligable fro a transplant its possible i just want ed you to know it was a possiblility for our family memebr maybe it could be for you too.
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Avatar universal
Can someone please tell me if having Liver Disease is in the same class as being disabled?
My friend has been told he has liver disease and doesnt know if he can claim disabled benefit.
Along with this he has Hymophillia which is a rare blood clotting disorder and if he cuts himself he needs to go straight to hospital for treatment. Factor 8 and FFP is put into him.
The guy is a mess and is very confused, but i do have respect for him as when he found out he stopped drinking and has not picked up in over 2 months now.....
any advice please
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Avatar universal
On December 1 my dad is suppose to turn 42, six months ago he was told that his liver is failing and that he needs to stop drinking. For the past 21 years of my life my dad had been drinking excessively but mostly on weekends. He suffers from alcohol induced psychosis. Outside of his drinking problem, my dad is a great person.
Now the alcoholism has broken my family apart. My mom leans on me for support and Im always there to comfort her. and my brother, smokes a joint every night or goes out to deal with it. I work 5 days a week, go to school in the evenings and spend weekends being there for my parents.
I need support too and dont know where to find it. i have friends but I feel like no one understands what its like living with an alcoholic.
I want to know how long it takes for a liver to fail? How much longer do i have my dad? ...
my whole life has revolved around my parents, my purpose has been to keep them happy. Now my dads dying and im losing my mom because stress is making her ill.
I've been positive, i've talked, ive prayed, ive cried, ive screamed and yelled, ive been nice, ive been mean...
of done it all and at the end of the day feel like i am unable to help my dad fight this.
Its not fair and it hurts... im losing hope and dont want to... someone please help.
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