Cehrosis of the Liver, Diabeties, & HepatitisC? What are the last stages in life? What signs should I look for?

[Becky Medrano]

My dad has been a diabetic for about 10-12 years, maybe even longer. He found out he had cehrosis of the liver about 6-8 years ago, which Hipatitis C followed him right after. He drank consistantly for years after. About 2 years ago he quit drinking &started taking care of himself. 3 weeks ago, for the 1st time ever, he woke up being delusional, confused and wasn't aware of his surroundings. His disease had not ever gotten this bad, NO signs of it coming the way it did either. He was admitted in the hospital. They ran several test, and come to find out, his liver hadn't digested the protein in his food the night before and it started producing toxin in his blood stream. He was also not getting enough oxygen in his brain. They treated him and he got slightly better. But ever since then, he hasn't really had an appetite, he slurrs w/ his speach, his complection has a yellowish tint to it & he's not his usual self. He keeps telling everyone he feels good and what not, but I know he's not. I had been doing some research on this and I came across something called Milk Thistle. It's supposed to "restore" the liver in sense. Is it too late for that, considering what I've told you? What's your opinon on Life Expectancy and/or signs to look for?Aboutt 3-4 mo. ago they took pictures of his liver, and only 40% was still active)If so what about the Liver Transplant? What do you think based on your experiences w/ other patience w/ the same symptons? Anyone else out there that has experienced the same situation?

[bobbyullc]

sorry about your dad. milk thistle is like a vitamin for the liver and of debatable help.

i have heard that they can do a partial liver transplant from a donor now with success. the donors liver grows back in only weeks. these questions are really for a dr. fortunately most of us do not know about cirossis. good luck.

[desrt]

I would look into the possibility of a transplant.
I worked with someone whose liver was 50% gone from cirhosis, and he was doing tx, putting in a full days work, and his mind seemed all there, so anything is possible. Another sign to keep an eye out for is breaks in the blood vessels under the skin leading to large painful bruises on the arms and legs.
You and your family are in my prayers.

[mikesimon]

From your description it appears that your Dad is experiencing hepatic encephalopathy which is a result of cirrhosis. This occurs when protein in the gut is absorbed into the bloodstream and converted into ammonia which, because of his impaired liver function, accumulates and results in impaired brain function. I'm sure they are limiting his protein intake and possibly administering drugs to help with this condition. The yellowish tint is jaundice which is the accumulation of bilirubin in the blood stream and can be the result of liver dysfunction or obstruction of his bile ducts. It sounds like your Father is in end stage liver disease. This doesn't mean that it is the END but it does mean that he needs expert medical attention and may need a liver transplant. Since he hasn't had a drink in 2 years he would be eligible for evaluation at most transplant centers. Usually there is at least a 6 month sobriety requirement before a person can even be evaluated. I would press to get him evaluated the sooner the better. I have no idea about his life expectancy but the symptoms you've described indicate to me that you shouldn't waste any time getting him seen at a transplant center. If he isn't that far advanced they'll tell you and if he is and is a viable candidate he'll be listed. Take charge early and be an aggressive(but nice and polite) advocate. You didn't indicate his age or any other circumstances but with what you've said I think you should move quickly. Good luck. Mike

[cajunlady]

I am so sorry your father, and you and your family have to go through this. My prayers are with you and your family. Mikesimon has great advice, he is the man with alot of info on this subject. Knows what he is talking about because he has been through transplant for the liver and now on tx. Good Luck

Cajun

[crsrph]

as mike said the ammonia levels are causing a lot of his present problems lactulose is a drug that will decrease the ammonium levels in the blood this is a very safe and effective drug if he is not on this med he should be it will help with the mental and physical problems he is having see if his doc will let him try it till he can get to a liver head . best of luck with your dad

[crsrph]

forgot to mention usual dose is 90-150 ml's daily  for pse howerver if diarrhea occurs dosage is decreased to a level of 2-3 soft stools daily . this medication is not dosed on a as needed basis like it is taken for constipation it is used daily to keep the amonium levels down once stoped the ammonium levels will increase and the mental problems will return within a few days  

[kcmike]

     hello, first time poster.  i am 2 years post transplant.  i tested postive hcv geno 1b in August '02.  stage 3 cirrhosis with symptoms of encepholopathy, ascites and varices, by march '03 i was esld (end stage liver disease).  in april '03 the varices burst in my esophogus.  in kansas you must sit out and drug test clean for 1 year and 6 months of therapy once a week.  evaluated for transplant september '04 and listed december '04.  january blood went critical and got the call for a new liver january 29th, '05.
     doing fine, i love life and riba.  started tx october '06.  cleared virus in week 12 labs.  
     alot of good folks with good info here.  the other mike is right about the lactulose for the ammonia level.  ask about endoscopy for varices.  lasix is good for ascites.  i recommend a research hospital for your fathers care.  i've been at 2 slu in saint louis and kumc in kc and have total confidence in my doctors and team.  i'll follow your thread.