dealing with end stage of liver

[gamma58]

My husband has end stage liver disease, which just happed like within four months last fall.  I became concerned when I became aware of how much his drinking had increased last fall.  He became hospitalized close to Christmas and was released early in January since we were this was it and he needed time to spend at home with his family especially his grandchildren. The doctors had only given him two weeks to live but thank God he is still with us.  He has NOT has a drink since December, although he asks we all say NO, we love you Dad.  I am beginning to see signs of confusion, fatigue, headaches, weight gain but no swelling in the feet, which was a sure sign of him drkinking again.  So my question is how much time does my husband actually have?  I am in denial of what is going to happen because my daughters say I have NOT accepted what is happening or what will happen.  I stress out over all this and no one sees it, our daughters just want to comfort their Dad and adhere to his needs like I don't need them, too.  When I ask questions, they just tell me, you don't get it Mom, do you?  Then I start crying and they have no sympathy for me.  I am a teacher and going back to work soon and I have been spending a lot of time with my husband since I don't know actaully when the Lord will take him home. In fact, he had died for a short time while he was in the hospital, his heart did a crazy thing, but it started back on its own.

[HectorSF]

I'm sorry to hear about your husband's condition.

If he can stop drinking for a year he may be able to get a liver transplant to save his life. I assume this has been discussed? In the end it really is your husband's choice to continue drinking or to stop the advancement of his disease and live.

Best of luck to the both of you.
Hector

[copyman]

sorry for your husband and sorry for you and your family. My prayers go out to you all. I would try and get him seen by a hepatologist at a teaching hospital even if you have to drive some distance. Try to have him adhere to a strict liver friendly diet and perhaps a regimen of supplements to prolong his life and hopefully make him feel better. Wishing your husband & family the best.

[GGraphix]

As HCA stated you never mentioned Hep C. You said your husband has end stage liver disease, which just happed like within four months last fall. I know you do not mean he developed end stage in that amount of time. Do you mean from the time he was initially dx'd it had progressed. What was his intial dx. You have found a good site to ask questions and vent. You have found a new family of friends. Sounds like the stress of caring for him has really worn you down. Talk to your doc and tell him about YOU. What YOUR going thru and feeling. Best of Luck --George---  

[HCA]

You don't mention Hepatitis C,so I assume he does not have it and this is purely alcohok related.
My concern is how a man with end stage liver disease of which a major symptom is confusion caused by toxic build up can be expected to respond to reason or counselling.
The key point is whether total abstinence can save him at this point.
There are reference systems for cirrhosis and end stage liver disease but I don't think trying to get your head round it all at this point is reasonable for you to take on.
I suggest you speak personally with the doctor and ask for a frank prognosis,
Best wishes

[Magnum]

Sounds like your husband has a death wish. Have you tried to forcibly have him taken to a rehab hospital? Can't his doctor order that? It appears to me the ball is in your court now not his, since he has complete disregard for his life and the relatives he will leave in his wake if he kills himself.

There is also AA (Alcoholics Anonymous). Perhaps they can help. I would strongly suggest talking to your doctor and see if there is a legal way of forcibly taking him and keeping him in rehab in spite of his determination to kill himself. Good luck...

Magnum

[Texas714]

I'm sorry to hear about your husband.  I'm sorry that you do not feel like you are getting the support you need.  All I can suggest is you visit here more and find support from some of the friends you will make.  It is a good place to get your feelings out and hear from others that have found themselves in the same shape you are in.
Has your husband been to the dr. as of late?  If not you might want to make an appt. and find out more of what is going on and maybe some meds they can give him to make things more comfortable for him or even improve his situtation.
Good Luck to you what ever you decide.