what is it like to die from Hep C?

[sis244]

My sister is in stage 4 cirrhosis, decompensted. She has had Hep C since she was 20 yrs old and is now 62. Her doctors have said they will try to give her 6 months. She also has lukemia. She will not be put on a transplant list because other organs are having problems. She asked me what I thought would happen, ie, pain, loss of cognition, what I have seen is  assorted, very sad, but assorted. Anyone have significant experience?

[LP5284]

I just now stumbled upon your posting.  I WANT to hear the details about how my death from this disease will be.  I have a man who wants to marry me, but I will not put him through this as well. PLEASE give me the details.
LP5284

[Dee1956]

This post and all of the responses really took my breath away.
Everyone's response was so heartfelt, so poignant, I wanted to thank you all for sharing your feelings/stories.
I debated saying anything as I realize this post is a few months old however the message, thoughts, people behind it was so dear, I had to say thank you.
Dee

[heart_in_the_keyes]

I am totally freaking out at this point reading the above posts...I am so sorry about you sister...I lost my sister 3 yrs agi who was 49 after she had bariactic surgery...she did well for a week and on Easter Sunday when we were just by ourselves she said to me that I needed to start making arrangements because my health was not even good at that time...we talked about what I wanted and didn't and at that time I was still working fulltime but she said..."all you have to do is call and just say "it's time" and you can come and live with me and my family.  I miss her so much it is unnerving. Even today something in a commerical just made me sit down and start bawling.  Just love her as much as you can.  I am ESLD stage 4 w/decompensated liver so a tp is the only thing left for me. Have good and bad hours...have HE which is the memory loss part of this... I will keep her in my prayers....the info you've gotten above is very good.  Hector is right. I need to start accepting what is going on and make arrangements but it is hard.  I wish I had my sister.  For that Easter she gave me a bunny basket like she always did & the bunny had a locket for me that was engraved "Sisters by Fate, Friends by Choice"...knowing that she will be waiting form me is the only thing that gives me peace in case I don't make it...she is with me daily in spirit....I actually can feel her presence at times.  Give your sister a collective hug from all of us.  

[crossroadsec]

You've gotten a lot of good thoughts to chew on from this group. I know you're hurting. I'm still hopeful that your sis will have some good days ahead of her. She's fortunate to have you beside her. My sisters were, and still are, a huge source of inspiration and joy for me throughout treatment. Thank God for sisters.
I know you're a calming presence for her. When I thought it was my time to go, I told my sisters my last wishes. They cried and hugged me, but they made me laugh too. Take care of yourself. xo Karen:)

[child24angel]

As many have told you before me I have to say how very sorry
I am to read this tragic post.

My son was number one in our region for a TP and we had just
got him listed 2 months prior. to his passing.
A few months prior he was only able to eat crackers and drink
boost.  I think what bothered him most was not being able to eat
nor drive anywhere at that point.  His feet would swell up to the point
of cracking and he could not wear shoes at all.  We had all the best
specialist etc... he was on lactulose, diuretics and so many other meds.
Your sister is most likely on some right now to help her.
I don't know for sure, but I don't think at  the end in the ER he was in
pain.  When he was admitted his MELD was a 29 and went downhill from there.  The night before they intubated him he had an oxygen mask on
and it fogged up, he was joking around and said "Luke I am your father"
as in Star Wars.  The only time after that is when he was intubated and
they would try to get him to cough.....I could tell it hurt him, they had him sedated, but I could tell by his expression it hurt.  After that organ after
organ shut down and he made his final transition after a bleed in the
brain, the brain was the last to go.
I brought him in to this world and I had to make the decision to let him go.
I think and would  like to believe he was heavily sedated and felt no pain.

My brother passed away at home with hospice.  He passed in my arms
and he was not in pain either, that I could tell.  

There are many details I'm leaving out.  I think the suffering with this disease is painful enough and I know they both suffered on a day to day basis in their own way.
I do wish you and your sister a most peaceful light.
Keep talking to her. make sure you know her wishes.  Give her lots of hugs
and never forgot to say you love her.
Lots of hugs sent your way
Elaine

[HectorSF]

You may find this guide helpful.

Final StepS with HCV:
An HCSP Guide on Death and Dying
Lucinda K. Porter, RN

http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/factsheets_pdf/Final%20Steps.pdf


Take care of yourself.
-`ღ´-
Hector