'End-stage' liver disease from Hep C

[lhoward]

My Father has been diagnosed with "end-stage" liver disease from Hep C.  I would like to understand what the descriptor "end-stage" means - what does this tell us about his likely duration and quality of life?

[lauraj593]

A very dear friend of mine has been admitted to ICU with liver failure, kidney failure.

He is 34 years old, is ventilated at the moment, he has varices that they have banded.

I know the prognosis is very poor but is there any chance of survival for him?

Laura

[alagirl]

Sweetie, I can't offer you any information on this one, and I don't know if anyone else who isn't a doctor and doesn't have all of his up to date info will be able to provide you much in the way of an answer.  My thoughts and prayers go out to you both.

[april78]

I read your post, and it sounds so much like my 32 year old husband who is also in ICU right now due to kidney and liver failure.  I may not get back to check this post but I wish you would check and let me know the results.  My prayers go to you and the family.

[Jody515]

My brother was also diagnosed with end stage hepatitis (not C) in April of this past year.  He was told at that time not by his Dr but by the PRN in Dr office that meant he had about a yr.  The Dr was really upset over her telling him this. He goes at least once wkly to have drainage removed from his abdomen.  Is your father on a transplant list.  If so that could save his life. Best of luck

[sapasunka]

I was in ICU in September and was told to get my affairs in order. I am now home, operating under my own steam, cleaning house, cooking meals, etc. The only thing I dont do is drive so my answer to those who have family in ICU is dont give up. As a patient I will say if it wasnt for my husband and  kids I would have given up. Dont let that happen to your loved one.
debbie

[bigpoppa1]

I was on the waiting list for a liver transplant for over 6 years, during which time I almost died from the effects of toxin build up in my body. After 6 years, I was finallly called and told that My name had come up on the waiting list and I was sent to an Oregon hospital. I waited there 3 months before a matching donor became available. Then I got the call from the doctors that they had a match for me and the transplant would take place that same day. 2 months after the transplant I am doing just fine, recovering well. So yes, there is always a chance for survival. If he is not on a waiting list for a transplant, see that he is placed on one, and then just don't give up. Stay strong and have faith.

[child24angel]

Thank you for sharing your story with us.
Hard to believe you were on the TP waiting list for
six years and three months.  I'm so sorry.

Nice to hear you are now well and doing fine !!
Hugs
Elaine

[IMGregsWife]

My husband is going to be 53 next month.  He was diagnosed with "end-stage" liver disease in 2002, 6 years ago.  Though I have seen his health decline, it has been up and down.  They gave him 3 - 5 years without a transplant, and I immediately got him on the list.  His MELD score has gone from 7 - 10 in the past 4 years, but they don't transplant until 15 - 20, so he is still a ways away.  End stage sounds scary, but remember, God is in control.  You may have many years yet with your dad.  My husband cannot drive, but he does the laundry, dishes and basic house cleaning even today.  It is important to keep on going.  Greg loves to work out with light weights and perform with our band, as his health permits.  He has trouble remembering things, so we write out the words and chords for everything.  He has adapted and functions well.  I'm sure your dad will have some good years yet to share.  God bless you.

[tjwife]

My husband is 61 and was diagnosed with end-stage liver disease. We lost our health insurance last May when my job was discontinued.  He has not been able to work and is still currently waiting to receive diability.  The only insurance company that will even concider him is unaffordable.  I understand that even after a transplant, the medication can cost as much as 5,000.00 a month.  What do you do?

by: TJ's wife

[lostfaith]

I have hep C diagnosed in 1995. has anyone ever heard of this  disease causing maldigestion, malabsorption?  Severe , 40 pound  mysterious  weight loss and inability to gain weight back. Skeletal looking body?
Any help greatly appreciated
ceej

[fretboard]

That's a real shame that so many ppl know of others or they  themselves are going thru such a most difficult time.  I went to see my doctor one time around 6 or 7 years ago and I had to see his on-call.  At the time I was still using and drinking a bit.  Anyways to make a long story short the dipwad doctor told me I was dying.  I really got p-offed at him and I told my doctor when I finally did see him.  At the time my ankles were very swollen and I was sleazy looking.  lol  Nothing much different now except I don't use or drink. lol  Just kidding of course, I look like a complete square now and proud of it.  I wasn't dying and I didn't have cirrohsis like that dipwad said.  My doctor was really p-off at that dipwad doctor and he told me that number one I didn't have cirhosis and number two, he wasn't gonna let me die.  Within a month or so I became toxic and quit using everything, period.  I still don't have cirrohsis, but I do have HepC and need to get tx'ed.  My doctor told me at the time that a person could live for years with as little as 40% of their liver functioning.  It may not be good, but it made me feel better.  If you get a bad GI like I have currently look for another.  Also, here's some information, maybe useful for someone.  One last thing, there are drug companies that will help you with free of lead you in the direction of free tx drugs.  Maybe someone will chime in with that information later.  
God Bless

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

http://hcvadvocate.org