Hep C final stages

[LEGALANGEL]

My mom contracted Hep C from a blood transfusion in 1990, but didn't know she had it for several years.  By the time it was discovered, her liver was damaged over 25% and she wasn't a candidate from a transplant due to previous cancer, etc.  She's 74, and she's starting to have problems because of the disease.  She's been in the hospital almost 2 weeks and has had 10 pints of blood and 2 pints of plasma.  Her ammonia count changes day to day it seems, and she's receiving "comfort care".  She's a fighter and I just don't know how much longer she can hang on.  She's alert, was very active until this hospital stay, this is her first hospital stay since her surgery in 1990 from cancer.  I know in reality she's in the final stages, her stomach is swollen, she weighed 122 when she entered the hospital, she's up to 141 due to fluids and is on 2 fluid pills.  Has anyone had a similar situation ?

[cc4mickey]

Many people can do well with only 25% liver loss.It is important to get the  varices under control.It is not uncommon for patients with Cirrhosis to retain fluid.This can be controlled with medication.The ammonia levels can be controlled with Lactulose as well..You just need to monitor her for any unusual behavior..
Delphi does have a good liver failure support group...My prayers are with you and your Mom...
CC

[cajunlady]

I had a friend die from HepC, when they found what was wrong he was at end stage liver disease.  He was just fine until the end.  All you can do is keep her comfortable and pain free.  I am sooo sorry you have to go through this.  Say a prayer for peace for her.  I know toward the end they let him push is own morphine drip up to a certain doseage, but more than the norm that they give most people.

Just be sure she is comfortable and in no pain.

Cajun

[Pdilly]

Don't know what to say except a prayer.  I lost my dad 2 years ago from cancer.  He went fast but not without a fight.  At the end you just don't want to see them suffer anymore.  You will have your memories of your mom and you will think about her daily for a long time.

Peace

[jmjm530]

Very sorry about your mother. Most here do not have as advanced liver disease as your mother, so if you don't get too many answers you might want to post the same message over at the "Janis & Friends" web site. Maybe someone there can point you to a liver transplant support group.

Here's a link to the Janis site: http://janis7hepc.com/

All the best,

-- Jim