hep c

[sunnie188]

My brother has recently been diagnosed with hep c.His liver is enlarged,his red cells are high,and his platlets are low.Come to find out,he told my Mother that he has known for years that he has hep and that his liver has been enlarged for quite some time as well.He has been an alcoholic all of his life,and says that he's not stopping now.Was a needle user for years which he says that he doesnt do it anymore but still smokes pot.He drinks vodka.He is very tierd but still tries and keep active.I don't see him but my Mother thinks he is doing "so much better" because he now only starts drinking after 5pm and his belly looks like he"s gained weight.I'm guessing his belly might be swollen.I am completely ignorant to all of this and need some input.My brother is 54 yrs old and has been drinking since he was 16yrs old.

[sunnie188]

That's my brother...he'd rather drink then get help.He doesn't drive as I have threatened that if he does and I see him,I will call the police.It's so hard.I do love him but his attitude is so selfish.He throws it it my Mother's face...."Oh well,I'm gonna die anyways",just to get his way.She almost died in March(a miracle she's alive)due to a blood clot obstruction in her lg bowel which had to completely be removed and her put on a bag.Point being,just how SELFISH he is ! I feel so much guilt for being angry with him'and so scared and sad at the thought of him passing. I have a very strong faith which helps and guides me,but it's so hard.Thank you for listening,so appreciated.

[TripleCrown]

I had a brother like that. He almost died from ruptured varices ( enlarged veins that are cause bt liver failure , when they rupture they vomit gallons of blood.) I'm not trying to scare you but prepare you. I took my brother to the mayo clinic to try and get him a transplant. The bottom line is he was an addict and would rather be drunk and high on oxy than get a new liver and save himself. It is up to them. Your mothers enabling him won't help. I suggest you go to alanon. It's really helpful. My brothers addiction and illness inspired me to treat my hepc. On week 7 of tx.
He's on hospice care at home and likes it because he can finally have all the drugs he wants.
You can't help except to be a good example, don't enable him and if he begs you or your mother for rehab help him then.
I'm sorry but 99% of alcoholics don't sober up until something really bad happens. Does he drive or has he had DUI 's.? Sometimes jail will do it. But odds aren't good.

[sunnie188]

Thank you so much. My Mother is in denial,no doubt.What is even worse then her denial is that she has always been his enabler.It is to the point that they have both completely shut me out for being concerned.I will continue to be there and hopefully with some sort of knowledge to prepare her for what seems to be the end results if his life style doesnt change.To what point in this illness is to "far".Do they do treatments when it gets to the stage it seems he's at,or is it more likely like you said,a liver transplant?

[orphanedhawk]

I just answered your other post but since you've further explained the situation I will add more information.
The swelling is from fluid build up called ascites.
It is from advanced cirrhosis.
The bottom line is: your brother will die if he doesn't stop drinking.
He sounds like he needs a liver transplant and you can not get one if you are actively drinking. If he cares to live he must see a good doctor and change his life, drastically.

Your mother may be in denial.
Your family has my sympathy.
OH