cirrhosis-hep c, sister needs help!

[arjr]

My sister has hep c and advanced cirrhosis.  She is on a treatment of Rebetol I think.  She is jaundiced, ammonia buildup, etc.  Sick from treatment of course.  My question is kind of morbid but I need to know, so I apologize in advance.  If her liver is failing, how long do I have to get to her?  She is in Hawaii and I am in MT.  She keeps saying to wait, she doesn't need me yet, but she would fib for my sake (silly girl!).
If her treatment doesn't work (Dr. says she is so advanced but he had to try) what is her prognosis.  I had plans to go there in Nov. but now I'm not sure that would be in time!  Any advice?

[mikesimon]

There is no way to tell without much more info and even then it's still not certain as to how much time is left. Many live a lot longer than expected. My guess, and I am no doctor, is that if the end were iminent she would be in the hospital. Mike

[jonihs]

i was in the same shape as your sister last year. I was treated very agressively for the liver failure, however not for hepC. I was a very sick woman w/out that. I was given prednisone for 2 mos., lactulose for the ammonia and spironilacton and lasix for acites. I still take lasix bcause I tend to retain fluids.My liver functions and enzymes actually improved. The most important things are no alcohol or drugs, and a very strict low protien diet.(8 grams per day)Please keep me posted on her condition. I'm a fellow Montanan and was treated in Billings at Deaconess. Don't be afraid to talk to her Dr. either.     My best, Joni

[mofo]

We've got some good Dr's out here.  If your sister is on Oahu, we've got one of the best G.I.'s in the game. His name is Dr. Naoki Tsai. He's with the Liver Center at St. Francis Hospital. Just my opinion, but I'd say come now. The weather is great, and since school is about to start, a lot of the tourists ought to be going home. Aloha!