liver failure

[jasper131]

my husband was diagnosed w/cirrohis stage 4 in april 2011. every week he has to get fluid drained from his abdomen. about 12 liters. he stopped drinking then, but has since started sneaking it again. he has lost alot of weight, very bony, red splotches on his arms, appetite swings back and forth, constipation, sleeps alot!!!. moody, and now his hands are peeling badly. can any one tell me what is happening to him??

[jasper131]

Thank you so much for the info.next week he is going for a scan of his liver.yesterday he was so drunk that he fell 3x's. do you know about how much time he might have left?

[copyman]

I'm sure he has been told many times that drinking will kill him. Sometimes you just can't get through to alcoholics, the addiction has such a strong hold.
If you feel you have done everything you can then just try and enjoy whatever time he has left. God bless

[orphanedhawk]

He needs to be told that unless he stops drinking he won't live long. He is poisoning his liver.
He won't qualify for a liver transplant if he is still drinking. There are programs to help him but he has to be willing.

[eureka254]

What is happening to your husband is called "decompensation" of cirrhosis.  Because he is continuing his alcohol use, he is continuing to damage his liver.  The symptoms you describe are many of the signs that his liver is failing. Weight loss and lots of sleeping is frequently seen in end-stage liver disease.  He may get splotches and bruise easily as things progress because of low platelets, another side effect of decompensation.  You might find some helpful details here:

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/cirrhosis/article_em.htm

I'm very sorry that your husband did not remain sober, as he will only hasten complete liver failure if he continues to drink... my hope is that he can abstain and perhaps thereby improve his condition... my heart and prayers to you, your husband, and your family. ~eureka

[hondapatches]

It would seem that his liver is trying to shut down. He should definately not drink. I hope he is on a liver transplant list. God Bless

[nygirl7]

I'm sorry Jasper it must be hell on you having to live through this and want so much for him to stop so he can do something but I'm pretty sure they wont put him on a transplant list if he is drinking.

[adamben101]

Does he have HCV?  HAs he treated?  Can you include some more info?  Sorry to hear about your situation.  No one will ever treat him if he cannot stop drinking.  BEst of luck.