sick addicts

[elvie822]

I know someone who has cirrhosis of the liver and not only still consumes alcohol, but smokes crack cocaine. She is supposed to start treatments for the cirrhosis. Do the doctors not take blood tests before she begins and can't the treatments be dangerous if she isn't truthful about her use of the drugs and alcohol.

[R Glass]

You were 25% correct

[Rockerforlife]

Walks away with head down in shame  ...ya but Guns and Roses done it with some a.ss kickn

[PegOnPeg]

Live & Let Die....WINGS SONG...shame....you should know better

[Rockerforlife]

God gave us free will...we can do WHATEVER we want...he will not even try to stop you...not only can you kill yourself...you can kill others too....BUT...there is a price to pay in the end....you CANNOT make someone do something they wont,or for that matter  cant do...LIVE AND LET DIE.......BEATLES SONG

[Trinity4]

People with addicitons don't want to hear the truth, they want the picture painted with warm fuzzies, pastels, bogus justifications for their unacceptable behavior.  I have battled with a son in this arena for many years.  Until he decides to help himself, there is no hope.  I will always love him but I will not enable him.  He doesn't have hepc but his addictions are going to kill him faster than hepc ever would.  If  Elvie's friend continues down the path of destruction her canvas is going to be painted entirely black - the color of death.   Sorry, but that's the way it is.  

[Rockerforlife]

YOU ASKED:
Do the doctors not take blood tests before she begins and can't the treatments be dangerous if she isn't truthful about her use of the drugs and alcohol.


You bet your sweet a.ss they do...and you have to be clean for at least 6 months before ya can start any tx..why do ya think they take urine samples at the beginning...they watck like a hawk

[Deb_c430]

Not harsh at all truthful!    

[R Glass]

I had to sign papers agreeing to random alcohol/drug testing and that I understood if any were detected, my treatment would be stopped.
I am going to be honest with you. If your friend doesn’t kick the alcohol/drug abuse prior to starting this treatment, I doubt she will be able to handle the side effects of the treatment.
If she doesn’t do the treatment and continues with the alcohol/drug abuse, she should at least go shopping for a coffin. You should also distance your self from her because you can’t stop a train wreck. Liver Cancer is a horrible way to die and if she brings it upon herself, you shouldn’t have to watch it.
I am sorry if my words seem harsh, but it is the truth.

[Deb_c430]

You just got some serious good info,      addiction is not an easy thing to kick, but bill and trin are to right!
lalapple  I think they should!  it always make me so sad to see or hear this type of stuff!    

[Trinity4]

It's so sad when I read people with cirrhosis are continuing to drink and drug.  Wouldn't  it be terrrible if she justifies her substance abuse issues in her mind because she thinks starting treatment for the cirrhosis will offset any damage caused by the alcohol or drugs.  That would be like someone with emphysemia or heart disease thinking their breathing treatments or heart medication will stop the deterioration of their lungs or heart while they continue to smoke.  Or a diabetic taking insulin and eating all the sugar they want to because the insulin will prevent future problems.  It just ain't so.  She needs to be clean and sober or forget about treating the liver disease.  There's no point because it won't make any difference.  I hope she comes to terms.
Trinity

[Bill1954]

At minimum, your friend’s substance abuse issues could reduce her chances of success with her HCV treatment. This can be a difficult disease to manage under the best of conditions. Furthermore, many of us are unsuccessful with treatment; as a cirrhotic, she may eventually require a liver transplant. Patients have to demonstrate a period of sobriety prior to consideration for TP; she should consider her options very carefully.

Yes, many doctors do perform tox screens/drug testing prior to treatment for HCV; it’s up to the individual doctor to screen his patients. These are strong drugs; somewhat similar to chemotherapy… she will probably need every bit of help she can get just to endure the medication. Additionally, this treatment requires patients to maintain compliance; to be successful, patients need to take the meds on time; not when they feel like it.

I hope your friend understands the situation, and makes appropriate decisions.

Good luck—

Bill

[lalapple]

my doc gave me drug tests before tx.  she needs to get her priorities right.   what she's doing to herself is definitely not a good thing for her health.