what happens stage 4 cirrhosis of the liver???

[nikki_d32]

Hello everyone, this is probably the hardest gut wrenching thing I have ever had to discuss, but i need answers. My mothers doctor sat down with me today and told me she has stage 4 cirrhosis. I did't get really anything else out of him except she needs to lose weight before they will put her on the list also quit smoking, and eat healthier. They are gonna send me her lab reports in the mail. She has never had a biopsy just ultrasounds. Why is this? Is this normal. how do they know what stage she is if she has never had this done? What do I expect. She seems to be okay until she was hospitalized for pnemonia a few days ago. this all came so soon. normally she seems great besides the fact she dont have the energy she used to 10 years ago but she is 45, but that is still really young. I guess I am just hoping that someone will tell me there is meds she can take or other things to keep her healthy. I hope it's not to late...Thanks, Nikki

[linda5657]

I live close to you and saw a gastro. dr in G. R. and he was no good, he told me I couldn't have a biopsy unless I consented to doing the drugs.  I totally feel he is in this for the money and couldn't care less for the patient.  Have your mom see a hep.dr. or an internoligist.  

[tabannmcc]

there is a med that will help slow the progress down but there is no cure the med is called xfaxan 500mg 2 a daythats what they put my brother on he has stage 4 cirrhosis if that help any one he also take lactulose 30 cc 4 times a day to help also.....

[LoLolw]

My husband has Hep C and Stage 4 Cirrhosis. Your mom will have to be monitored all the time now. My husband tried the new Hep C treatment and he could not continue because his platelet count went down to low. His liver is only producing 50 and it went down to 25 with the treatment. A normal platelet count should be 350 or more. You do have to listen to what the Dr.'s tell you. It *****. We have been married for 24 years and it is killing me inside. Our kids are really upset too. He does not want to have a liver transplant. I really cant blame him. He is only 50 years old. At this point I am enjoying each and every momment with him and we are living life. Doing things we want to do. He has not had a drink in over a year. Problem is the Hep C type one will continue to attack the cirrhosis. He has to go in every 6 months for a ultra sound, his esaphagus checked and blood work. Hang in there sweetie. I know what you are going through. It is not fun at all. Educate yourself on everything. Get second and third opinions. She will pull out of this and you will be able to enjoy some years with her. You need to stay positive and strong for her.

[tomj1957]

hi nikki,
i have a problem with my mom too and alot of times it breaks my heart. she doesn't have anything wrong regarding her liver, she suffers from alzhiemers and i took care of the liver end. i have a decompensated liver...ascites and hep C, this happened quickly and unforeseen. i am writing this to say this, sometimes i have my heart broken by the things my mom does or says and sometimes i get a little depressed for myself, but all in all stay as happy as you can, people sense that and it is contagious, it will help your mom and you and that's all you can do, and don't forget to tell your mom you love her. the power of hope and happiness goes well with all treatments and helps you to live your life. i always remind myself others depend on me and i owe it to them as well as myself

[Deb_c430]

So sorry,  thank goodness she has you.

For the weight and smoking, during the actual tp operation, both of things can cause more prblems lung colapse, fatty emboli.  which can lead to ards.


I would ask mike s, or I amthe walrus,  both have especially with transplant,  

[nikki_d32]

Thanks all of you for all the support! I do have some good news to post today about my mother. She is fighting the pnemonia finally. She looked better today than she has in the last 5 days. She finally ate something and the doctors tell me it is looking up. Oh god what a relief, I can breathe again... For now! I have talkied a little with my mother and I told her what we need to do to get her in the right direction. The wierd thing is, is that she has not been told alot of these things I mentioned to her. So she promised she will get a second opinion and see a hepatologist. I feel goog today!!!   :)