I don't manage my health as well as I should . I still smoke and that's not good for the liver. I have been a drug addict and drank much of my life . I am not drinking or using drugs . I got in big trouble after back surgery a few years ago , getting addicted to opiate pain killers , many loaded with tylenol This is not uncommon with pain mgt. patients . Hepatologists are gastro-intestinal docs that specialize in liver disease . I live in a tiny village in the hills of southern Ohio, we are 90 mi. from Cincy or Columbus . As my health improved the last year , I only see my hepatolgist every 3 months. You'll probably have to go to the closest large hospital . You can use the internet to find a specialist. A G-I specialist would be the next best choice . You must also have your husband watch what meds he takes example , Tylenol is very hard on a bad liver . The obvious ones alcohol and many drugs are very dangerous . You should consult a doc before taking prescribed meds or over the counter drugs. Some liver patients have to eat low protein diets due to the injured liver's inability to process protein. There is a lot of info to learn . This site can be very helpful . I learned through my son having a bone marrow transplant13 yrs.ago , he's cured thank God , that knowledge is very important to manage a health problem . It can mean life or death . Ask questions of your docs ! Hope I am of some help to your
situation . I still have much to learn .
dickl
Thank you for your reply! It helps me to better understand this disease. It also helps to know that it's manageable. What exactly is a hepatologist? We live in a small town & I am not sure that we have any here. It has to be some type of blood doctor, am I assuming correctly? Any advice that you can share will certainly be appreciated.
Glad you are managing yours so well.
I am similar with advanced cirrhosis , I was diagnosed a year ago . Hospital , drain fluid , diuretics , and diet . Does your husband see a hepatologist , if not find one . I am doing well although I have a lot of fatigue but I've been fortunate so far . My diet is low sodium , 2500mg/day . You have to avoid fast foods and the middle isles of your supermarket. Look at labels on the products , its shocking how much sodium is in canned soups , spag sauces , some cheeses etc. A teaspoon of table salt is over 2000mg. Liquid restiction , anything that is liquid at room temp , 1500ml/day. When ever I veer off my diet I will put on pounds of fluid in a few hours. My doc has cut back my diuretics and I have to be even more careful . Water pills can be hard on the kidneys . I have found this is not a immediate death sentance , folks live years.I hope this was helpful
dickl
.
.