Liver cirrhosis.

[Mandyjo]

Hi. My mum, aged 65 was diagnoses with Liver cirrhosis (related to alcohol) in September. It's been a sudden onset of decline in her health since August , and so far she's had 3 hospital admissions, the second two related to AKI. The first ascities. On her last hospital admission she self discharged!!! I believe she has a degree of hepatic encepalopathy and was put on oramorph which appeared to tip her over the edge of being rational!

We are getting nowhere 're prognosis and future treatments! The GP's have no interest and the hospital waiting times for a gastro appointment are ludicrous!

She has developed leg ulcers, infected with MRSA and appears to of given up! She is obviously depressed, but refused help.

My dad, is doing his best to support her but is not well himself, and now the toll is starting to be very difficult for him.

My mum has gone from an independent active 65 year old too a self absorbed almost recluse in 4 months! (Sorry harsh but true ) and I have no idea what to do next! I am an experienced RGN but I never dealt with anything like this personally! And im comletley lost with little support.

I would appreciate helpful comments only. .

Thanks in advance. X

[jojokarak]

Hi your mum must of had cirrhosis for a while for the problems to be severe already from my diagnosis to ascites and h.e. was about 3 years. She really can't be discharging herself they will keep records of this and if she has any chance of receiving a transplant she has to comply with the hospital and consultants. Your probably going to have to ask GP for outside help to support your father and mother my husband couldn't cope with my h.e. as I hardly slept and woke him up constantly. When you see GP ask or tell them you need to see gastro faster because of the symptoms she is displaying I was in and out of hospital constantly and none of them were a short stay I was in for months at a time. Has she stopped drinking?

[Mandyjo in reply to jojokarak]

Hi, sorry for a delayed reply, she has stopped drinking, early august, we are now on our 5th hospital admission, same problems, AKI, etc., getting absolutely know where, its taking its toll on everyone! I'm truly at a loss of what to do! The consultants just say the same over and over again, Its an AKI, once we've sorted that she will be ok!!! But clearly she is not! I just want someone to tell us the truth, a real prognosis, instead of palming us off! Her mental state is poor and she is being increasingly dependant on her family, I'm not sure how we will manage when she is discharged!

Thank you for your support.

[Faithfull]

That is me 4yrs ill now confused if any decision is right I went of me head yesterday screaming why won't anyone help us and it got worse I told me daughter I can take no more and she is adult but has mental illness and fatty liver diabetic there ain't no one else they made me wait ur to see liver dr and neuro it's a joke u can't go GP phone call waiting on GP four hours then see next day to be told only can see me about ear not liver even though I'm ill ?sorry but your post is so true I'm stuck like you are on wat to do ?

[Mandyjo]

If I manage to get anything sorted, ill be sure to tell you, I hope things improve for you.

[Hidden]

Your mom sounds like my husband. He was the most outgoing, talkative person I know. Because it was too hard to care for him..hospital after hospital..finally HE got the best and so everyone including myself knew it would be best if he was in Care home..he doesnt call anyone anymore and cant really be around others he gets agitated and restless. But hes the disease is still ongoing. He had ascites really bad about a month ago. Hes still slightly swollen and the fluid seeps out of his bellybutton and his legs and feet are a dark color. He also has to be given oxygen often. Have you thought of a Care home for her. I never thought i could but i know its the best. Dont know how much longer he can go on but i told him. If his time comes close i will take him home to pass away with his loved ones in the home he bought us.