Spouse diagnosed with alcoholic cirrhosis

[robynaspden]

Hi I am new to this site. My husband was diagnosed with cirrhosis 18 months ago. They found it when he went to the hospital with severe abdominal pain(thought it was a kidney stone) and there was blood in his urine and he had been vomiting in the mornings for months. He drinks a lot of alcohol, every day. Anyway he stopped drinking for 8 months to my knowledge but is back to drinking daily. He holds down a job and appears to be doing well but complains of upset stomach every day. My question is will his health decline slowly???? I am afraid and not sure what to expect. Thanks in advance.

[Hidden]

Hi Roby.

He MUST stop drinking in order to allow his liver to possibly regenerate its self if its not too damaged at this stage. If he can't do it without help get him to see his gp who will help with getting 1 to 1 councelling if he can't face group sessions like AA. At the moment he's what they call a functioning alcoholic as he can still work. It's a slippery slope if he continues to drink. Within 4 years of being diagnosed with cirrhosis and continuing to drink, my husband aged 54 went from functioning alcoholic to 3 months dry to 10 days in intensive care with multi organ failure, liver failure bronco pneumonia to death. Hate to be so blunt but that's what alcohol does to the body.

Please make him see sense

good luck

[robynaspden in reply to Hidden]

So sorry for the loss of your husband. I have told him but he does not believe he is sick or an alcoholic. He has cancelled his last two appointments with the specialist due to working out of town. Not sure if he will reschedule for when he is back in town. I am very afraid for the road we are all going to go down if he does not stop drinking.

[h0b0]

Hi. If hubby was diagnosed 18 months ago with cirrhosis then I can only assume that he was told that stopping drinking was his only option . Is he not under the care of a specialist?

[robynaspden in reply to h0b0]

Yes he is under the care of a specialist but has not been back to see him in the last 6 months due to working out of town for weeks at a time. Yes, he was told to stop drinking and did so for about 8mths and started to feel great so started drinking again. Thank you for your response.

[h0b0 in reply to robynaspden]

My partner was diagnosed with cirrhosis in June 2015. He wasn't an alcoholic but a heavy social drinker. Luckily he has very strong willpower & hasn't touched a drop since. Good job too as his health deteriorated very very rapidly & he spent the biggest part of 2016 in hospital. We were very fortunate to be given a transplant in July 2016 & we can't thank the donor & his family enough for giving him a second chance.

My thoughts are also with you as I know only too well the stress & heartache that you are going through. Hope you have good family & friends by your side.xx

[Kristian]

If he has cirrhosis and continues to drink, yes his health will decline. How quickly that will be is anyone's guess i'm afraid. His options will also be limited as abstinence is an absolute must for a transplant even to be considered. May I suggest you take Laura's advice.

[robynaspden in reply to Kristian]

Thank you for your response and yes I have taken Laura's advice. I appreciate everyones kindness.

[Hidden]

Please don't let him believe that if he completely knackers his liver he can just walk into hospital, get a new 1 and start drinking again. They don't grow on trees, other people have to die for them to become available. He would first have to kick the habit by at least admitting he's addicted and that's a massive hurdle.

[GTFC74]

As a recovering alcoholic who's been diagnosed with cirrhosis i know how difficult to stay on the wagon. I have been abstinent for nearly 3 years but had 3 detoxes over 2 years. He needs to admit his problem but also you need support. If you do have someone to go to then please do. You are a career at the end of the day. Speak to your GP too. It's crucial you stay well.

I lost a lot through drink, initially I functioned in a highly stressful job. Function is different for different people. It's a tool used by alcoholics to mask a problem. It sounds like a detox may be required to eliminate risk of withdrawal. It is crucial, as I know that he will need to get follow up help. I used the dual diagnosis team based in my local mental health team. Alcohol is a mood catalyst, it lifts you if your happy but depresses you if your low. There are also Meds he can take to help relapse prevention. Most people have heard of antibuse which causes sickness if alcohol is taken bit less restrictive options are available.

I wish you both the very best and hope for a positive outcome. Take care. Tony