Wish you all a happy new year. Their is a little update in my brother's health. His sufferings are increasing day by day. He is vomiting from last three days and suffering from shortness of breath. We are trying to help but I don't think it's going anywhere. He is still talking alcohol whenever he wakes up. Can anyone tell me what to expect next ? What could be the reason behind shortness of breath? He was diagnosed with end stage liver cirrhosis two years ago and his drinking has increased after his diagnosis. Please help me in understanding his condition. How long this could go ?
Thanks
Written by
1727
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
17 Replies
•
Not long I am afraid, it’s the alcohol. Sorry if that sounds harsh.
Thanks for your reply. Can you please help by telling me what to expect next ? Will he suffer more or this could be the end? Or is there something else we can try ?
I think that the question has been answered in the previous posts, Trust 1 just about nails it, as do the others. He must stop drinking alcohol now, under medical supervision. Dial 111, he might need an ambulance.
Unfortunately the only thing to be tried is that he doesnt drink. Which he clearly refuses to do. I dont think I've ever come across a person personnaly who is that bad off and still sipping back the alcohol. Is he aware of the circumstances or is he in denial? Does he realize that this is his body dying?
He is in complete denial. He has been to hospital quite a few times but the day he comes out he gets his drink and take it the very same day. He went for a new year party but he was too ill so he came back home vomited and again had a drink next morning. Today morning I saw him vomiting I said let's call the ambulance he simply refused and went for another drink. He is not a kid anymore (he is 42yrs old) I can't force him for this. He has to understand and cooperate then only we can help. We all know he has to stop drinking but we are helpless. He is in complete denial.
Your spot on in your thinking. The statement you made that "He has to understand and cooperate then only we can help. " is the most fundamental importance you can have. Your wise in your thinking and that statement is something unfortunately alot of care givers deny themselves the right to realize. It's not an unrealistic notion to tell him that this isnt going to get better. What is happening to him right now is that his body is dying. It's not to scare him it's simply the truth.
He has chosen this destructive path and we all are walking along with him. The God only knows when will his journey ends and we don't have see the ugly site of him being suffering. All I pray is he should not get any pain and he goes peacefully. And I really appreciate ur concern. Thank you so much.
There is nothing easy about what you are going through. Though it will be hard to remind yourself at times always remember you have and are doing all that a person can do to help him. For me my kids were enough. The minute I found out I had liver disease I dropped the bottle and never went back. It's sad that his little girl cant make him see that she needs him. But unfortunately addiction can make people absolutely blinded to what is in front of them. It's not that he doesnt care for her. It's the mask of addiction that is covering his face. I have no doubt if he could get sober and cleaned up that he would start to see that. But unfortunately noone can be made to do it. Even if we lock them in a padded room we know that without there own will as a weapon in the battle the war will surely be lost. They will go right back after you open the door. As this path you are walking darkens, never forget who you are and the value of yourself. You are son to the same mother and hold an equal piece of that heart. You bear the weight of 2 men right now and in time you will see that it has only made you stronger. Just dont carry it alone. Put it down once in a while and focus on you and the great choices you are making. Keep strong and we are all here if you need extra support my brother.
Hi 1727
I know you have been concerned about your brother for a long time and it seems that his health is getting worse.
It is important that he has access to the medical care he needs right now from his own doctors, and also that you feel supported.
Can you contact his liver specialist or GP to get some further advice and assisance?
He is on medication for ascites, H E and some antibiotics for inflammation. He takes somewhere about 22 tables in the morning and the same at night but now it seems no medication is working for him. Whenever we meet his doc the doc simply says if he won't quit drinking he won't be able to survive. 2 years ago he was given 6months survival. But luckily he survived and I guess this is the reason he is drinking more and thinking nothing is gonna happen and he has enough time to deal with his condition. He has a little daughter of 2.5years and is least concerned about her as well. He doesn't talk much even if you want to have a conversation he will just give one word reply. He has become quite and sleeps a lot during day and is awake the entire night. What next is going to happen ? Is it gonna go like this only or there should be something we need to try more? I m totally confused and exhausted.
Can you get him to hospital? He needs medical assessment and you need support.
You are an amazing brother. His doctors need to help now.
Very best wishes
Trust1
Hey 1727. Your an amazing brother and an incredibly caring and compassionate human being. Watching this happen and not being able to stop it is absolutely heartbreaking. Unfortunately your brother is on the brink. How long does he have? Could be months could be days. It's hard to tell but as Snoutie said because he wont stop the alcohol it wont be long. It really is as simple as over watering a plant to the point where the roots have rotted. Even though their might be some semblance of life atop the soil, the damage is so extensive beneath it that the plant eventually just can live anymore. I'm sorry and my heart pains for the sorrow you are in.
Thank you phoenixPalazzo for your reply and concern. All I can say is with us he himself is suffering a lot. He keeps on vomiting entire day and then again goes out for a drink comes back sleeps wakes up vomits and then again takes another drink. He is suffering a lot but not letting anyone know about it. I just want his sufferings should end here. He is like this from last two years. Sometimes vomits blood and sometimes couldn't get a breath. I just want him to be at peace now.
I would get him to the hospital ASAP. At the very least they can get him at peace and comfortable. If not hes going to end up suffering and potentially passing on his couch or chair.
This must be so hard for you. I hope he will agree to go to a and e. He would be so much more comfortable but like you said you can't force home. Sending much love and hugs to you all. Lynne xxxx
Hi! So Sorry you are going thru this.My finance still Drinks and lives in Denial,I tryed to help him many times ,but still drinks.There is nothing much you can do .No matter how sick they are they still continue to drink.it upsets me but it's a choice they want,i don't know how much time I have with him,but i already am preparing myself for what to come he has portal hypertensive,ascities is back,losing weight,lots of back pain,not eating much.He is at Stage 3 of cirrhosis, it won't be long before stage 4 comes in.Do your best ,for his time is near the end and I know it's hard on you and family. I will be face with the samething in what you see..Hopefully he will not suffer much. GOD BLESS YOU..
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Risks of liver transplant - need advice plz
Constantly vomiting
Confusion and memory loss with cirrhosis 
Is this the end of life?
When somebody with suspected Cirrhosis stops eating does it mean their body is shutting down?
