Cirrhosis Question

[Juhles]

Hi all...

So my mother who seemed literally to be nearing death or something close to it has pulled out some.

I was able to take her to dinner - she hadn’t left her house in weeks. Is it normal to have “good days” with severe cirrhosis? Perhaps I over-worried? It’s such an emotional roller coaster. She still drinks champagne daily

I deal with my own anxiety which makes it harder.

Thanks

[freddie76]

Sorry to say if she has cirhossis she probably now has HE.

Unfortunately drinking alcohol will only accelerate the situation.

[Juhles in reply to freddie76]

Definitely she has HE - that and not being able to work her body (walk, dress herself, even eat cuz the shaking) seem to be her worst issues. She’s never been jaundiced though so I’ve thought perhaps she’s still “ok”...

[freddie76 in reply to Juhles]

My hubby never became jaundiced.

Yet he had to be transplanted.

[Juhles in reply to freddie76]

Thank u - I always read jaundiced is a sign of major sickness so I thought if she wasn’t yet then maybe I was over reacting tho so many other signs of severe stage are apparent 😞

[Isabelle2]

Yes it is. I suggest you seize those days and make the most of them. If she is still drinking I am afraid she won’t be around for much longer. As Freddie said she might have HE - confused, tired etc. If she isn’t getting medication for that it would be worth seeing if she can. This might mean she feels better but the overall scenario isn’t that positive

Isabelle xx

[Juhles in reply to Isabelle2]

Thank you - yes she is taking both lactulose and antibiotics daily. At some point though it seems she just didn’t seem to respond as well. She forgets mid sentence - every sentence - what she was saying. But it was very nice to have that dinner. 🙏🙏

[jazzjam]

It must be so hard caring for your Mum when you have your own things going on. From what you have posted I presume your Mum knows she has cirrhosis? As someone said, if she is still drinking the doctors will just do enough to alleviate some symptoms, medication etc.. People have also mentioned HE, which is what she could be struggling with. I can never spell it but it’s worth having a read on the British Liver Trust, in fact all the information on there may help you to understand why her body is doing what it is. Good days and bad days. I hope it helps and gives you some strength to get through this without affecting your own health anymore. All the best 🌻

[Juhles]

Thank you - and yes, I’ll be feeling uncomfortable, overwhelmed and think “oh yeah, my mother is dying and refuses to stop”...that’ll do it. I will go on the Liver Trust - information helps my own anxiety and I’m soooo thankful for you all.

[Isabelle2]

All you can do is be there for her and enjoy the moments when she is aware and happy

Isabelle xx

[Juhles in reply to Isabelle2]

Isabelle you’re right. For decades I tried to get her to quit. For awhile I drank with her. 17 years ago I changed that. For over 10 of those she didn’t talk to me. Now I just want time so I’m accepting her and trying not to feel guilty for not trying to do more. Deep down I just know it won’t change anything/her drinking plus she’s so diminished at this point it wouldn’t change her health either.