My husband has had a cirrhotic liver and alcoholic liver disease for a number of years coupled with all the complications this brings. He has now been abstinent for 4 and a half years, as I write he is spending his 17th night in hospital, this is his 3rd stay this year. In January this year he was told a liver transplant was out of the question because of other medical problems, diabetes and a history of small strokes also renal profiles at this stage were not good. The ascites at this point had become so serious it required draining and then this has been carried out around every 3 weeks since then. Today I have been informed no more drains can be performed because of the renal profiles, only 50 mg of Spiro and 20mg of frusomide can be given daily and he has gained 2.5 stone in the past 17 days. My question... is this the end of the road? Can anyone help, how can you live with ascites when there is little chance of this being medically corrected.
Devastated is this the end?: My husband... - British Liver Trust
Devastated is this the end?
Hi Billfury
So sorry to hear of your husband’s problems.
You have the questions so when the doctor/Consultant comes around the ward in the morning to look at your husband can’t you ask him/her the questions you want answers to?
I know this is what my wife did. If necessary she went into a private room to discuss.
Good luck to you both.
Miles
That seems to be the issue the consultant, he is never around. The time for discussion is over, action is what is needed but every thing they do is what has been done before.
Hello Billfury, I pray to God this is not the end of the road for your Husband. As Miles says you should ask the doctors caring for him what the prognosis is for the future. I have not had ascites,fortunately ,so I can't comment on this, but I do know there are medications that can help. I pray for a good resolution to your husbands situation, Take Care
David
Thank you all for your good words, Ok but have to admit I am not thinking straight at present.
Hi Billfury, It's very understandable not being able to think straight in your situation.
Jojo's comment should give you much hope. I knew people on here with experience would reply.
David
Hi Bilfury
Please dont give up on your husband just yet as I'm a great believer his spirits above will be fighting for him to survive too!
You must also look after yourself too! Are you eating as you'll need your strength! If not try a fruit or a we sandwich!
Take care and hang on n there! Here's a hug!
Love Trish ❤️
Trish thank you for your really kind words. Big meeting with Consultant at weekend and further chats yesterday, to manage my expectations! His proteins are normal after dose after dose of albumin, his kidneys have a small upturn after a treatment of terlipressin, he is on oxegen to aid his breathing as his HB level is so low inspite of numerous blood transfusions and the huge tummy is pressing upwards on his lungs. Some serious internal bleeding yesterday caused concerns, this is from varice bleeds in his gullet. The prognosis is not good, they are confident he will come out of hospital but the liver transplant is not an option and he will not have a great quality of life but at least he will still be here. I feel calmer and understand more today. God and the spirits will heal as they see right. I just don't want him to suffer. Thank you all for your advice and kind words. Bill
They couldn't drain me a few times because of my kidneys and I was in hospital for 8 weeks until they got rid of the water I was on a strict fluid restriction I weighed over 130kg I looked like the marshmallow man out of ghost busters, I couldn't walk because I had water everywhere... So I don't think it's the end...
When I had my transplant I was a skeleton and didn't need drains I was in for 3 months before I had it and wouldn't of lasted much longer
JoJo thank you for the hope. He is heading to be some thing like a Michelin man. My concern is how long can this go on. There is no fluid restrictions, they put him on a low salt diet but only yesterday after 17 days. His other ailments/ conditions seem to dictate what they can do, he is an insulin dependant diabetic as well as the liver and kidney issues. Whether he does come through this and they an reconsider a transplant but health and his condition are not on his side. Thank you again for your good words
I would be making one hell of a fuss and making a total nusisance of myself.
I would be demanding to see the Dr, Consultant, Matron, Ward manager, PALS, the Pope and the Queen untill one of them came up with a positive plan!
You dont want hospital staff to be your friends you want your husband to survive! so get in there and advocate for your husband even if it upsets some of their routines.
The pain in the arse get the most attention.
Unfortunatley that's a true statement.
Roy, with hindsight unfortunately, I couldn’t agree more!!! The people who make the loudest noise get the most attention.
My heart goes out to anyone in this situation. But, boxing 🥊 gloves on!
Hang on in their Billfury, take a deep breath and start to fight for your dear husband. Hopefully they will change their mind for the transplant, fingers crossed, my prayers and best wishes are with you 🌷
Here's another hug for today as I'm still thinking about you both 💞