Time to start taking liver health seriously?

[cockapoomum95]

Hi Everyone,

I sadly lost my dad early December 2019 to End-stage Liver Disease and every day since has felt like a strenous battle. He was 56 years young; which is no age at all for someone so ambitious and dedicated to life, work and family. He was diagnosed with Non-alcoholic related Cirrhosis in June 2019 and the 6 months prior to his passing were indescribably difficult; multiple ambulance call-outs due to hepatic encephalopathy, ascites drains, blood transfusions due to varicies, overflow diarrhoea, muscle loss and my dad becoming very depressed. My heart broke a little more every day as he struggled to fight the disease. My mum & I had to do everything for him which was so hard for my dad as he had always looked after us. He never complained and I never really knew just how he felt, perhaps it's better I didn't know. He kept his wicked sense of humour until the very end and I miss him endlessly. More than anything I just wish I had more time...

His sister also has been diagnosed with liver disease shortly after my dad recieved his diagnosis however, she has been told hers is reversible. Should I get myself checked? Could there be a possibility of a hereditary liver weakness? Am I being paranoid?

As I work for the NHS, I'm very passionate about advocating for better health & wellbeing. Does anyone fundraise for the British Liver Trust? Has it motivated you to take liver health seriously?

Kind Regards

Kat

[AyrshireK]

Sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad and the ill health of your Auntie. I would be tempted to go to your doctors and discuss these concerns. There are some specific genetic conditions that can affect the liver - was Dad ever tested for anything other than NAFLD? Has your Auntie been tested for anything different?

It would be worth a discussion with your doctors and getting some basic bloods done. Auto Immune conditions can run in families, they also say some people have a predisposition to liver disease which is why some people with alcohol problems don't get liver problems and some do.

As you are obviously concerned about your own future then do go and have a chat with your doctor.

Knowing and supporting someone with a liver condition has certainly made me think about my liver health and as well as spending lots of time on here trying to support others I've also recently joined our local BLT support group and hope to help at those in the future.

Katie

[Marydel63]

Agree with the above , especially with your aunt being diagnosed. I can sense how much your dad meant to you and I am sure he had the same feelings about you and your mom. Stay strong

[Hidden]

I'm so sorry for your sad loss. You and your Mum are in my thoughts and prayers.

Yes, i agree with what everyone has put. Please have a chat with your Dr. Love and hugs Lynne xxxx

[davianne]

Hi Kat,

I'm so so sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. I hope and pray that you and your family, can heal your heartache in time, and keep the fond memories you all have of him, to help with that.

You are very brave to tell your Dad's story here, as it will help so many on here with their journey's through this dreadful disease.....Thank you.

I have F4 cirrhosis, and was diagnosed over 3 years ago, so I know most of the symptoms cirrhosis can throw at us.

As far as donations go, you can donate directly to the BLT through their website, or Shropshire Lass (Trish) is doing a skydive very soon, so you could support her in her fundraising. I'm sure she will be along to give you the details.

I think it would be wise to get checked with a simple blood test, just to be safe, as I have heard that there can be a hereditary link in some cases.

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.

David

[Witcat]

Kat, I am truly sorry for your loss, liver disease is devastating and in my husbands case it was unknown until it was too late.

My son asked our GP to be tested and initially he was told that they would not do any blood tests unless he had symptoms however they did agree to doing them and he awaits the results.

My husband passed away this month and like you and your Mum is is just so heartbreaking and it just seems so unfair. I kinder more honest man you couldn't meet. Everything was about his family and I have set up a Just Giving Page for the BLT, so that family and friends can donate in his memory.

Later when I feel strong enough I will look to do more. More information etc needs to be out there for people to understand more on this disease.

Take care and look after each other ❤️