Ascites

[formyfriend]

Hi, I have been lurking in the background reading all your posts and advice.

My brother in law has not had anything to drink for 9 months now but his ascites has got so bad that his drain time has been changed to every 7 days from every fortnight. His worse drain so far has been 15 litres and is usually between 10 and 15 litres. Has anyone else had it done so close together?

The last twice he has been for his bloods pre drain they have kept him in due to high potassium and low sodium, the last time they kept him for 3 weeks! He has also recently been diagnosed as having adrenal insufficiency. Is this all linked? He has been referred for a transplant in Leeds but still awaiting appointment for screening to see if they will put him on the list. Sorry for all the questions

[gnillo]

Hello, sorry to hear about ur brother in law despite being sober for 9 months. My brother was diagnosed with cirrhosis in 2019 and his drains varied every few months. With changes in meds and other things sometimes he needed it more often. A few months prior to his liver transplant last month he was also diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s Disease) and put on hydrocortisone treatment as his potassium was high and sodium was low. As Addison’s is an autoimmune disorder and being quite rare anyone can still have it. Hopefully docs r able to answer additional questions as I’m sure this is a difficult time. Sending positive thoughts ur way for news regarding the assessment. 🙏🏾

[Sophieatkinson]

My partner had 80 ascites drains before he got his liver transplant. For him it was dangerous to have more than 6 litres taken out a time because it hurt his kidneys. He would have drains every week, and then every fortnight as he got a bit better under expert care at the qe in Birmingham. He is 7 months post transplant and is really well. .

[formyfriend in reply to Sophieatkinson]

Thanks Sophie, really good news that he got the transplant and is well. we are staying possitive and have everything crossed.x