Hillbill

[Hillbil]

Hi can anyone give me any help my brother is a alcoholic he has been told to stop drinking he has cut down but he was admitted to hospital with low salt levels they found out he has very low blood platelets does any one know if this is serious he also has to have stomach drained I'm so worried

[AyrshireK]

Your brother is sadly showing symptoms of decompensated cirrhosis if he has ascites / fluid build up and requiring a drain. Hopefully the hospital can get him stabilized at this time and help him with alcohol detox but he is going to have to quit alcohol completely and for good if he is to stand any chance of recovery. If he doesn't quit soon with this level of damage to his liver he is headed towards an unpleasant end as sadly we have been witness to a few times recently on the forum.

The BLT has guidance on Alcohol Related Liver Disease if he is willing to read it and heed it. britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

Al-anon UK can help you too as a loved one of someone affected by drinking. al-anonuk.org.uk/

Katie

[Hillbil in reply to AyrshireK]

Thank you for reply he has give up drinking as he had warning from docs he is having platlet blood transfusions on Monday and having stomach drained also

[Zukosmile07]

I have this horrible condition and even after giving up alcohol I was still in a bad way.Fortunately everything became manageable. I still have ascites drains every month and had to change my diet completely but I do feel a better than I did.

Unfortunately the damage to my liver is unrepairable and I'm now on the list for a transplant.

If you can stop in time it is reversible (but it's hard) and getting rid of alcohol is the best way to do so.

I hope you all the best and if you ever need to talk.....I have been through everything and I have found chatting with people in the same or similar boat helps.

[Hillbil in reply to Zukosmile07]

Thank you so much I'm so worried about my brother we lost our sister to cancer my husband has also been told he has fatty liver he is so worried he changed his diet lost 3 stone eats a healthy diet .

[Zukosmile07]

Your brother has to have some scan's to see how much damage he has. Then the consultants should let you know if it is reversible (you cannot tell from just blood tests) or not.So sorry about your sister try your best to be there for your brother because it can be a slippery slope. Depression, feeling sick, uncomfortable, in constant pain, pressure from trying to keep everyone else happy. Never have a go at him but don't let him off with anything.

He has to stop drinking if he wants the help.

When I just had a fatty liver (that's right I said just) I got told off for cutting too much salt out of my diet and going over the top with health foods. It's alright to indulge a little as long as it's not alcohol.

Be a unit and I hope everything works out.

[Hillbil]

Hi thank you so much for replying I wish you all the best for the future take care