Withdrawal/ hospital

[DQ33]

My brother has decompensated cirrhosis was diagnosed in 2020 had astices and fluid drained. This has since been controlled by diuretics. He stopped drinking for a few months but then returned to drinking heavily often following a pattern of 5/6 bad days then a few days off this as you all know is a nightmare to witness and is like living with two different people. Anyway over the last few weeks he has been drinking a litre of vodka a day and then on Monday didn’t as was clearly feeling awful vomiting all day and on Monday evening I had to call 999 as he started to have a seizure this was I presume caused by sudden alcohol withdrawal . He is now in hospital. Conscious etc but wondered if anyone had experience of this? Is this a sign things are taking a turn for the worst? Or part of the cycle.

[Aotea2012]

It sounds like he’s in the best place for now. I can’t talk about relapse because one hospital admission was enough for me. I drank way too much for too long and just didn’t realise how much damage it was doing. I was admitted a year ago now and haven’t touched a drop since. I have cirrhosis but thank my lucky stars that I’m feeling well. In many ways my brush with the grim reaper was the best thing that could have happened to me because I’ve had to work hard to get well again. He has to stop drinking and accept that’s for life or he won’t have one to live if he carries on drinking a bottle of vodka per day with a damaged liver. It’s really as simple as that. Now that’s much easier said than done...I know. It has to come from him though. No amount of pleading or begging him to stop from you will work. Don’t waste your energy. Only he can decide and this hospital admission may well be the thing that cracks it. I remember feeling physically awful, ashamed, helpless, and just told myself that’s it. I was never going to put myself in a position again where I had to be helped to wash or go to the loo - that’s if I could make it that far. From what I read here what you describe about your brother is quite typical. It seems to go two ways...the experience scares the life out of them and they stop or sadly it has no affect at all and they carry on. I’m in the first group, he could be too. Let’s hope so. You must take care of yourself now. Lots of rest and eating well. I really hope it works out for you. Take care.

[deanw41 in reply to Aotea2012]

My cirrhosis was a blessing really,the stop drinking or else was enough!! Not easy tho,but i know where a relapse would end up. It’s made me take care of myself and appreciate life!!

[Aotea2012 in reply to deanw41]

Yes it has for me too. It’s very easy to get stuck in a way of life that revolves around alcohol. Busy day in work...G&T and then wine with dinner. Fantastic it’s Friday...head off to the pub to see friends have dinner and more wine. It’s Saturday...6 nations and well Guinness, then wine! It’s Sunday... well Sunday lunch with family and a bit of fizz and then more wine. Holidays....well it’s holidays...lots of alcohol all day! Until one day your liver kicks back. Mine is operating much better now not full of toxins. I’m happier too, healthier and not operating in a daze. It’s a change of life.

[Lola1977 in reply to Aotea2012]

Did you ever experience forgetfulness/brain fog and did it go away..?..

[Aotea2012 in reply to Lola1977]

When I was in hospital about a year ago I wasn’t myself. I don’t remember much about anything whilst I was there...other than feeling anxious and confused. I had a roaring infection and a sick liver so I think that combination coupled with all the drugs I was taking caused that. Since my discharge I’ve not experienced any forgetfulness or brain fog. In fact I’m sharper than I was a few years ago. I think that’s due to an improved diet and exercise coupled with no alcohol. That’s done wonders for my overall well being. A couple of mile run doesn’t half clear my head. A healthy diet gives me energy and the lack of alcohol just seems to bring the world into crystal clear focus. I hadn’t realised how much alcohol not only poisoned my body but also affected my thinking and judgement.

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Hi,

We are sorry to read what a stressful time you and your brother are going through.

Please consider calling our nurse led helpline on 0800 652 7330 10am to 3pm Mon to Fri and we can have a supportive chat.