This time last year

[Rshc]

on the 22nd of December my partner went into hospital for what I thought would be an over night stay having suddenly developed Jaundice and ascites (although he had been ignoring symptoms of bruising and tiredness for weeks). I was able to visit him for the first time on Christmas Day, he was part way through a medical detox and was very disorientated. A doctor took me aside and told me bluntly 'he has end stage liver disease' and no other information. I went home and cried then had to try and put on a brave face for our daughter. Whilst he was still in hospital a nurse told me that in cases like his with symptoms as bad as he had there is usually 'nothing to be done and we send the home and try and keep them comfortable' a doctor also told me that he would not be eligible either now or in the future for a transplant. I felt hopeless.

My partner came home 3 weeks later and have since worked so hard despite aches and pains and fatigue to try and remain active, eat well and of course avoid alcohol. He was listed for transplant in Aug but his bloods continue to improve and he has gone from a UKELD of 60 to 52 6 months after he was told they now expected to see no further improvement.

Sorry for the long post but its been a heck of a year and I just needed to document some of it and say for people newly diagnosed or loved ones, never give up hope, to those struggling with partners who drink heavily I could never have dreamed that my partner could have given up for a year, he drank every single day, it can be done. If they have given up hope, if they dont think its worth it because the damage is done, my partner was seriously ill this time last year, they wouldn't tell me if he would be coming home but some how he did and managing to stay off alcohol has not only improved his health beyond belief (in hospital his bilirubin was almost 300, at last bloods it was 22!)but thrown him a lifeline of the possibility of a transplant.

Sending love and hope to all of you and thank you for all the help and advice over the past 12 months. I couldn't have got through it without you

xx

[Millie09]

What an amazing story Rshc.. i think so poignant for this time of year with many people celebrating in the pubs etc.. I think.. ( including myself ) sometimes feel like a stranger to the world .. even after nearly 15 years since end stage liver disease myself it can only take just a fraction of a second to fall in to the hands of alcohol drinking again. An absolute congratulations to you and your partner for self believing and never giving up Hope .

I wish you and yours a very very wonderful Christmas and a peaceful New year 😊...

Thank you 🎄..

Love and hugs linda xx

[Readlots]

What a difference a year makes, well done to you and your husband! Wishing you many more happy Christmases and a new liver in the new year!

[kyia]

It's wonderful what can be achieved with all your partner's hard work and your support. Here's to many more happy Christmasses!

[MrsWorried]

So pleased your husband has been able to turn things around, all with your strength and support. Huge congratulations to you both and best wishes for the future xx

[Foxdud]

well done to the pair of you, great news I’m so pleased for you both x

[pushthrough]

That is an amazing story. It goes to show that it’s not necessarily all science. The human will and determination is something to be admired. Glad to hear this!

G.