HE and Variceal Bleed

[A-st3]

I last posted 2 years ago after being concerned for my mom and her drinking. She was diagnosed with cirrhosis and has now been alcohol free for just over 2 years.

She has had 2 variceal bleeds in the last 4 months, both times being found by her partner covered in blood and within a few weeks of seeing her consultant who said she was doing well.

She was released from hospital today after a 2 week stay. She has bloated considerably over the last few days, going up a couple of dress sizes. She is also very confused, she thinks she has a black labrador and was trying to find it when she got back from hospital - I believe this will be HE. Not particularly great when she is in the middle of a house sale and we have no power of attorney in place!

From anyone else's experience is this likely to subside? I have so many unanswered questions but other than the second day of her admission after the veins were banded have been unable to speak with a doctor.

[kensimmons]

"From anyone else's experience is this likely to subside?"

No. You need the doctor to help you now.

[bagpuss7 in reply to kensimmons]

Hi. I'm sorry to hear this. I am also sorry to say this but your mum should be taken back to hospital. She doesn't sound fit enough to be at home.

[Inthegame]

So sorry to hear what's happening to your mum, my partner had the same sort of thing happen to him , he had black tarry stools, went to A &E, they did an endoscopy, 4 varices, 3 were banded and the last one started bleeding, lost half a litre of blood, had blood transfusion, came home after staying in hospital a few days, no endoscopy done before coming home, 2 days later passed out, said he felt sick and blood came up, back to hospital, they did another endoscopy and said they were healing nicely, I don't think he should have come out without being checked, he is now on carvedilol, omprazole, spironolactone, was off all meds for about a year, definitely agree think your mum should be in hospital, there is a way back from this, my partner now home and just feeling tired, sending love and healing to your mum , and the whole family, I know how hard this is for you all .

[2022minks]

Sorry to hear about your mum, with your mum home from hospital there are things your doctor will be able to help with and if you have noticed more bloating it could mean her ascites has increased of which your gp with guidance from your mums gastrology consultant can prescribe medication. So keep calling don't give up until a doctor speaks to you. Increased HE symptoms can cause hallucinations, my mum was seeing cats, and all sorts of things that weren't there but it could also be caused by other things like an infection. In regards to power of attorney that can be more difficult to get set up if symptoms are on a decline, but also ask your mum when she is feeling better as she may already have set out her wishes and if not then it will be a help to her and family to get sorted, send you and your mum much love, you could ring the liver trust helpline for advice if struggling x