seizures and ARC

[cyclist11]

My sister has had stage 4 cirrhosis since 2016 she has periods of drinking in that time. She had a gastrointestinal haemorrhage in 2022. When she is in a good place she looks after herself and then goes into a low mood and starts drinking at this point she cuts me off. She totally denies she has had a drink!!She has been drinking since New year and cut me off till this week when she asked for help I was so shocked when I saw her extremely jaundiced unsteady and weight loss! She had a seizure just after I arrived and was taken to hospital she had another in the hospital too!! she is still there all the usual help with withdrawal vitamins hydration & minerals her electrolytes were through the floor 5 days in she is still yellow and very weak can’t stand. She had a head scan and liver abdomen scan as it’s Easter not many doctors around so unsure what to expect from here the seizures were very frightening that is a new development I’m at a loss to know what is happening in her body and what I can expect from here on… she is still saying she has not had a drink!!

[Aotea2012]

I’m really sorry to read your post. I’m afraid I’m not qualified to give you medical advice but I’m sure she is in the best place at the moment and sounds like they are doing all the right investigations. Hopefully, everything will crank back into action tomorrow after Easter and they’ll be able to explain the results. I’m sure you know that they’ll tell her to avoid alcohol. She may well be to be fair and this is a deterioration for other reasons. Going through a withdrawal though would suggest otherwise. I’d ask the medical staff for their assessment. It sounds a bit grim for you…it’s such a difficult thing to deal with. I’m afraid I was like your sister 3 years ago. A medical emergency being treated in hospital with confirmed cirrhosis. I had a deep rooted infection which had triggered my liver into failure. I was pretty sick. I was being pumped with IV antibiotics and fluids…including concentrations of vitamins as I was so malnourished. I was in a mess. My family were besides themselves with worry. I’m pleased to say…roll forward 3 years. Alcohol free since that hospital admission, health is much improved with normal bloods, no varices, no nasties on my u/s and on no medication. I’m working in a demanding job and feel better than I have for years. I have to say I’d never have believed it was possible 3 years ago…. but with the right support she could be in the same place. She will need support though…so ask the clinical staff what is available locally. I wish you all the best and fingers crossed that this admission will be her turning point. Make sure you look after yourself in all of this…it’s crucial.