Husband dx with hep c 11yrs ago

[watching568]

My husband was dx with HCV 11 yrs ago (no treatment) and is an alcoholic activley drinking for 9 of those years Still drinks.  In feburary had a EGD and has varicies in esphogas(sp) but there no sigh of bleeding yet. How long does it take for the the bleeding to start?  I would think that he doesn't have much time.

[nygirl7]

I would advise that you get yourself some help because you are going to need it.  Find a good Alanon group or something that you can join in because the way your husband is going you are in for a tough road ahead. Make sure his will is up to date and that you are covered as financially as you can. It's sad but necessary. When my husband died last year I didn't even have the money to bury him - on top of the grief it was almost impossible to deal with. Since your husband it not going to do anything to help his situation - you can only look to taking care of your own.

It's not selfish - it's a matter of survival.  Take it from one that knows.

I wish you all the best.

[watching568]

Thank you for the information and I did a google in cirrhosis..My Uncle has it and is int he stage of bleeding varices with reoccurences. So I guess that what we have to look forward too.
The last GI says' My husband is not a good candidate for HCV treatment due to his drinking. So you are exactly right about it being up to him.  My husband is showing no signs of wanting to quit. Thanks

[HectorSF]

Your husband needs to be in the care of a hepatologist. Your husband has cirrhosis of the liver, which is a potentially fatal illness unless something is done to change the course of the illness. Varices is only one of many complications of cirrhosis. (Google "cirrhosis" to learn more about the disease). And in time the complications will get progressively worse. There is medicine and procedures to reduce the chances of him bleeding from the varices. Once he starts bleeding it is difficult to stop reoccurrences. Each time he bleeds it could be fatal.

First, he will need to stop drinking. Then he will need to see if he can still do HCV treatment or if his liver disease is too advances his only other option in order to continue to live is a liver transplant. He will not be eligible for a transplant unless he stops drinking. So it is really up to him.

You should focus on taking care of yourself. If someone wants to destroy him or herself there is nothing anyone can do about it. Hopefully he will see the light before it is too late.

Best of luck to you.
Hector

[FlGuy]

You might check back with the GI.  I'd expect with varicies hubby should be on a pretty regular scope schedule.  Maybe six months since last means it's time for another.