Alcoholic Cirrhosis Prognosis

[kfsg]

My son-in-law was diagnosed with alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver when he went to ER 9 months ago with jaundice and ascites.  He has since been hospitalized 4 times, most recently in the ICU with vomiting blood (not the first time), ammonia in his system, mental confusion and infection (don't know where).  He and my daughter are getting a divorce so he and hospital staff will tell my daughter virtually nothing about his prognosis.  They have 3 small children.  What can you tell me about your best guess of a prognosis?

[KjFlicka]

It depends entirely on whether or not he continues to drink. If he does stop drinking completely and forever, there's a chance his liver could recover or he could get a transplant. If he keeps drinking, it's pretty much downhill from here. Maybe he needs to hear that his kids need him and they shouldn't grow up without a father. I was in a nearly identical situation as your son in law over 3 years ago, but I was able to see very clearly that if I continued to drink, I'd die. I have recovered very well and would NEVER touch a drop of alcohol because I have a son who should always have his mom.

I just fear the divorce is pushing him in the wrong direction. I know you're just his mother in law, but everyone could use a cheerleader once in a while.

Take care.

[kfsg]

Thanks for your response.  I have been his cheerleader for the last 2 years, but it's really hard when my daughter has "had it" with the drinking and lying about it.  It's just so sad for everyone involved.  He has been out of work (lost last job at least partly related to drinking) 1 year ago so he has no insurance and has been treated at the local hospital through their charity program.  I think he's applying for disability.  The more I read the more I think he'll be lucky to live 1 year.  

[kfsg]

I'm confused.  I have been reading this forum and see lots of notes about livers healing after the person stops drinking.  But I have read in so many places that cirrhosis is a progressive disease and that once the liver is damaged there's no going back.  Which is it?