Dying of (ALCOHOL) END-STAGE LIVER FAILURE

[we3lsc]

Hi my name is Lorri, my cousin Michelle is dying from END-STAGE liver failure due to drinking. She has been in the hospital for over a month now, doctors tell her and her family that she is TOO SICK for a transplant, today she was able to eat SOME watermelon, and was able to get up WITH HELP to go to the restroom. Her symptoms were, JAUNDICE - BLOATING - WEIGHT GAIN -TIRED and probably a few other things I can't remember. She was at the University Hospital in Madison Wisconsin, she wanted to be closer to home, so after a few days of her arguing with the doctors over there they agreed to let her go to Rockford Memorial Hospital in Rockford, Ill, 2 1/2 days after she was at the R.M. hospital they told her (she didn't ask) she could either go home with HOSPICE taking care of her, or to a nursing home (WHY R.M. DID THIS IS BEYOND ME). I am looking ALL OVER THE INTERNET for her MIRACLE. ANY HELP WE CAN GET WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. My aunt & uncle has NOT mentioned any of the pills I see in the forum about Hep C.....

PLEASE HELP ME SAVE MY COUSIN'S LIFE

Thank You,
Lorri in Elkhart
I think she needs to be taken out of the Nursing Home and go back to University Hospital in Madison Wisconsin

[opaw503]

you are all lucky your government supported you..im from a country that liver transplant is so expensive..i dont even have money to buy the medications.so im still working even its very hard for me..i dont really know what to do maybe i will cut it short i mean less suffering.its gonna be ugly anyway..

[opaw503]

you are all lucky your government supported you..im from a country that liver transplant is so expensive..i dont even have money to buy the medications.so im still working even its very hard for me..i dont really know what to do maybe i will cut it short i mean less suffering.its gonna be ugly anyway..

[benny613]

Hi I was reading your story and it sounds so much like what we are going through right now. My brother 46 was given 2 months to live due to liver failure caused by alcohol and Hep B . Scared him a bit, he was put in the hospital for 4 weeks, and got better real quick. That was March 2011. He started drinking again right after he got out of the hospital. It's hard to believe but he is still working in a bar and walking. I don't know how he does it. His stomach is very swollen, he can't eat and doesn't sleep much, but he' still going!!!  He's still drinking every day. Needs to have beer when he wakes up...It's like he thinks everyone was wrong about how sick he is... I'm a little confused myself. He won't let anyone see him. He tells my mother he's never felt better, but i know how sick he is. He won't talk to me anymore.

I just don't get it... could the doctors have been wrong??

[missmysis]

I just lost my 43 year old sister one week ago from alcoholic liver cirrhosis.  It is a horrible disease.   Don't judge them because alcoholism is a real disease.  Although it is self induced, it is a true addiction.  My sister said she would have to get a beer first thing when she woke up in the morning because if she didn't, she would get the shakes.  Also, people have to be taken off of alcohol slowly...it is very dangerous to stop immediately.  She was one of those people who had to hit rock bottom before she would change.  She was diagnosed with cirrhosis in 2007 & quit drinking for about 6 wks. until symptoms went away.  Then, she started drinking again. She was drinking about a case of beer a day.   In 2010, the doctors told her if she continued to drink, she would not live another year.  I think that finally made her realize how serious her condition was.  She quit drinking in May 2010.  She tried to get on the liver transplant list, but was turned down by UVA  in Dec. 2010 for several reasons.  They felt she was high risk for returning to the same life style.  I watched her condition deteriorate.  She had encephopathy which caused her hands to shake so bad she could not even feed herself.  She had diarrhea on herself & didn't even know it.  Nausea and vomitting, difficulty swallowing because of the varices, in & out of the hospital for paracentesis, ICU because of e-coli infection, extreme confusion with difficulty talking,  in & out of a coma 3 times due to high ammonia levels.  Finally on April 15th, she went into the hospital non-responsive for 3 days.  The doctors told me she had 24-48 hours.  Then she woke up.  She did ok for about a week, then on Easter Sunday, she quit eating and drinking.  She could answer my questions with one word answers but she could not stay awake or keep her eyes open.  By Monday, I only got her to answer 2 questions with "yes".  Come Tues., no response from her at all.  She remained in this comatose state until she passed away on Thurs. morning @ 7:55 am.  I was there with her when she took her last breath.  I cannot express to you how long & horrific it is to die like this.  I cannot get the images of her out of my mind.  Never give up on your loved one.  Believe me, we had our battles.  I talked till I was blue in the face trying to help her.  She had to want it for herself & she could never do it until it was too late.  I miss her so bad.  The only wonderfuld thing about this is that she rededicated her life to Christ before she died so I know now that she is eternally happy & healthy!

[Poseys_Posie]

It's heart wrenching reading this.  My Father died of the same exact thing 2-28-2001.  No matter what you do, they (patient) are too far gone.  When I say that, I mean mentally.  They have given up.  At this point, the doctor is right, the liver is shot, the fact of the matter is, the liver doesn't 'heal' itself.  My Father kept sneaking beer and didn't care.  Finally I saw him suffer.  He was in his death bed, turned a deep orange and finally I held his hand as he gave his last breaths.  
it's late, going to bed.  Good night Robin and I'm sorry about your cousin.  

[rockinrobin32]

Thanks:O)

She also seems to be drinking more..she says her doctor told her that her liver is gone and if having a beer here and there is what makes her happy, then go for it.
Does that sound right?  Her doctor gave her until February..which it's march now...so in her mind she's beat it and is drinking hand over fist..not one here and there..she is a full blown alcoholic and goes nuts w/out it...hmmm or with it, so I guess at this point it really doesn't make a difference.  But yes..the confusion is there for sure...

[Bill1954]

If your friend has been diagnosed with cirrhosis, she may be experiencing HE:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hepatic_encephalopathy

“Hepatic encephalopathy (also known as portosystemic encephalopathy) is the occurrence of confusion, altered level of consciousness and coma as a result of liver failure. In the advanced stages it is called hepatic coma or coma hepaticum. It may ultimately lead to death.[1]

It is caused by accumulation in the bloodstream of toxic substances that are normally removed by the liver. The diagnosis of hepatic encephalopathy requires the presence of impaired liver function and the exclusion of an alternative explanation for the symptoms. Blood tests (ammonia levels) may assist in the diagnosis. Attacks are often precipitated by an intercurrent problem, such as infection or constipation.[1][2]”

To some extent morbidity/mortality can be determined by ‘MELD’ score; her doctor can guide her in this. Good luck to you both,

Bill

[rockinrobin32]

My friend has cirrhosis of the liver...I've been told that she can't get a transplant..b/c she ruined her liver herself..with her drinking..AND SHE STILL DRINKS.  No signs of stopping..so that's understandable.  What I want to know is about her mental health...anybody been through this with someone that just starts to do "off the wall" things?  It's affecting her brain now...she thinks her husband served her w/ divorce papers...and she shredded them...but he didn't and he looks into the shreddar box after she is dogging him about these papers he knows nothing about..and there is shredded newspaper..but she swears a sheriff delivered them to her and she didn't even look at them...just shredded them..the next day, she realized this never happened.
I'm guessing this is typical...how long usually does someone have to live at this point?  Also with her being delusional, it worries me..she is STILL DRIVING and alone alot of times.   I'd hate to know she'd be on the road and have one of these episodes!  I think her hubby is going to her doctor with this info today..and her family.  Will the doctor have her licensed pulled?..or how does that work anyway?
any good ideas/stories are welcomed.

[R Glass]

Then we can move on to boycotting places that sell cell phones because some people abuse them by using them while they drive. Then on to Fast Food Restaurants and Grocery Stores because people are obese. Then on to Boycotting Churches, because of all of the people that have been killed because of religion.  We should be able to completely control the world in about a year.

[tired277]

Why do the non drinkers watch love ones die from aclohol and not do anything about it polictically? we talk about it and do nothing? boycott places that advertise alcohol tell the shop owners stop letting innocent people die each year! whipe out the product and you whipe out alcohol make it hard for people to drink! close down those dark dingy evil bars! ENOUGH!!!!!! God help us all!!!! never give up on the alcoholic!!!!!!!!!! they need us non drinkers to help them!!!!!!!

[missy_jasons_girl]

Wow your stories are so inspiring! I will pray for you and your families, good luck.. <3 melissa

[karilouise]

I pray for you and hope for a miracle because my father died from the same thing about a month and half ago. Three years ago he made a miraculous recovery and then things had just gone too far and they told us he couldn't be saved a second time. It hurts everyday and I pity anyone that has to go through this terrible thing. Peace be with you.

[einsteinus]

How much sympathy would one get from having this disease due to drug addiction? One thing is clear people with big bucks (IE David Crosby of Crosby Stills Nash and Young) was a big abuser of both drugs and alcohol and he got a new liver.  Why should transplants be given to those that have a potential to still abuse themselves. I have been off drugs for many years and now I am paying the price for what I did by undergoing treatment for HEP C.   I am lucky because I am not dead yet and I have realized a reduction in my viral from 7 MIL to almost undetecable after only 2 weeks of treatment.  I have no sympathy for those that do this to themselves and even though I have no idea where I got HVC from I have no sympathy for even myself because I did this by using.  You have to take responsibility for what you do and my heart goes out to your mother (if she is still alive) but remember there are a lot of people that have liver disease that did nothing to deserve it and they should come first before the rich, the alcoholics and drug addicts like myself in getting transplants. They are the better risk.  Luckily for me I am getting better the getting better has to start with respecting the body you are given; only after doing that can you get really well.

[Andromedae]

Lori,
   I am sorry for your pain regarding your cousin's illness and my condolences to all the others who have had to suffer the effects of another's alcoholism.    

   I currently rent a room from a couple.  I watch the man go through half a gallon of Vodka a DAY each and every weekend.  I watch him drink maybe half that amount every weekday.  He drinks - he sleeps and he works.  He does nothing else.  

Actions have consequences,  The consequences of 10 or 20 years of hard drinking will be liver failure and eventual death.  No one should be surprised by this.  If a person chooses to be an alcoholic for 20 years then they and everyone around them need to accept the consequences of that person's actions.

There is no magic cure or miracle that can turn back the effects of a lifetime of self-abusive behavior.  I'm sorry.  You may wish to check out a support group such as al-anon to help you through this.

[pjpie]

has she stopped drinking and will she stop after a trancplant? thats the question.
Here is the other , is there money , if there is you can always go to the transplant hospitals in asia . They will do transplants with good after care , but it is wildly expensive. Until then there are diets and cleansings and meds to help her get back into shape for an operation. It is all the attitude of the dr's . there is a stigma that goes with end stage liver via drinking , the "well she did it to her self" thing . But truth, if she is just going to trash a liver they give her then they wont do it, the asians dont care , just give me the money. i saw this on 60 min, so take it with a grain of salt but money talks
hope you find the help and I will pray for you guys

[sickofwastedmoney]

..And what about those who are lucky enough to actually get a liver transplant and STILL continue to drink???????   And of course, the 6 patients I have seen in the last year like this have all been on state-pay-  which means it actually comes out of my pocket so that they have the money to buy more booze.  ENOUGH!  While I recognize that alcoholism is a disease, it is a treatable one and people should get a grip before hundreds of thousands of dollars are wasted and livers are destroyed by bottles.

[Magnum]

Cirrhosis is not the end. I have a friend who is working full time and has had Cirrhosis for 13 years. Naturally, she is weak and tires daily, but not jaundiced and controlling her problem well. Her insurance at work will not cover treatment and she is begging the Vertex people for a clinical trial entry.

This should inspire everyone (including myself, who is said to be at the beginning stages of Cirrhosis), that all hope is not lost. Eat well, no drinking, no stress, plenty of sleep, and the body will fight.

Magnum

[3rdByrd]

My 42 year old brother was told that it is time for hospice to be set up at home. He has had pancres issues for 3 years from drinking and now his liver is late stage. How much longer do you think he has? and what will happen?

[cierra2007]

Sorry about your father

My prayers are with you and your family I know its a  very sad situation, may God give you strength.

Cierra 2007

[cierra2007]

To Forseegood
May God Be with you and your family, Just stay strong you could do it.
The Lord will guide you through this difficult times.

To knight2  I'm so sorry for your loss and my prayers are with you and family. I Lost my father too, a few years ago the sad part was that I was not able to see him when he was in the Hospital in Germany. I was 9 months pregnant and having so many complications with my health the doctors said traveling was out of the question. He was in a coma for 16 days I pray to the Lord for my child to be born soon,but with no luck he was 2 weeks overdue.
Sadly my father die and I did not get a chance to say I love you or GoodBye.
Life sucks sometimes but what can we do.    


GOD BLESS YOU ALL

Cierra2007

To we3lsc/ Lorri

[knight2]

i just lost my brother to end stage alcoholism--his name was geary and i would like people to know that this disease kills--what is the answer to making someone want to live--i think there are depression, mental health issues that are ignored.  God bless us here who have compassion for the sadness and emptiness of addiction

[jenny.ehawee]

I too have seen my mother in and out of hospitals, poked and prodded, kidney machines, full out jaundice, blood vessels in her eyes popped, swollen stomach, spiders all over her body, water tubes, colonoscopies, even a short stint of blindness...I was so mad at her that day walking into the hospital an her eyes were wide open as much as she could open them. Her knuckles were white cause she was holding the rail so tightly and trying to follow the wall and grasping at me while waiting for the elevator. Alcoholism is a horrible disease, and is half the battle. Everytime she gets better and released from the doctor's care she goes back into her routine and drinks again. All I can do is pray....then leave the rest in God's hands.

[asstni]

I have just found out that my father is dying of the same thing. I hope your cousin can make a better recovery than him as he doesn't want his life and doesnt appreiciate the chances he has been given. I am in turmoil over his condition, so are my brother and sisters. I really hope you have a better ending than me.

[misguidedmck]

Hello, and thank you for your comment.  Can you please let me know the type of diet that was used in your sisters home care.  I am taking my brother home in a few days and need all the help I can get.  He has the will power, streangth of character and love - I need the proper diet there are so many variables.