Husband has advanced cirrhosis of the liver

[mrwiggles]

Three weeks ago my husband was diagnosed with advanced cirrhosis of the liver, I am overwhelmed. He is not a drinker nor has ever used drugs. His was caused by diabetes & toxins from his place of work. He retired in January of last year and has been too tired to do much of anything. He was found to be extremely anemic 3 weeks ago and had to be transfused with two pints of blood on three occasions so far. He had an endoscopy done last Friday. They found varices in the lower third of the esophagus and banded them, the procedure will be repeated in three weeks to see if it is working. He had been hospitalized the week prior with fluid in the abdomen. They removed 6 pints of fluid and now is on medications to remove the rest.
Is there a diet that will help him? He is the love of my life and I am terrified. Can anyone help me to put this in the proper perspective?
Mr. Wiggles

[dickl]

I don't manage my health as well as I should . I still smoke and that's not good for the liver. I have been a drug addict and drank much of my life . I am not drinking or using  drugs . I got in big trouble after back surgery a few years ago , getting addicted to opiate pain killers , many loaded with tylenol This is not uncommon with pain mgt. patients . Hepatologists are gastro-intestinal docs that specialize in liver disease . I live in a tiny village in the hills of southern Ohio, we are 90 mi. from Cincy or Columbus . As my health improved the last year , I only see my hepatolgist every 3 months. You'll probably have to  go to the closest large hospital . You can use the internet to find a specialist. A G-I specialist would be the next best choice . You must also have your husband watch what meds he takes example , Tylenol is very hard on a bad liver . The obvious ones alcohol and many drugs are very dangerous . You should consult a doc before taking prescribed meds or over the counter drugs. Some liver patients have to eat low protein diets due to the injured liver's inability to process protein. There is a lot of info to learn . This site can be very helpful . I learned through my son having a bone marrow transplant13 yrs.ago , he's cured thank God , that knowledge is very important to manage a health problem . It can mean life or death . Ask questions of your docs ! Hope I am of some help to your
situation . I still have much to learn .

                                                                                                    dickl

[mrwiggles]

Thank you for your reply! It helps me to better understand this disease. It also helps to know that it's manageable. What exactly is a hepatologist? We live in a small town & I am not sure that we have any here. It has to be some type of blood doctor, am I assuming correctly? Any advice that you can share will certainly be appreciated.
Glad you are managing yours so well.

[dickl]

I am similar with advanced cirrhosis , I was diagnosed a year ago . Hospital , drain fluid , diuretics , and diet . Does your husband see a hepatologist , if not find one . I am doing  well although I have a lot of fatigue  but I've been fortunate so far . My diet is low sodium , 2500mg/day . You have to avoid fast foods and the middle isles of your supermarket. Look at labels on the products , its shocking how much sodium is in canned soups , spag sauces , some cheeses etc. A teaspoon of table salt is over 2000mg. Liquid restiction , anything that is liquid at room temp , 1500ml/day. When ever I veer off my diet I will put on pounds of fluid in a few hours. My doc has cut back my diuretics and I have to be even more careful . Water pills can be hard on the kidneys . I have found this is not a immediate death sentance , folks live years.I hope this was helpful

                                                                                     dickl
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