Guest guest Posted April 15, 2006 Report Share Posted April 15, 2006 I'm glad to have found more people I have things in common with! I'm looking forward to getting to know you all!! Becki Hello Becki: Welcome and congratulations on that 12 pound weight loss. Happy day to you Better tomorrow HBD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 15, 2006 Report Share Posted April 15, 2006 Welcome Becki! Jane! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 12, 2008 Report Share Posted September 12, 2008 Hello to all you brave caring people, I am a new member here . My name is Lynn I am a mother, wife and Grandma, ( very young one) LOL. I joined this group at the beginning of the week and have spent days reading everything. I do not uinderstand a lot but am getting most. My younger brother has cirrhosis of the liver due to many years of abusing alcohol and drugs. I came here for support and info. Boy am I getting the info. My brother's wife left him earlier this yr. and took their daughter with her. She filed for divorce and this has left brother devestated. you see she was abusing the same throughout thir marriage and just recently stopped due to hep c and other health issues.She said she can't be there and watch another husband die. Yes I did say ANOTHER. My brother has also stopped so he says. I have to try and believe him and from reading the posts he may be telling the truth.He has now moved in with my elderly parents and is driving them bonkers it's like looking after an infant or alzheimers patient and taking it's toll on them heaqlth and mentally wise. I can't take him in cause I have no room and children still at home. The GUILT is killing me. I don't know what his levels are all I know is they are whacked. No insurance and has to go through the county which isn't the best of care. I do know his platelets are about 29. I do know they said no surgery cause of platelets and no veins left(drugs). I do know he is getting worse by the day. He is not jaundice yet, But he is bloated, in pain, can barely walk, has boobs, has no appetite and when he does eat it is lil and junk, he is suffering from what I call dementia for lack of a better word. His amonia levels are high. Hence the confusion and story telling. He falls asleep while talking and with lit cigarettes. He is at the docs all the time for this test and that one. First they said yes to colon cancer then no. He does have infections in colon and is on a lot of antibiotics. He is also on that one drug begins with " L " slipped mind now.Fot the confusion/ amonia levels. he doesn't know he is confused but geesh for example he tried screwing a light bulb into a garden hose and that is only one of many.He denies and makes excuses and stories to cover when we tell him. Oh well that is a lil of our story. Look fwd to meeting you all. also look fwd to learning how to stay strong until the end and how to prepare and finding out how long he will be among the living. I love him so much and feel helpless that I can;t fix this for him lynn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 12, 2008 Report Share Posted September 12, 2008 Welcome to the group. You'll find a treasure chest of information and support here. I damaged my liver from 25-30 of alcoholism. If they are detecting high amonia levels, more than likely, that " L " drug you are referring to may be lactulose. Several posters here can explain the purpose and actions of lactulose. I have a prescription for it. I don't know why, neither do some Dr.s, but my amonia levels can get very high but I remain lucid. Knock on wood.I have taken it but I don't take it on a routine basis and I eat very little animal protein. Good luck and again Welcome. Subject: new member To: livercirrhosissupport Date: Friday, September 12, 2008, 1:52 PM Hello to all you brave caring people, I am a new member here . My name is Lynn I am a mother, wife and Grandma, ( very young one) LOL. I joined this group at the beginning of the week and have spent days reading everything. I do not uinderstand a lot but am getting most. My younger brother has cirrhosis of the liver due to many years of abusing alcohol and drugs. I came here for support and info. Boy am I getting the info. My brother's wife left him earlier this yr. and took their daughter with her. She filed for divorce and this has left brother devestated. you see she was abusing the same throughout thir marriage and just recently stopped due to hep c and other health issues.She said she can't be there and watch another husband die. Yes I did say ANOTHER. My brother has also stopped so he says. I have to try and believe him and from reading the posts he may be telling the truth.He has now moved in with my elderly parents and is driving them bonkers it's like looking after an infant or alzheimers patient and taking it's toll on them heaqlth and mentally wise. I can't take him in cause I have no room and children still at home. The GUILT is killing me. I don't know what his levels are all I know is they are whacked. No insurance and has to go through the county which isn't the best of care. I do know his platelets are about 29. I do know they said no surgery cause of platelets and no veins left(drugs). I do know he is getting worse by the day. He is not jaundice yet, But he is bloated, in pain, can barely walk, has boobs, has no appetite and when he does eat it is lil and junk, he is suffering from what I call dementia for lack of a better word. His amonia levels are high. Hence the confusion and story telling. He falls asleep while talking and with lit cigarettes. He is at the docs all the time for this test and that one. First they said yes to colon cancer then no. He does have infections in colon and is on a lot of antibiotics. He is also on that one drug begins with " L " slipped mind now.Fot the confusion/ amonia levels. he doesn't know he is confused but geesh for example he tried screwing a light bulb into a garden hose and that is only one of many.He denies and makes excuses and stories to cover when we tell him. Oh well that is a lil of our story. Look fwd to meeting you all. also look fwd to learning how to stay strong until the end and how to prepare and finding out how long he will be among the living. I love him so much and feel helpless that I can;t fix this for him lynn ------------------------------------ Group Email: livercirrhosissupport web address: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/livercirrhosissupport/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 12, 2008 Report Share Posted September 12, 2008 Welcome Lynn, I'm so sorry your brother is sick. There are many people here living with cirrhosis and their caregivers, some who are waiting for transplant and those who have been transplanted. A wealth of knowledge for sure!! I was caretaker to my mother after she was diagnosed with non alcoholic cirrhosis due to medication and fatty liver disease. My experience is mostly with end stage liver disease and caring for a dying loved one. Welcome and jump in any time! Pamela new member Hello to all you brave caring people, I am a new member here . My name is Lynn I am a mother, wife and Grandma, ( very young one) LOL. I joined this group at the beginning of the week and have spent days reading everything. I do not uinderstand a lot but am getting most. My younger brother has cirrhosis of the liver due to many years of abusing alcohol and drugs. I came here for support and info. Boy am I getting the info. My brother's wife left him earlier this yr. and took their daughter with her. She filed for divorce and this has left brother devestated. you see she was abusing the same throughout thir marriage and just recently stopped due to hep c and other health issues.She said she can't be there and watch another husband die. Yes I did say ANOTHER. My brother has also stopped so he says. I have to try and believe him and from reading the posts he may be telling the truth.He has now moved in with my elderly parents and is driving them bonkers it's like looking after an infant or alzheimers patient and taking it's toll on them heaqlth and mentally wise. I can't take him in cause I have no room and children still at home. The GUILT is killing me. I don't know what his levels are all I know is they are whacked. No insurance and has to go through the county which isn't the best of care. I do know his platelets are about 29. I do know they said no surgery cause of platelets and no veins left(drugs). I do know he is getting worse by the day. He is not jaundice yet, But he is bloated, in pain, can barely walk, has boobs, has no appetite and when he does eat it is lil and junk, he is suffering from what I call dementia for lack of a better word. His amonia levels are high. Hence the confusion and story telling. He falls asleep while talking and with lit cigarettes. He is at the docs all the time for this test and that one. First they said yes to colon cancer then no. He does have infections in colon and is on a lot of antibiotics. He is also on that one drug begins with " L " slipped mind now.Fot the confusion/ amonia levels. he doesn't know he is confused but geesh for example he tried screwing a light bulb into a garden hose and that is only one of many.He denies and makes excuses and stories to cover when we tell him. Oh well that is a lil of our story. Look fwd to meeting you all. also look fwd to learning how to stay strong until the end and how to prepare and finding out how long he will be among the living. I love him so much and feel helpless that I can;t fix this for him lynn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 12, 2008 Report Share Posted September 12, 2008 welcome lynn, you will be very happy here, its agroup of great people, i am sorry to hear about your brother ,you all will be in my prayers ,how old is your brother? and you can NEVER be to young to be a grammy, its the greatest. you will find what you need here ,i have . i pray you all have a blessed day, much love barby > > Hello to all you brave caring people, > I am a new member here . My name is Lynn I am a mother, wife and > Grandma, ( very young one) LOL. > > I joined this group at the beginning of the week and have spent days > reading everything. I do not uinderstand a lot but am getting most. > My younger brother has cirrhosis of the liver due to many years of > abusing alcohol and drugs. I came here for support and info. Boy am I > getting the info. > > My brother's wife left him earlier this yr. and took their daughter > with her. She filed for divorce and this has left brother devestated. > you see she was abusing the same throughout thir marriage and just > recently stopped due to hep c and other health issues.She said she > can't be there and watch another husband die. Yes I did say ANOTHER. > My brother has also stopped so he says. I have to try and believe him > and from reading the posts he may be telling the truth.He has now > moved in with my elderly parents and is driving them bonkers it's > like looking after an infant or alzheimers patient and taking it's > toll on them heaqlth and mentally wise. I can't take him in cause I > have no room and children still at home. The GUILT is killing me. > > I don't know what his levels are all I know is they are whacked. No > insurance and has to go through the county which isn't the best of > care. I do know his platelets are about 29. I do know they said no > surgery cause of platelets and no veins left(drugs). I do know he is > getting worse by the day. He is not jaundice yet, But he is bloated, > in pain, can barely walk, has boobs, has no appetite and when he does > eat it is lil and junk, he is suffering from what I call dementia for > lack of a better word. His amonia levels are high. Hence the > confusion and story telling. He falls asleep while talking and with > lit cigarettes. He is at the docs all the time for this test and that > one. First they said yes to colon cancer then no. He does have > infections in colon and is on a lot of antibiotics. He is also on > that one drug begins with " L " slipped mind now.Fot the confusion/ > amonia levels. he doesn't know he is confused but geesh for example > he tried screwing a light bulb into a garden hose and that is only > one of many.He denies and makes excuses and stories to cover when we > tell him. > Oh well that is a lil of our story. Look fwd to meeting you all. also > look fwd to learning how to stay strong until the end and how to > prepare and finding out how long he will be among the living. I love > him so much and feel helpless that I can;t fix this for him > > lynn > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 12, 2008 Report Share Posted September 12, 2008 Welcome Lynn. I am Bobby, a 45 year old man with end stage liver disease from alcoholism. What you describe sounds very familiar to me. My best friend died of alcoholic liver disease, and was at time as confused as your brother sounds. It was very difficult to watch. She ended up homeless, and my wife and I " took her in " , and though she couldn't stay in the house because of her cat allergy, and our herd of kitties, she stayed in our camper for 9 months until her SSDI came through and we could get her into her own apartment again . You should stop feeling guilty right now. Ardis and I were best friends, and I invested every resource to keep her off the mean streets of Denver. She had abuse issues, and because I had been her rival many years before, I had a guilty conscious, and would not let her fall through any more cracks in the system (even against my wife's better judgment). I made a commitment to Ardisin my own heart to keep her safe and dry. But in the end , it consumed me. I had to prepare all of her meals, and be in charge of her medications, and even devise a potty chair for her in the camper, because she could no longer walk. I ended up nearly dead by the time she died in Aug.2006. Your parents are in a precarious position. Hepatic encephalopathy is a horrible thing. There is no telling what a person will do. I with children in the home, you musnt give in to your guilt and let him in. It would put the children at great risk. There is not much we can do but we are here if you need someone to talk to. Love, Bobby new member Hello to all you brave caring people, I am a new member here . My name is Lynn I am a mother, wife and Grandma, ( very young one) LOL. I joined this group at the beginning of the week and have spent days reading everything. I do not uinderstand a lot but am getting most. My younger brother has cirrhosis of the liver due to many years of abusing alcohol and drugs. I came here for support and info. Boy am I getting the info. My brother's wife left him earlier this yr. and took their daughter with her. She filed for divorce and this has left brother devestated. you see she was abusing the same throughout thir marriage and just recently stopped due to hep c and other health issues.She said she can't be there and watch another husband die. Yes I did say ANOTHER. My brother has also stopped so he says. I have to try and believe him and from reading the posts he may be telling the truth.He has now moved in with my elderly parents and is driving them bonkers it's like looking after an infant or alzheimers patient and taking it's toll on them heaqlth and mentally wise. I can't take him in cause I have no room and children still at home. The GUILT is killing me. I don't know what his levels are all I know is they are whacked. No insurance and has to go through the county which isn't the best of care. I do know his platelets are about 29. I do know they said no surgery cause of platelets and no veins left(drugs). I do know he is getting worse by the day. He is not jaundice yet, But he is bloated, in pain, can barely walk, has boobs, has no appetite and when he does eat it is lil and junk, he is suffering from what I call dementia for lack of a better word. His amonia levels are high. Hence the confusion and story telling. He falls asleep while talking and with lit cigarettes. He is at the docs all the time for this test and that one. First they said yes to colon cancer then no. He does have infections in colon and is on a lot of antibiotics. He is also on that one drug begins with " L " slipped mind now.Fot the confusion/ amonia levels. he doesn't know he is confused but geesh for example he tried screwing a light bulb into a garden hose and that is only one of many.He denies and makes excuses and stories to cover when we tell him. Oh well that is a lil of our story. Look fwd to meeting you all. also look fwd to learning how to stay strong until the end and how to prepare and finding out how long he will be among the living. I love him so much and feel helpless that I can;t fix this for him lynn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 12, 2008 Report Share Posted September 12, 2008 Hello Lynn; Welcome to the group, I am Kurt and I am the caregiver for my wife. This is an outstanding group and I have learned so much, and it helps me understand what my wife is going thru, and this group is so friendly and understand. Again welcome from me and my wife Now to all the others, I want to say I hope and pray that everyone is doing good. I was in school for the last week, and wow a lot has happened. Kurt #1 Care giver..for my wife. Subject: new member To: livercirrhosissupport Date: Friday, September 12, 2008, 1:52 PM Hello to all you brave caring people, I am a new member here . My name is Lynn I am a mother, wife and Grandma, ( very young one) LOL. I joined this group at the beginning of the week and have spent days reading everything. I do not uinderstand a lot but am getting most. My younger brother has cirrhosis of the liver due to many years of abusing alcohol and drugs. I came here for support and info. Boy am I getting the info. My brother's wife left him earlier this yr. and took their daughter with her. She filed for divorce and this has left brother devestated. you see she was abusing the same throughout thir marriage and just recently stopped due to hep c and other health issues.She said she can't be there and watch another husband die. Yes I did say ANOTHER. My brother has also stopped so he says. I have to try and believe him and from reading the posts he may be telling the truth.He has now moved in with my elderly parents and is driving them bonkers it's like looking after an infant or alzheimers patient and taking it's toll on them heaqlth and mentally wise. I can't take him in cause I have no room and children still at home. The GUILT is killing me. I don't know what his levels are all I know is they are whacked. No insurance and has to go through the county which isn't the best of care. I do know his platelets are about 29. I do know they said no surgery cause of platelets and no veins left(drugs). I do know he is getting worse by the day. He is not jaundice yet, But he is bloated, in pain, can barely walk, has boobs, has no appetite and when he does eat it is lil and junk, he is suffering from what I call dementia for lack of a better word. His amonia levels are high. Hence the confusion and story telling. He falls asleep while talking and with lit cigarettes. He is at the docs all the time for this test and that one. First they said yes to colon cancer then no. He does have infections in colon and is on a lot of antibiotics. He is also on that one drug begins with " L " slipped mind now.Fot the confusion/ amonia levels. he doesn't know he is confused but geesh for example he tried screwing a light bulb into a garden hose and that is only one of many.He denies and makes excuses and stories to cover when we tell him. Oh well that is a lil of our story. Look fwd to meeting you all. also look fwd to learning how to stay strong until the end and how to prepare and finding out how long he will be among the living. I love him so much and feel helpless that I can;t fix this for him lynn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 12, 2008 Report Share Posted September 12, 2008 Welcome Lynn, I'm MaC and was a caregiver for my wife who passed away from cirrhosis at the age of 31. I will echo everyone elses words. You have come to a wonderful group, with wonderful loving members that are all here to support you and share with you their experiences. Please post any questions that come to your mind. MaC aunttrbl wrote: Hello to all you brave caring people, I am a new member here . My name is Lynn I am a mother, wife and Grandma, ( very young one) LOL. I joined this group at the beginning of the week and have spent days reading everything. I do not uinderstand a lot but am getting most. My younger brother has cirrhosis of the liver due to many years of abusing alcohol and drugs. I came here for support and info. Boy am I getting the info. My brother's wife left him earlier this yr. and took their daughter with her. She filed for divorce and this has left brother devestated. you see she was abusing the same throughout thir marriage and just recently stopped due to hep c and other health issues.She said she can't be there and watch another husband die. Yes I did say ANOTHER. My brother has also stopped so he says. I have to try and believe him and from reading the posts he may be telling the truth.He has now moved in with my elderly parents and is driving them bonkers it's like looking after an infant or alzheimers patient and taking it's toll on them heaqlth and mentally wise. I can't take him in cause I have no room and children still at home. The GUILT is killing me. I don't know what his levels are all I know is they are whacked. No insurance and has to go through the county which isn't the best of care. I do know his platelets are about 29. I do know they said no surgery cause of platelets and no veins left(drugs). I do know he is getting worse by the day. He is not jaundice yet, But he is bloated, in pain, can barely walk, has boobs, has no appetite and when he does eat it is lil and junk, he is suffering from what I call dementia for lack of a better word. His amonia levels are high. Hence the confusion and story telling. He falls asleep while talking and with lit cigarettes. He is at the docs all the time for this test and that one. First they said yes to colon cancer then no. He does have infections in colon and is on a lot of antibiotics. He is also on that one drug begins with " L " slipped mind now.Fot the confusion/ amonia levels. he doesn't know he is confused but geesh for example he tried screwing a light bulb into a garden hose and that is only one of many.He denies and makes excuses and stories to cover when we tell him. Oh well that is a lil of our story. Look fwd to meeting you all. also look fwd to learning how to stay strong until the end and how to prepare and finding out how long he will be among the living. I love him so much and feel helpless that I can;t fix this for him lynn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 12, 2008 Report Share Posted September 12, 2008 Hi Lynn, Welcome to the group! I am so sorry to hear of your brother's health problems as well as the problems with his ex-wife and child. Dealing with end stage liver disease is a difficult and draining process for all concerned. Try not to eat yourself up with guilt. Do what you can for your brother and know that you are only human and have limitations. Does your brother have Advance Directives or a Power of Attorney for Healthcare purposes? If not, that is one of the first things I would recommend he do. You might mention that to him and encourage him to do it. It will be so much easier if he makes the decisions now instead of leaving all of that unsaid and for you and your family to figure out as you go. Has he considered a hospice or nursing facility as a resource for his care? A hospice would be ideal in that they can offer him the comfort care he needs and can help take the burden from your parents. Is he considering a transplant? If so, the transplant team will include a social worker that could help your family in dealing with physical, emotional, mental and financial problems of dealing with the upcoming days. Please know we are all in this together and we are here for you when you need us. You and your entire family are in my prayers. May God grant you peace and strength for the days ahead. Love and hugs............ Diane C. from TN new member Hello to all you brave caring people, I am a new member here . My name is Lynn I am a mother, wife and Grandma, ( very young one) LOL. I joined this group at the beginning of the week and have spent days reading everything. I do not uinderstand a lot but am getting most. My younger brother has cirrhosis of the liver due to many years of abusing alcohol and drugs. I came here for support and info. Boy am I getting the info. My brother's wife left him earlier this yr. and took their daughter with her. She filed for divorce and this has left brother devestated. you see she was abusing the same throughout thir marriage and just recently stopped due to hep c and other health issues.She said she can't be there and watch another husband die. Yes I did say ANOTHER. My brother has also stopped so he says. I have to try and believe him and from reading the posts he may be telling the truth.He has now moved in with my elderly parents and is driving them bonkers it's like looking after an infant or alzheimers patient and taking it's toll on them heaqlth and mentally wise. I can't take him in cause I have no room and children still at home. The GUILT is killing me. I don't know what his levels are all I know is they are whacked. No insurance and has to go through the county which isn't the best of care. I do know his platelets are about 29. I do know they said no surgery cause of platelets and no veins left(drugs). I do know he is getting worse by the day. He is not jaundice yet, But he is bloated, in pain, can barely walk, has boobs, has no appetite and when he does eat it is lil and junk, he is suffering from what I call dementia for lack of a better word. His amonia levels are high. Hence the confusion and story telling. He falls asleep while talking and with lit cigarettes. He is at the docs all the time for this test and that one. First they said yes to colon cancer then no. He does have infections in colon and is on a lot of antibiotics. He is also on that one drug begins with " L " slipped mind now.Fot the confusion/ amonia levels. he doesn't know he is confused but geesh for example he tried screwing a light bulb into a garden hose and that is only one of many.He denies and makes excuses and stories to cover when we tell him. Oh well that is a lil of our story. Look fwd to meeting you all. also look fwd to learning how to stay strong until the end and how to prepare and finding out how long he will be among the living. I love him so much and feel helpless that I can;t fix this for him lynn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 8, 2008 Report Share Posted October 8, 2008 Hi Sue and welcome to the group! I'm sorry to learn of your illness but so happy to have you with us. I am the caregiver for my husband who is stage 4. There are some wonderful people here who will help educate you, but most importantly, they will treat you like family and just take care of you. I hope you're able to find the help you're searching for. I don't know anything about Hep C or the medications you mentioned, but if I can ever help with anything, I'm here and more than willing. You are in my prayers. Love and hugs............... Diane C. from TN New Member Hi, My name is Sue and I am 49. I was diagnosed with Hep c 5 years ago and have tried interfuron and ribivirin without success. I am stage 3 cirrhosis. I joined so that I could talk with folks who can relate to what I am feeling as I traveling down the road of health issues and the ups and down. Thanks for being here. I look forward to getting to know you and learn from your experiences on what I can expect. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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