new member

[Guest guest]

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

[Guest guest]

Welcome Becki!

Jane!

[Guest guest]

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

[Guest guest]

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/

[Guest guest]

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

[Guest guest]

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

>

[Guest guest]

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

[Guest guest]

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

[Guest guest]

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

[Guest guest]

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

[Guest guest]

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.