Decompensated Cirrhosis

May 6, 2012

My Mum (aged 72) has been part of a study into NAFL. In the past 17 months since

my Dad died her condition has deteriorated rapidly and she had decompensated

cirrhosis. Since last August she has struggled with ascites, requiring regular

drains of around 12 litres every 2-3 weeks, varices and confusion. Her last two

drains have been for less fluid, she had lost a weight, is sleeping for long

periods and is very confused. The confusion is at the worst it has every been

and she is beginning to look jaundiced. She was admitted into hospital on

Thursday and I visited yesterday (I live over hundred miles away) and I was

shocked to see how much she has deteriorated in the last week. None of the

nursing staff would provide an update on her condition and there were no Drs

available. I know there is no crystal ball to look into the future but all I

wanted was a honest answer regarding the severity of my Mum's condition - I feel

that I may have said my last goodbye. Is there anyone who has been through this

dreadful experience willing to share their thoughts and experiences? Thank you

x

May 6, 2012

>

> My Mum (aged 72) has been part of a study into NAFL. In the past 17 months

since my Dad died her condition has deteriorated rapidly and she had

decompensated cirrhosis. Since last August she has struggled with ascites,

requiring regular drains of around 12 litres every 2-3 weeks, varices and

confusion. Her last two drains have been for less fluid, she had lost a weight,

is sleeping for long periods and is very confused. The confusion is at the

worst it has every been and she is beginning to look jaundiced. She was

admitted into hospital on Thursday and I visited yesterday (I live over hundred

miles away) and I was shocked to see how much she has deteriorated in the last

week. None of the nursing staff would provide an update on her condition and

there were no Drs available. I know there is no crystal ball to look into the

future but all I wanted was a honest answer regarding the severity of my Mum's

condition - I feel that I may have said my last goodbye. Is there anyone who

has been through this dreadful experience willing to share their thoughts and

experiences? Thank you x

>

My husband has Decompensated Cirrhosis too. We go to the ER every 4-5 days to

have fluids removed 4-10 liters, only once it was 4 liters as they ran out of

bottles. He is in the process of getting all the tests done to see if he

qualifies for a transplant. He was in the hospital for 2 weeks and ended up with

only 5% of his only kidney working so is now on dialysis 3 times a week. He

needs kidney & liver transplant. He has varcies and has had two endoscopies. Its

very stressful as no one can say how long the liver will last. We travel 220

round trip to the VA but can have the fluids removed here locally. I guess I am

surprised at how many people have cirrhosis and are on dialysis. 2 more people I

know in the last week have been told they have cirrhosis and one is from a

diabetic. I wasn't aware that could happen. I feel the pain you are going

through. I'm thankful for this group even if its just to read what others post

for as much information I can get.

May 6, 2012

I would suggest you call her doctor. Since you call her Mum, you

must be in England, and I don't know what the privacy laws are there,

but here they can't give out any information without the patient's

permission. Usually, I am asked when admitted to the hospital who can

receive information, and who can be allowed to be put through for

phone calls.

It isn't unusual for one parent to deteriorate after the death of the

other parent. They have to adjust to a whole new life and that isn't

easy to do. And they might not have the same incentive to fight off

their medical problems. Jan