Relief from swelling?

[Guest guest]

My poor husband's abdomen is so incredibly swollen right now. During his recent

stay at the

hospital they told us that his spleen is enlarged which is happening because his

liver is not

functioning well. His spleen is 21 cm-11 is normal. In addition to the enlarged

spleen he is

carrying quite a bit of fluid in his abdomen as well. Is there anything he can

do to get some

relief from the feeling that his insides our about to explode? He walks around

rubbing his

belly like a pregnant woman!

[Guest guest]

HI,

Just before transplant I was retaining fluid (not as bad as that but still)

and the dr asked me if I was reducing my salt. I didn't add any salt to

anything, but we went as salt free as we could (ie home made bread which

tasted awful, no cheese nothing with ANY sodium in it). I lost 3 kg in a

week, which didn't show much, but I felt heaps better. I was depressed

because I considered everything tasted awful, but after about a week we got

very used to it. You've probably tried it, but just thought I'd mention it

anyway.

I had a transplant within three weeks, and still look pregnant (3 months

later), but can now fit clothes I haven't worn in a year or two. My baby is

disappearing! LOL

Penny T

My poor husband's abdomen is so incredibly swollen right now. During his

recent stay at the

hospital they told us that his spleen is enlarged which is happening because

his liver is not

functioning well. His spleen is 21 cm-11 is normal. In addition to the

enlarged spleen he is

carrying quite a bit of fluid in his abdomen as well. Is there anything he

can do to get some

relief from the feeling that his insides our about to explode? He walks

around rubbing his

belly like a pregnant woman!

[Guest guest]

Thanks Penny and congrats on the transplant!

He's on a low sodium diet. That was one of the things they stressed when we left

the

hospital. He's never been one to add salt to anything anyway and I don't add it

when I'm

cooking. Poor guy-his abdomen is so full that he has a hard time even eating

much.

On a funny note, we were sitting on the couch tonight and I said " whose is

bigger mine or

yours? "

[Guest guest]

I would think his best bet is to have the fluid removed at the hospital. Have they done that recently???

Re: Relief from swelling?

!

[Guest guest]

I don't think he wants to have it drained. Last year after his gallbladder

surgery when he

ended up in the hospital with fluid & infection in his abdomen, they took a

sample. They

didn't drain it but the took a syringe full to sample it. He was NOT happy about

that. He was

on Lasiks (sp?) in the hospital but the nurse said the dr didn't want to send

him home with

one because it was something they needed to be able to monitor. I may call his

transplant

coordinator on Monday and see what they have to say. We're getting ready for our

daughter's

birthday party today and he over did it yesterday so he wasn't feeling very well

last night. He

keeps saying " But I don't FEEL sick. " He's said more than once " You'd think if

my liver was as

shot as everyone seems to think it is, I'd be in some sort of pain. " I guess

it's good that he's

NOT in pain right? He just has a lot of discomfort from the swelling. And it's

not all fluid. His

spleen is 21 cm which is nearly twice the normal size. He needs to buy at least

one pair of

bigger sized pants. His 30 " waist hasn't been 30 " in a year. Poor guy....and

mine hasn't been

30 " in years!

[Guest guest]

This link provides a pretty extensive description of ascites and treatment options. It sounds like he's already doing the non-invasive options, so paracentesis

http://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/medicalpubs/diseasemanagement/gastro/ascites/ascites.htm

" Therapeutic (or large-volume) paracentesis is a well-established therapy for large-volume ascites. "

This treatment is quite common in advanced liver disease, and may be the only remaining option.

Arne

57 - UC 1977 - PSC 2000

Alive and well in Minnesota

________________________________

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Bobbi

I don't think he wants to have it drained. Last year after his gallbladder surgery when he

ended up in the hospital with fluid & infection in his abdomen, they took a sample. They

didn't drain it but the took a syringe full to sample it. He was NOT happy about that...

[Guest guest]

Before my transplant I had ascites and my belly was bigger then it was when I was pregnant with an 8lb 9 oz baby. When I walked, I could feel the fluid slosh side to side. I had it drained (paracentesis) several times and it was a great relief. One time they drained 5 liters. When I walked in, my pant would not button, when I walked out, I had to hold my pants up. It is a quick procedure with no pain and no long stay. Afterwards it is important to monitor sodium and limit fluid intake.

There are several medications to deal with fluid retention, they work different ways so talk to your GI or Hep drs. I had no hesitation about losing all that fluid in an afternoon.

Take Care

MizKit

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[Guest guest]

The only pain from having fluid drained from the belly is the pick of a needle for a local anesthetic. If that stops him from getting so much relief, then the road to transplant will be very bumpy. One thing you can guarantee is that we all get lots of needle sticks. Everyone is nervous about a new procedure, but eventually it becomes an adventure or at least something to break up the routine of being ill. Paracentesis is one of the few things that make us feel better immediately, with no discomfort except the needle stick.

Take Care

MizKit

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