Cirrhosis Support Group

First of all, Merry Christmas to all of You!

Unfortunately today (Christmas Day out of all days) my dad was rushed into the emergency room because he was vomiting blood and severe nosebleed he lost alot of blood and his blood pressure was low as 60/55. He was very weary and still. Now his varices in the esophagus has ruptured, it has been banded for for now on no more solid foods only liquid or soft food that requires no chewing like baby food. My dad is not concious at the moment but when he wakes up tomorrow and we tell him this I have a bad feeling he is going to quit this 4 year battle

All you can do is deal with the 'crisis of the day' as they come up. Your own crisis might be how to deal with it if he wants to quit fighting. What will be your reaction? If you think it through now (as best you can), and discuss it with family members, it might be easier to deal with it should that time come.

It was absolutely agonizing for me to sign off on a "DNR" medical directive, but we all discussed it (including the patient), and agreed. May it never come to pass, but if it does, we have already gone through much of the emotional agony.

Oh yes that Medical Directive???!! Yes very hard for my family too. Because we dont want to think about it, so sad. My dad without us knowing purchased his burial plot which he has been paying monthly. Like payments on a new car or insurance.

He actually took it well and realized hes a fighter

Make sure an Advanced Directive is in place as well.

sending you positive energy for strength, you will do what needs to be done when the time comes. Hugs to you

Thank you for the positive energy

I have varices and that is my greatest fear. I hope he pulls through and continues the fight though. I made a promise to my family that as long as I can fight I will.

Now thats a great positive thought. My dad woulnt listen about eating right he would eat things that would irritate his esophagus like spicy foods, go outside in the cold to catch a cold (because of coughing), and eat pork rinds! But now with the bands he learned to be careful he got out of hodpital today very pleased and we give him mashed potatoes and healthy steamed veggies and plenty of lean meats protein. But we fear he can go back to the pork rinds...just as bad as a can of beer...not worth it. Hope you eat healthy to prevent this. The Tipss procedure i did ask about but thats a last resort alternative for cirrhosis patients, because of the great risk