Cirrhosis Support Group

My father has cirrosis. In January he had a kidney removed because there was a tumor on it. The next nite he had a heart attack, and then internal bleeding (he got 12 bags of blood thru transfusion), pancreatisis, a gall bladder infection and ascites. His stomache was tapped and 8 liters of fluid was removed.

Before he went in for this kidney operation he was fine. I mean I am sure he would have had these problems but now everything in his body is failing!!! So now he has cirrosis. His stomache is distended. It is 43 inches. He is on 40 mgs of lasix. He was on another duirectic with lasix but his potassium sky rocketed so they switched him to double lasix.

He is so weak and really getting so thin.... What can I expcet? He is 75... Is this the end? I am so down...

Meredith,

Welcome to the support group. I am sorry you are so down right now. It is so hard to see a loved one so ill. My husband has cirrhosis to0 and he gets really sick sometimes and sometimes I feel very alone. But this support group has helped me when I need to vent and get something off my chest. Is your dad in the hospital or is he at home? What has the doctor told you and what stage is the cirrhosis at? How long do they think he's had it? Remember you are his advocate so please ask questions a lot of them and don't give up until you get answers. Again, welcome to the group. I can'nt say I am happy you are here because none of us are happy about the situation we are in but at least we can turn to each other to vent or ask questions here in the group.

Sincerly,

Alicia

meredith,

I'm sorry that your dad is having such a tough time.

Cirrhosis affects the entire body. Most Drs. only do surgery on cirrhosis patients if there is no other choice. ( I would consider cancer surgery important. ) because cirrhosis patients usually don't do well after surgery.

Since they apparently didn't know he had cirrhosis until the surgery ( this is very common) They didn't know to watch for complications. My Aunt recently had her Gallbladder remover , During the surgery they found that she had cirrhosis. After the surgery she had a heart attack. They also found Lung Cancer. They have given her less than 30 days. Except for pain in her right side she appeared fine until the surgery.Of course the cirrhosis and the cancer was there before the surgery but no one knew. She is 83.

Ascites can be a very hard problem to control. At home the most important things you can do are to follow a low sodium diet usually 2 grams or less per day/ his Dr, should have given him a amount to follow.

If he has not been give Albumin ask his Dr. Sometimes it helps as the lower the Albumin level the worse the Ascites.

He should avoid all nsaids as they can inhibit the synthesis of renal prostaglandin and can lead to renal vasoconstriction , Decreased diuretic response and acute renal failure. With his kidney problems this is very important. Having Cirrhosis can cause (hepatorenal syndrome) The fact that he has had kidney cancer increases the risk.

Are you his primary care giver. You need to get copies of all his test results. You also need to ask his dr. what stage his cirrhosis is. What his CTP score is.If they can get the ascites under control he may improve. IF you knew what his (bilirubin , albumin,creatinine, and Inr ) labs were I could be of more help . You can call his drs. and ask for these. You also made no mention of encephalopathy ( Mental confusion )IF he has not developed this that is a good sign.

I know that you are concerned that this is the end but don't give up as long as he wants to fight he deserves the opportunity. In this country 75 is not considered as old as it once was . as matter of fact the oldest living liver transplant was done at age 76. and by the way he was alive and well in 2003 at the age of 83. The fact that he has had cancer will play a role in his treatment but he does have a reason to hope.

If he is not seeing a hepatologist I urge you to ask for a referral.

Gail