My Husbands in denial w/ cirrhosis and won't go back to doctor - Liver & Pancreas Disorders Message Board

michelle991 · 04-02-2008, 07:02 AM

Hi,

I'm wondering if anyone can share some insite for me. My husband is 49 and was diagnosed with hep c and cisshosis about 6 years ago. They told him to stop drinking, but of course he hasn't. He now refuses to go back to the doctor (its been 3 yrs) because he says, its like driving off a cliff. If you don't know your going to go its not so bad. The problem is in the last year his stomach has grown to the point of looking pregnant. He also has blacked out 4 times in the last year. Another thing that worries me is he lost a perfectly good tooth from gum diesaese. I forgot to mention he also was diagnosed with high blood pressure and acid reflux disease. He is on medication for those, but not for the swelling because the doctor is unaware of it. He is still working full time doing constuction and has never missed work. can anyone tell me what to expect??? He sneaks drinking vodka but will drink beer in front of me. His prime complanit is being tired. He will go to bed at 8-8:30. We have a 4 year old son and I'd like to know more about what to expect on how long he might have and how to get him some help. I lost my first husband to a heoin od and I raised my 17 year old myself. I feel like Im reliving the past... Please Help!

jayneflop · 04-04-2008, 07:00 AM

hi my husband is the same age and has recently been diagnosed with chirrosis but he didnt know and has stopped drinking completely cuz it frightened him to death,he had been diagnosed with cellebellar ataxia 4 yrs ago which affects his gait,he has no balance cant walk without aids has constant shaking in his legs his memory his vacant at times and all this is through drinking and now he has chirrosis his legs and stomach are full of water,he looks 10mths pregnant he was yellow couldnt wee when he did it was dark brown was constanly tired all this through booze. Like i said he has stopped drinking but when i asked the doctor his outcome he said cuz hges stopped drinking his outcome can be good but if he carried on he would probably have maximum 5yrs to live could be shorter if he carried on drinking so please tell him about my husband and try to get him to stop he has no life he has aged 20yrs and i have to everything for him let me know how you get on jayne

michelle991 · 04-04-2008, 01:00 PM

I am going to show him this, but I don't know that it will matter. I just found out through a friend, he has been drinking vodka before he comes home from work as well. I think he does this, so I won't know how much he drinks. You said your husband is swelling ...can't they drain it? My husband has gone from a 34 waist to a 40 over the last year and it is all in his stomach. It really lays heavy on my mind.....You see we have a four year old...If thats not bad enough I also have an 18 year old who lost his father (and my first husband) to a heroin overdose.... I feel like I am reliving the past.... I am only 44 and I know if he doesn't stop drinking his days are limited..... Thanks for responding ...keep me up to date.

jayneflop · 04-05-2008, 07:55 AM

hi michelle991 yea they can drain it but at the mo there fobbing us off with taking water tablets but my hubby was the same he went from a 34 waist and now hes about a 42 cuz im having to buy him xxl jogging bottoms which hes never wore in his life,but its a nightmare with him not being able to walk with the cellebellar with this enormous belly its impossible.hes having to sleep downstairs cuz he cant get upstairs,this cellebellar is really hard to cope with its like looking after another baby and i hope your hubby dont get it,my hubby used to sneak drink vodka,he woulld drink it front of me but i didnt know how much,but i am really proud of him now cuz he hasnt had a drink for about 6 weeks because the doctors warned him he would be dead if he carried on,also you now your hubby might be frightened to go to doctors cuz they can smell it on them cuz the 1st time we went the doctor could smell it,i think they can smell it through the skin,perhaps when hes been in the past they might have said that to him but tell him not to worry if he wants help they will help him,but please tell him from me to try and stop we have just lost a friend to it and its not a nice death speak to you soon jayne

michelle991 · 04-07-2008, 04:20 AM

Hi Jayne,
Thanks for your input....I've tried talking to my husband and showing him things, but he just doesn't want to hear it. He continues to drink.... I have to ask you, does your husband eat okay? I have read that with cirrhosis that their appitite dissappears. That is still not the case with my husband. He eats very well. I have to admit though he is having problems walking with his stomach. He won't admit it, but he waddles like it's uncomfortable. I prey for him as I don't know what else to do....His mood swings seem to be increasingly worse...I know that could be the booze or the liver... I am at wits end....I know it's only a matter of time....I also notice he burps and has a lot of heartburn. He also drinks a tremendous amount of milk. I don't know that it can harm him, but to much of anthing can't be good for you. I am glad your husband stopped drinking...hopefully they can get the swelling down... Let me know how he's doing. Keep in touch - michelle -