First post - out of order - 2005

ORIGINAL POST


Living with Cirrhosis
Thursday, October 06, 2005

Last week at the hospital
My husband found out he has Cirrhosis this past July (2005). We tried the "shotgun" approach, meaning "western" medicine, acupuncture, herbs, prayer, psychic energy healing. Really, a lot of stuff that overwhelmed his system and probably exacerbated the problem. Then he was laid off from his job (a company reorganization), and was hospitalized within a week. He developed Jaundice for the first time, was in pain, vomiting blood, and couldn't eat. While his endoscopy from 3 weeks before showed a single, mildly enlarged vein, the endoscopy at the hospital showed 2 medium sized varices which weren't large enough to be banded. The physician we had initially seen had missed an appointment, told him he couldn't have his ascites drained (btw, we found out this was infected), and was always rushing out the door. Needless to say, we found a new (much better) doctor for him after the hospital stay.Other fun stuff: the hopitaler told us that liver function was only 5-10%, and that a liver transplant would be necessary. New physician estimates 30-50% function, and wants to evaluated the situation before recommending a transplant. Wow, using science and reasoning! So, this blog gets off to a not-so-happy start, but I have hope. Our friends came through for us with food, housekeeping, hugs and advice.We're dropping the herbs, the acupuncture, and anything that is unproven and costs money. Prayers and good wishes welcome. Will keep you posted.
posted by LL Cool Bean at 3:31 PM 0 comments