Husband in November 2019 went to hospital due to almost dying. Was on life support for 13 days, and in hospital and rehab for about two months. He was informed he had full cirrhosis of his liver, COPD, and also has an umbilical hernia protruding out of his belly button. Since he has been home, he has not drank (which is good); he has not really exercised at all, basically just watches tv, and sleeps throughout the day. He is up mostly all night. He does not take his lactulose every night, he doesn’t think he needs to. He does not get really confused though, so not sure if his liver is full cirrhosis.
My husband does get grumpy however that was the way he was before he went into hospital.
All he does is smoke and watch TV, he says he gets cold sometimes, and does not eat the way he used to, although he does eat.
I don’t know how to motivate him, and not sure if he is slowly dying, I know we all die, but my husband who worked like 10-12 hour days doing construction is not doing anything and it scares me. I have noticed he seems to have short term memory loss, which is really kind of sad, when my husband was what I say one of the smartest men I knew. Sometimes his knowledge would blow me away. I just need some advice or comfort.
Sincerely
Gina 😊
"Hepatic encephalopathy
The loss of brain function when a damaged liver doesn't remove toxins from the blood."
Another reason for using Lactulous. So if husband is showing symptoms like a Dementia, then the toxins are building up in his body.
Your header says possible cirrhosis but you post says full blown. I would go with full blown. Your husband is also suffering from COPD. Of course he is tired and being cold may come from that. You may want to do some research on both. Helps when talking to doctors and helps with what questions to ask.
I know this will sound blunt but you may need to except that husband may not improve. You need to look to the future. He may not be able to work again. So if you haven't already, file for Social Security disability. If your son is under 18, he may receive something. The SS lawyer is free. His fee comes out of the retro payment your husband will receive once he is OKd. He should get Medicare and Medicaid. I would also ask the doctor about palliative care.
So sorry your family is going thru this.
People with your husband’s disease often get liver transplants. (Mickey Mantle comes to mind) or they will die. Mikey however was an exception as usually alcoholics are not good candidates for a transplant & Mickey had $ that facilitated his jump to the front of list for transplants. jmho.
Short term memory loss can also be from alcohol abuse as alcohol effects the brain as well as the liver.
Cirrhosis is a serious disease. Next time he may not be so lucky. It’s not an easy disease to manage. The liver effects blood clotting, glucose metabolism and storage, and many other vital functions. As they say, Liver is life.
But if he's not constipated (not even close!) then he doesn't need the Lactulose.
The liver is a wonderful organ. And your husband hasn't been drinking for six months. Of course I can't know, but I wouldn't be surprised if things are much
better than was to be expected in hospital.
Is your husband's PCP doing regular blood tests on him?
You're right that all being well he ought to take some exercise, especially if he's used to being active. Does he have any male friends who are dog walkers, anyone who might get him out into the fresh air in a gentle, social way?
It is sad, scary and angry making to watch a loved on decline.