My husband has stage 4 Cirrhosis. Right now he us in ICU and fighting for his life. His ammonia levels are high and he is sleeping a lot. He's on dialysis and a breathing machine and medications.
Does your husband want to fight this hard against his cirrhosis? Has a doctor suggested it is time to look into palliative care or into hospice? Your husband will likely be put on lactulose for life at the least which does mean near constant diarrhea to deal with. I myself, as a retired RN, already have written in to my advanced directive that I would under no circumstances ever accept dialysis. To me it is a life of absolute torture for no good reason and makes the certainty of death that comes to us all a long slow and hellish slide. If your husband has long had the liver problems he may have spoken to you about his wishes? If not, I am afraid that you will have to make decisions and I am sure you are either his POA, or will be helped by social services to be his guardian in this. Make your decisions as best you understand what he would want, and with his doctors. They are also your best guide as to what to expect ongoing. For me it is only to tell you I am so very sorry, and I wish you both the best.
My mother just passed away with cirrhosis. I’m so sorry, it was a hard several months for me with many ups and downs. I wish I could do more than send my thoughts and prayers.
I’m so sorry you’re going through this with your husband. I hope you’ll be able to meet with the hospital doctor and get more info on what is expected. Wishing you peace and rest
I myself, as a retired RN, already have written in to my advanced directive that I would under no circumstances ever accept dialysis. To me it is a life of absolute torture for no good reason and makes the certainty of death that comes to us all a long slow and hellish slide.
If your husband has long had the liver problems he may have spoken to you about his wishes? If not, I am afraid that you will have to make decisions and I am sure you are either his POA, or will be helped by social services to be his guardian in this. Make your decisions as best you understand what he would want, and with his doctors. They are also your best guide as to what to expect ongoing. For me it is only to tell you I am so very sorry, and I wish you both the best.
So sorry this is happening right now Myra.
[[[[hugs!]]]]