Husband has grade 3 Ascities what to expect

Posted by jenhaz @jenhaz, Oct 16, 2023

My husband has been diagnosed with cirrhosis his father had this as well and there is suspect that this is hereditary. Im watching my husband go through what my father in law did and sadly he past at age 67 he was not eligible for a transplant for reasons we never found out! Now my husband has ascities and a kidney infection hoping someone can send some food information and hope!

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I’m so sorry you’re having to go on this journey. My husband is also at the same stage. He’s 76. Autoimmune cirrhosis. We also believe some genetics are involved as he’s lost 2 sons from the same though they abused it and completely denied every advice.
I’ll share our story only so you know you are not alone. I assume you are connected to a top hepatologist in your area. If not, search.
Our story…read or skip. My husband has been getting weekly paracentesis and thoracentesis for 17 months. Had a TIPS 10 months ago. For the last month there hasn’t been enough fluid to drain. A blessing. We’ve struggled with hepatic encephalopathy. 4 ambulance rides in 4 months. First time he was near coma. Scared the daylights out of me. Two were within days of each other. Every patient is affected differently. With my husband HE presents without notice. We even do the liver flap test. Adjusting and adjusting again his Lactulose and the other 12 meds…plus food. His taste buds are totally messed up. So he doesn’t eat much at all.
Wishing you strength and courage. There are good days. Cherish those. One step at a time. One day at a time.

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Thank you so much I appreciate your story it was nice to hear from someone that understands. We are in canada and health care is pretty messed up here right now at least in bc we did have a hepotologist but haven't heard from in months we are on our way to Victoria to emergency hospital where the first ever in bc liver clinic is and the only way for us to get a referral is to go to the emerg! At least it is something! I have read up on everything you mentioned it is all so new my head i spinning my husband is so young but i guess age is not safe! We are going get our son tested! Blessings to you and your family ❤️

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@jenhaz
I’m sending my thoughts and hopes that your husband is able to get some treatment for his immediate needs, and a referral to a liver specialist.
I have had my share of trips to the ER. I hope that your husband will get the ascites fluid drained and get treatment for the kidney infection right away.

I’ll be looking for an update later and am here to support you.
I had a liver and kidney transplant in 2009 for PSC ( primary sclerosing cholangitis)
Hugs

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Thank you so much this means the world to me! May i ask at what point would they do a transplant i do know he has a decompensated liver.
And i will indeed send an update you!
You had both transplant’s my goodness how terrifying, how do you feel today what is quality of life like? Amazing 😊
My husband is 52

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@jenhaz

Thank you so much I appreciate your story it was nice to hear from someone that understands. We are in canada and health care is pretty messed up here right now at least in bc we did have a hepotologist but haven't heard from in months we are on our way to Victoria to emergency hospital where the first ever in bc liver clinic is and the only way for us to get a referral is to go to the emerg! At least it is something! I have read up on everything you mentioned it is all so new my head i spinning my husband is so young but i guess age is not safe! We are going get our son tested! Blessings to you and your family ❤️

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ER to get a referral sounds about right here too. So very very frustrating. Bless your heart. Prayer for a referral that will keep close eye on your husband. Good thought to have your son tested. Do not forget to take care of yourself and do not be shy in reaching out to others or asking for help. Many Blessings. ❤️

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@jenhaz

Thank you so much this means the world to me! May i ask at what point would they do a transplant i do know he has a decompensated liver.
And i will indeed send an update you!
You had both transplant’s my goodness how terrifying, how do you feel today what is quality of life like? Amazing 😊
My husband is 52

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@jenhaz, I lived with liver disease for nearly 10 years before I was listed for a liver transplant. After my condition was diagnosed, I was cared for by a fantastic gastroenterologist who also consulted with a liver specialist until my liver deteriorated and my labs and tests indicated that I needed a new liver. At that point, I was referred to liver transplant center where I was evaluated and placed on the transplant waiting list. I was sent to Mayo Rochester where I had my transplant in 2009. I was never terrified because of the competent doctors and nurses who treated me. These were frightening years, however I had the support of my family, friends and my church to support me.
Jenhaz, I received my transplant when I was 60. I have been blessed with a wonderfully healthy life, and am able to do everything that I had done before my illness. If your husband does need a transplant at some point in his life, he will have doctors and nurses who are specialists and who will provide the guidance and care that he needs. Your 'job' and his will be to do what the doctors say to do.

Do you want to 'see' how other patients have to show about their quality of life after transplant? Take a look at this:
Snapshots of hope: Life on the other side of transplant.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/snapshots-of-hope-life-on-the-other-side-of-transplant/

As @leonardg posted: "...take care of yourself and do not be shy in reaching out to others or asking for help."
Jen, We are all here for you.

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Rosemary thank you this gives me hope i will share with my hubby ❤️

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@leonardg, Hi, K. I read in the Snapshot discussion that your husband will be undergoing his evaluation for liver transplant at Mayo Phoenix this week.
It will be an exhausting experience with multiple appointments. Your husband will be well taken care of. The transplant nurses are the best! You will likely spend a lot of time in the waiting room while your husband has his tests and then spend time together between scheduled appointments. You will be able to be with him during consults.
Take a notebook so you can write down questions, and take notes. Also take a big purse or pouch to keep all of the education materials you will be given. Pack a bottle of water and some snacks for a quick refreshment.

Let me know how I can help you along the way.

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@rosemarya

@leonardg, Hi, K. I read in the Snapshot discussion that your husband will be undergoing his evaluation for liver transplant at Mayo Phoenix this week.
It will be an exhausting experience with multiple appointments. Your husband will be well taken care of. The transplant nurses are the best! You will likely spend a lot of time in the waiting room while your husband has his tests and then spend time together between scheduled appointments. You will be able to be with him during consults.
Take a notebook so you can write down questions, and take notes. Also take a big purse or pouch to keep all of the education materials you will be given. Pack a bottle of water and some snacks for a quick refreshment.

Let me know how I can help you along the way.

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Oh wow! Thank you Rosemary for reading my post AND for the advice. Got it and packed it. Leaving tomorrow. Been busy today preparing. I’m definitely a note taker…maybe not pretty notes but I understand them🙂 Again, thank you for your support! ❤️

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@rosemarya

@leonardg, Hi, K. I read in the Snapshot discussion that your husband will be undergoing his evaluation for liver transplant at Mayo Phoenix this week.
It will be an exhausting experience with multiple appointments. Your husband will be well taken care of. The transplant nurses are the best! You will likely spend a lot of time in the waiting room while your husband has his tests and then spend time together between scheduled appointments. You will be able to be with him during consults.
Take a notebook so you can write down questions, and take notes. Also take a big purse or pouch to keep all of the education materials you will be given. Pack a bottle of water and some snacks for a quick refreshment.

Let me know how I can help you along the way.

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2nd reply. Rosemary, did you have nausea and vomiting at this stage of being evaluated? Husband vomits once or twice a day. He thinks it’s trigger by lactose and the lose of taste. He also thinks Compaize is a trigger. I’m obviously concerned about him loosing the Lactulose and other meds with his vomiting. Who would I speak with about? They hepatologist staff that’s been monitoring him up to this point just seems to ignore me if they don’t have an answer. So frustrating.

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