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Esteban345 Asked June 2023

Has anyone experienced taking care of a loved one who is suffering from stage 4 cirrhosis of the liver? There is no cure.

It has been 14 months since my partner was diagnosed His primary doctor said, “with stage 4 cirrhosis, there are no answers.” Hospice predicted six months before his demise, but besides the inability to walk…and occasional paresentisis, there are no other signs of Stage 4. A liver transplant is not possible because of age and a long waiting list. Online research indicates people have lived a year…and up to 20 years with Stage 4. I would like to hear from other home care givers who are dealing with the daily vagrancies of Stage 4 cirrhosis.

Christy48 Jun 2023
With that diagnosis, you should investigate Home Hospice. The usual requirements are that he be within 6 months of passing; But as a caregiver of an almost 103 year old woman in her home for the last 5 years, I can't say enough about the care. I am not sure if this is an inclusion in all medical plans, but try to find our. Our's sends a RN once on twice a week to check her condition our, provides all the medical supplies, from hospital bed to medications, a CNA to bath her 3 or more times a week , depending on her condition & a 24 hour telephone number to speak with a nurse any time you have any questions. She does not have long term insurance. Of course, she was in much better shape when I first came to live with her & provide her with ALS like preparing meals, doctor appts, etc. Contact you Local office Aging. Usually a county social services dept for more info about your particular concerns. Good Luck!

Llamalover47 Jun 2023
Bumping

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janicemeyer18 Jun 2023
You may want to consider with hospice what facility placement options are available for on going long term care. Your health will ultimately be affected if not already and, difficult as it may be, long term care placement, may need to be considered at this point. If he/ she is a veteran, also be sure VA services are being considered.

lealonnie1 Jun 2023
My husband waited on the Mayo Clinic transplant list for about 1 year before he got a new liver in April of 2022 at 65 years old. He had fatty liver cirrhosis which progressed to liver cancer but did not metastasize bc then it's too late to transplant. His MELD score was 23 when we arrived in Arizona, MELD score determines transplant eligibity, MELD = Model for end of stage liver disease. Your husband's life expectancy also depends on the underlying cause for the cirrhosis which can be several.

Cirrhosis can get quite serious as it progresses, with ascites and other debilitating symptoms that need treatment. His hepatologist would be the resource to check with and to find out how to keep him comfortable as time goes on.

Best of luck to you.

JoAnn29 Jun 2023
Do you have to be Stage 4 to be considered for a Liver transplant? If so my neighbor lived with Liver desease for a few years. She just passed.
lealonnie1 Jun 2023
The patient is given a MELD score based on his type of/reason for cirrhosis and stage. MELD = model for end stage liver disease
Scampie1 Jun 2023
My husband was diagnosed in 2014 with cirrhosis and the doctor told him he needed a liver transplant. It was a horrible disease with bleeding of the varices and asites. It caused swelling of the lower extremites and a bloated belly. Jaundice in the eyes. In 2015, we had a few good months. He was able to take care of himself with an occasional hospitalization. I lived in fear the entire time. In April of 2016, it had progressed to liver cancer. He passed December 1, 2016.

You can send me a private message to discuss further if you would like.

BarbBrooklyn Jun 2023
Bumping.

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