My boyfriend was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver a year and a half ago. Since then he has become more of an alcoholic than ever. He hasn't seen a doctor in over a year and doesn't want to see one. When he was first diagnosed his platelets in his blood were low and they wanted to do a transfusion so he could get his biopsy done. The doctor had him booked with a liver specialist never went to that appointment either. He is looking more sicker everyday has liver spots all over his face, lost weight, had swelling in the stomach and legs but that has stopped for now, sleeping pattern is all mixed up, his mental behavior has changed, loss of memory, spider veins everywhere and so on.This is so hard for me to deal with and I know he's being very selfish and not thinking of what he's putting his family and me through!When he first went to the doctor I'm sure he was in his last stage so I'm wondering how long does a person live for with that disease and especially with the excessive amount of drinking he's doing.I love him and have stood by him but now I'm starting to feel very angry with him knowing how selfish he's being and what he's putting me through.I feel like leaving him but the guilty side of me makes me stay because all I keep thinking is what if he goes and I'm not there for him.I'm in a rock and a hard place but I also feel I'm gonna be sick myself if I keep going through this with him.This is the most stressful thing a person has to go through and I don't wish it upon anyone.Can someone please give me an answer as to how much longer he has thank you.
Last Stage Liver Cirrhosis - How Long Till Someone Passes If They Still Continue To Drink?
Question posted by Anonymous on 6 Jan 2013
Last updated on 11 June 2022
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79 Answers Page 2
Hi Anonymous want to address your question about how long your Boyfriend may have, this may help.
I was diagnosed in 1972 with Liver Cirrhosis along with HepC and some other very ugly diseases. Unfortunately there's nothing that can be done to restore liver to a new liver, but it can be stopped by your Boyfriend. For me I needed to decide if I going to leave this world a complete failure, or was I going to look for options. Since the Liver Cirrhosis was caused by Alcohol, my logic me that Alcohol had something to do with it. Then I thought who can help, I thought Doctors which I know a bunch of based on all my other physical problems. Naturally the Doctors all said to quit drinking absolutely, well I knew that, but how.
I remembered that I could quit drinking if I went to jail, I did that a lot and didn't like it. I remembered one time while doing 90 days in jail, one of my Home Boys, said there was an AA meeting we could go to. I said what is that about. He told me it's about Alcoholics Anonymous, a way to stop drinking. Oh they tell you how to drink without going to jail? He said I don't know, maybe. That was in 1975, I didn't get sober until 1979, I guess because it just wasn't important.
My cousin Tommy, who was a Degreed Minister and a Christian School Principal and drank a drop of Alcohol. Tommy was a great kid, about the only cousin near my age. Tommy always had great appreciation for food, fine dinning food. A few years ago I received a call from Tommy's wife, he had been diagnosed with Liver Cirrhosis end stage. Because I was known as the Black Sheep of the family and had Liver Cirrhosis his wife wanted me to talk to him. Of course, hadn't talked to him years. I was also very curious about how you could get Liver Cirrhosis without being a drunk and a dope feen. I told him that when I had a Jaundice flair up I took vitamin K and was able to have HepC removed in 2012, in 37 years my Liver Cirrhosis has stayed at level 1. He told me that he was on the National Transplant list, but his blood levels weren't good for Transplant yet. He said he had to have liquid drained from the liver periodically. Long-Short is my cousin Tommy passed 6 months later, I always had the feeling why him, why not me, he was the good guy he was close to God?
I hope this helps Anonymous and maybe the whole point is if you have a choice, take it.
Thank you for sharing your story and yes only he can stop it I pray he decided to live and not die because he drinks every day I never really see him sober he has gone to AA but he stopped going saying that doesn't work. He is just so lost in it and pretty much he says he doesn't care anymore if he dies so I realize I can't do anything for him only he can help himself its very sad and i just pray things get better . thank you
I am so sorry that you are all
Going through this. My husband passed away April9,2017. The emotions are really raw for me right now. He started drinking heavily 2 and a half years ago. On January 15,2017, I found him on the floor. He never came home. He was on life support because he developed ketoacidosis and made it through that, he became septic and lived through that. He was transferred to long term care on April7th and passed away 2 days later. I yearn for the Husband that I married. I have a 12 year old son and he is taking it better than I am. I am just devastated.
In the end as I look back, I tried everything in my power to get him to stop. I really thought he was going to make it. He spent over 80 days in the hospital in either the icu or step down. My husband was always healthy and active. The alcohol ravaged his body and mind.
I do know this, no matter what I did, said, or took away, he always found a way to drink. I found over 400 empty bottles of vodka hidden in the garage or between mattresses. I was working all day and he would just sit here and drink. The worst part of it for me is at one time we were really happy. He had a good job. He doted on both my son and I. We were the center of his world. I am left with the broken heart and anger and unanswered questions.
I feel for all that go through this as it is devastating and he would not get help. No matter what you do stay and watch it happen or leave it will have an impact on you. I never listened when people said take care of yourself. I am just starting to now but my suggestion is to start processing it as a death because the relationship you once had will never be again.
I'm truly sorry for your loss and I believe your right the relationship doesn't ever get better and for me I'm taking it every day at a time I decided to just not tell him anything anymore because I can't stop him from drinking only he can do that but how I see him I feel its just a matter of time he will also be in the hospital. I hope god gives you the strength to move forward and help you cope with your pain.
I'm truly sorry for your loss and I believe your right the relationship doesn't ever get better and for me I'm taking it every day at a time I decided to just not tell him anything anymore because I can't stop him from drinking only he can do that but how I see him I feel its just a matter of time he will also be in the hospital. I hope god gives you the strength to move forward and help you cope with your pain.
Gina thank you for your comment. The worst part about watching a loved one go downhill is that you have no control over what they do. Like you said, take one day at a time, take care of yourself, and know that you are not alone. Just because alcohol is legal does not take away the fact that it is an epidemic.
I'm sorry for your loss. I was diagnosed with chirosis at 18 and that was about a year and a half ago. However I don't drink, apparently i have an autoimmune disease. I knew something was wrong when my pallets were low but the doctors didn't know why. It was until i looked up symptoms and was sent to the emergency room for severe pain in my abdomen and throwing up that they found out. I won't be able to drink at all of course. They medicines they give you to treat it do help, however they also come with severe long lasting side effects that can alter someones self esteem. For anyone else who has chirosis continue seeing your doctor,
@Pineapplecrusher I'm very sorry to hear that I hope you feel better .and this is something that really upsets me how you have this without drinking and wish not to be sick and we have people who can avoid this and they get there own selfs sick by drinking to much.
My husband has also been diagnosed with cirrhosis and he doesn't want to go back to the doctor we don't know at what stage its at but he lost a lot of weight hes eyes are yellowish and he doesn't stop drinking ... I also tried talking to him and he gets really rude with me and says he doesn't want me to tell him anything we have 5 kids together and I get really mad that he is selfish and doesn't stop and think the pain he will be leaving his kids if he where to die .I feel so sad also and can't stop thinking about what's gonna happen with him .
I'm so sorry. I know how and what ur feeling. My husband passed away about 9 month ago, he left me our kids. It was the hardest thing iv ever been thru. I miss my husband, I miss my old life, but one day at time. Good luck and I'll continue to pray for u and ur family.
Planetswifey I'm very sorry for your loss and I'll pray god keeps giving strength to you and your kids.
@gina2646 yes, it's really sad.
Hello Gina2646 hope all is well with you. I wanted to check to see how your husband was doing.
Hi there, I just now noticed this post is about 4 years old I'm wondering if you still check this ever? If so is your boyfriend still around currently? What I was going to write before I realized how old this was was if you knew about hepatic encephalopathy period period period that is basically a state of severe confusion and fatigue and can cause coma and other problems if you have severe liver problems. It is because of all the ammonia buildup and one's brain normally they prescribe lactulose or something like that and an antibiotic such as Rafaximin to help reduce ammonia levels..so sad. My 29 year old fiance that I have been with for over 16 years is dying from end-stage liver disease. He also had a massive hemorrhagic stroke on September 8th 2016. It is so so so hard to watch
Yes gabesgirl0106- I am curious about the same thing. I say this site roughly couple of years ago when I came home from the hospital diagnosed with cirrhosis complicated due to HepC (which I have done the treatment 2x now, which negative results). This scares me because my chances of getting liver cancer go up 30% unfortunately. The Doctor treating me for the virus says my insurance wont pay for the new treatment, so to check back in July. So meanwhile, I wait. I have endoscopies done to ensure there are no bleeding varicies, which so far so good. Both doctors are surprised I look as good as I do considering how sick I am and how I looked when they first met me two years ago. I have to keep hanging on. I have a soon to be 14 year old son. He is the greatest. So patient. So compassionate. So brave.
So there are questions I would like answers to.
Meanwhile- we wait---
Ostarious
I witnessed my father's die in 2015 from cirrhosis and can't explain to you the suffering and pain that man went through . Ever since my mother divorced him for being a drunk , he was hell bent on drinking himself to death . He must've thought dying from this would be like just going to sleep and never waking up . I'm sure he never thought the 2 weeks he spent bleeding to death was reality . That morning in June when his screams shook the floor, we knew his time was up. What was even harder is that HE knew his time was up. He was diagnosed with it around 2011 after throwing up blood.. But continued drinking. He didnt show too many symptoms for years but its like they all hit him at once. He went from walking to walmart casually to his final bed in a couple minutes. My thoughts and prayers are with every one but I'll tell you one thing I learned. IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT . You did all you could to help your loved one.
It's the choices we make that define us. I know it's hard for anyone going through this. Many nights i spent thinking what if i stopped him or maybe if i did this differently. We are humans and make our own choices. Can't tell you how sad it is looking at his grave and thinking of all the good times, but it was decision to leave us . Please take care and stay strong.
It amazes me how many of us are going through the same thing. I lost my mother in 2009 to chrosis, she was 53. Drank vodka tonics every night for many many years. Functioning alcoholic tho so it was "ok". She liked awful before she passed, thin, jaundice, and the pregnant belly. I can't imagine how embarrassing this must be for some who look pregnant, but every else look like death and could never carry a child. But my mother went in for a shunt surgery to help with the fluid. She had a stoke during the surgery which left her conscious but unable to speak. She died about a week later in a home care place. I was only there for the very very end of it as I was in anothrr state. But fast fwd it's 2016/2017 my roommate has been diagnosed with chrosis and refuses to do anything about, no dietary changes, still uses, it's like pulling teeth to even get him to go get the fluid drained.
It is depressing to watch but I feel like a hero abandoning him on the holidays. Makes me think about what my mom went through and it's very disturbing. How do you guys deal with the mental Confusion? I didn't experience it with my mom but my roommate will cause some nasty fights and say awful things to me and be so confused and 100% wrong about what he is talking about. But there is no reasoning with him. Very unsure of how to handle the coming weeks.
how are you? As of your post it sounded like he was in the last phases my husband died from the same thing he was diagnosed in September of 2011 and died in August of 2012 exhibiting all of the same characteristics l will pray for you. The only thing that helped me get through all of that was Jesus and my relationship with him it was absolutely the most difficult thing I ever have experienced in my life or think that I ever will experience I love him so much and he too kept drinking and drinking I guess they figured at that point there's nothing else they can do because they know they don't have long to live God bless you.
I feel your pain totally I'm in same boat I threw my X out 10 yrs ago as gave him the choice of alcohol or me and kids I later found out he'd cheated on me and he then stayed with that gir for 10 yrs l until she left him I never stopped loving him n foolishly 10 mths ago after that girl left him I took kids to see him n he was saying still loved me ect n after few times of visiting I gave in to my feelings n 1 thing lead to another I've since learned he was told in June 2015 if he continued to drink he wud be dead in 2 yrs which is 6 mths from now I've talked till I'm blue in the face about what he will leave behind kids ect but all I get is I'm not scared of dying he only stops drinking wen had coke cos makes him ill after a week he slowly gets back to 8 cans a day his life is falling apart n he can't see it he admits he knows alcohol causes probs in every area of his life but doesn't try to change he's tried every trick in the book to ...
drink in secret like hiding it in fizzy ect he was out our kids lives for 10 yrs n they only known him almost a yr now since we got back together n now they have to face loosing him forever
My heart goes out to you. I feel like I am reading what I am living right now. My fiancée. It's heartbreaking.
Hello I am new at all of this. I have read all of the stories and my heart and prayers go out to you all. My name is Denise and I live in South Carolina. I have been with my husband for 20 years. We just found out in Feb. 2016 that he has cirrhosis of the liver stage 3.5. He did have hep c and he toke that Harvonie pill for 8 weeks and that is gone. He only eats once a day and that is just mashed potatoes and peas and it is not much that he is eating. His belly is getting bigger his legs are starting to swell some. He has quit drinking beer for 2 years and never used drugs to get the hep c. The family doctor sent us to get an ultersound and all of we found out that he has cirrhosis. He sent us to the new doctor. So we are going to a gastroenterologist doctor and he had a liver biopsy. We have been to 2 different doctors and the last one isn't telling us anything about his cirrhosis. We are trying to find a new doctor in this area. He hsa good and bad days. I have toke a leave of absence at my work for I can take care of him. So if anyone can help me thank you.
Try Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville... It took a very short time to diagnose me with NON ALCOHOLIC Cirrhosis of the Liver... final stage... and looking for the same answers you are looking for... local docs are taking care, but apparently their are no good answers for any of us. Who would have thought, NOT A DRINKER... Of course the last comment, was that there was no chance for transplant, although I probably would not have done it anyway... Let the young ones have them..
Denise, Although it has been over a year since you posted your desire to find a new doctor for your husband in your area, I've just read it today and decided to comment. In the event your inquiry is still applicable, I would suggest you seek out a Hepatologist. This is a Gastroenterologist who acquires further education/training and specializes in caring for patients with various types of liver diseases, including cirrhosis. Small towns/cities don't always have them, as they're usually found in larger teaching hospitals. There is Grady Memorial in Atlanta, GA and Duke University Hospital in Durham, NC. Another individual also previously mentioned Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL which is an excellent facility but I don't know which would be closer to the area you reside in South Carolina. Patients deserve to have their questions answered and explained in a manner they can comprehend. Good luck with this process.
Wishing you, your husband and family the best as you strive to assure your beloved is provided optimum care and any applicable monitoring and treatment(s) which may be specifically indicated.
Yes they have berry good dr. At the Vcu hospital in Richmond Virginia on parham drive they have seven doctors that do nothing but deal with the liver and the latest treatment I been going there sence 2009 and they treat u and your love ones like family I had three doctors in West Virginia to tell me there was nothing else they could do for me so I went there to see what they could do and they told me that I was at a stage 4 on there scale that ran to 21 and they said as long as I did what they said I could live for a long time and also told me they don’t consider a liver transplant plant till your at a 14 on there scale that goes to 21 so it gave me and a new look on live and they will be totally up front with
So very sad... Im not certain how long people live while the go through this. My Brother and I just learned he has Cirrhosis of the liver. I know all about how its on them... they made the choices... and continue to make choices. I relate with your saying it is unfair and yes, I agree. but i choose to look at it every way I can. I look at why? What is it that made drinking a priority in his life? then i remember all that he has been through... Sad very sad... Breaks my heart. NOW... he knows his ending is coming- he already suffers from it... just,,, cant move... talk very long . he is extremely bloated. very painful as well. God give ALL OF US... PATIENT AND LOVED ONES, FRIENDS AND MORE the STRENGTH AND THE COURAGE TO CARRY ON. Its so hard indeed.
Hi, Reading all the post make me feel so sad. I myself am in a similar situation. My husband who is 37 will be 38 next month started drinking about 2 years ago. Prior to that he never drank, hated alcohol. In Aug of 2015 he was diagnosed with a blood clot and since then all went down hill. He was hospitalized for about a week, went home did good, I was working a lot and didn't notice the amount of alcohol he was drinking. In February of 2016 he was hospitalized for pancreatitis, dr said you need to quit drinking, and he did not listen he got a new dr and he liked him, started going every week for about two months. He quit drinking for a week had horrible hallucinations. After a week he started drinking again, but heavier. he would drink up to 16 shots of 99 proof, and refused to go to the dr. For about 2 months we begged for him to go to the er . He was becoming yellow, swollen legs, sleeping all day and not eating very much.
Then three weeks ago his brother passed away suddenly finally he agreed to go to the er. He got admitted to ICU and was there for 10days they released him due to no changes in his blood levels, he is extremely confused still . When he got there ammonia level 130(very high), bilirubin level 24 (extremely high), everything was out of control. He did not drink in those ten days, dr said wen he goes home he can not drink, if he does he will only have about 3 months. We got home on a tues and fist night was ok, Wednesday was horrible he fought with me every 20mins for a shot. Finally I gave in and bought him 2 sots because he walked down the road and fell attempting to buy shots himself. He can not deal with his brothers death, does not even acknowledge the fact that he passed.So today, day 5 hes home and hes back to drinking about 4-8 shots a day. Im at a loss, I see everyone's stories and I try to compare because he does not have cirross, no bleeding veins in his throat, he had hepatic encepleopthy, and alcohol hepatitis... but he has not eaten any thing in the last 5 days, he is skinny in march he was weighing 271, now 214. Hes confused sleeps all day and is yellow extremely yellow, he walks like a duck and waddles. most of the time he has no energy... My question is can he die in three months? We have 7 kids between us
I can only answer from what I went through it my brother my brother was diagnosed with cirrhosis many years ago let's say 13 years ago fifteen years ago my brother at that time was drinking at least 2 24 packs was going to the beer bar every day when he moved in with my husband and I we cut back on his drinking and I tried to get him to eat my brother didn't live quite a few years late more in pain very swollen very yellow I had very bad bleeding at times cirrhosis is a very horrible death some people can live with it for many years some people cannot I knew my brother was very sick at the end of last year he refused to go to the hospital in January he fell in my house and his leg was bleeding 4 hours he finally gave in and went to the hospital my brother ended up in hospice and he died in February due to all the complications and everything that goes with cirrhosis I know you said he doesn't have it but all the signs are there and you have to just B strong enough ...
for yourself because he will pull you down he will beg you and ask you for more drinks take care of you and your children because he's not going to stop drinking until he wants to stop it doesn't matter how much we please and beg them only when they were ready to stop with themselves good luck and God bless you
The confusion is caused by his high ammonia level. It will only get worse from here. The jaundiced skin shows that his liver is shutting down. It is VERY possible he could die in 3 months. Let him know he needs to get his finances in order. A Doctor's visit is a must at this point. My mother and my husband passed away from cirrhosis, it's a really horrible way to die. Even more horrible is having to take care of and watch a person pass away from this disease. Sending prayers for you.
I'm so sorry to hear you're going through this. Sounds as if his fate is sealed unless he stops drinking totally. It's a terrible disease and I wouldn't wish it upon my worst enemy. My girlfriend died from this. She refused treatment and denied there was anything wrong with her. I begged her to see a doctor but she said she was fine but I saw her getting sick more frequently and at one point very jaundice and puffy but she still refused to see a doc. By the time she went to the ER it was too late she passed away 10 days later. God bless you and your family. Prepare for the worst.
Since I posted this we have put my husband on hospice, he no loner eats, drinks sometimes but when he does he just vomits, he has lost a total of 90#, he sleeps all day walking only from bed to couch. I just don't know what to do... I still wonder can he over come this... I'm in denial I think. Idk I'm so sad, I am so scared. I wish I knew how much time he had. It's so hard to find any good info because my husband does not have cirrhosis, but I know he's dying... or I think. I'm so confused
I have an enlarged liver. I used to drink more than 3 cocktails daily. Now I have 2 cocktails once a week. I was told if I had cirrhosis and continued drinking I could die in 4 years. Quit with cirrhosis and possibly 7 years. If I honestly stick to the once a week is it bad?
If you know that drinking can cause death, why drink at all? If you feel the need there must be an underlying issue. Maybe see a therapist? Good luck to you.
Im sorry for what your going through your very strong! Im that guy to an extent im 32 went to the er said i had hepitis. Iv been drinking heavy for years very heavy the past two. I am scared and stopped drinking last week cause i have many symptoms of cirosis and pretty sure i have it. Just no insurance. Im eating all healthy now. Want you all to know ar 2am reading all your post has given me more motivation to never drink again. I am making my mom sicker and my 7 year old idolizes me and has no idea i am so dumb. All of you are strong just keep being their for your loved ones. Iv spread many tears reading through theae for both u and i your loved ones and mine.
Thanks for your comment and strength. Awesome to recognize your weakness and go down the tough road to get well for your family. I'm 34 and I remember the feeling when I told my dad, I NEED you here! I'm not sure he really felt me... You're doing the right thing. {{hugs}}
Your story touches me davidatolle. I'm very new to all this and thought I'd share mine, too. I hope you're feeling better today, did you quit the drinking? What do Docs say now?
I'm 36 yrs old now and in Oct 2015 I was admitted to ER with Jaundice and ascites. I am scared and my doctors dropped the ball on getting me to the hospital that can help me because apparently my Drs office does not know how to use the fax, phone or email. So dealt with that and finally am going to UCSD in Oct 2016. I stopped drinking for a while but went right back to it as I watched the doctors waiting for me to die it seemed to me... I drank until 4 days ago. But now I am left alone waiting for Doctors appts. I feel great today, I also deal with colitis/epilepsy/liver disease possibly most likely worse. But I can't get a dam*d apptment any time soon. So between the doctors, my diseases and just it all, it caused alot of stress and the drinking did not help.
Well, it did help me to dull the pain of my situation. Which is not good, I know in my right mind, but...
Today, I am waiting still but stopped drinking, started taking milk thistle plus supplements, CBDs and Kratom. I swear by all this. I am better today and eating more healthy. Yes, I just stopped drinking but it's a start :) Because of this new diet I have been in remission from colitis, too! No seizures. No hospitals since Oct 2015 even though I was drinking still (lucky I guess, but not invincible I know)
My worries are I am too late. I did the damage. I won't give up or in, I'm going to keep doing what I am doing. Don't know how to quiet my mind down other than telling myself I'm living like this to save me. Forget about the negligent workers who were suppose to help, forget about all the damage I did and focus on healing. It's a little comfort. I won't drink anymore, but I fear I did enough damage... and that's scary.
I'm reading everyone's story because I am the one who is going through it with my Husband. He is my rock. I hate myself for hurting him so much when I don't care enough to care about me. These stories are opening my eyes to the other side of it. Thank you everyone for sharing! I would like any feedback, too, as through my research this is the 1st place I saw people actually commenting and interacting with one another <3 My question is did I catch it in time? That weighs on me, but I am trying positivity and laughter to get through that, just curious if anyone has comments here
I'm so sorry dear. My wife was diagnosed and hid it from me. When her eyes turned yellow I took her to the er I was then given the truth we admitted her AMD we were told with treatment she could last until transplant. Unfortunately one of her so called friends brought her vodka in the hospital. She was discovered and I brought her home to die. 37 days later on may 22 2009 she took her last breath and I lost my best friend. I pray your spouse wakes the hell up and stops the madness. prayers are with you as well as him.
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