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
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
79 Answers Page 3
Hi, my name is Will. I wish I could explain how a person feels when they learn they have cirrhosis of the liver, me, haven't stopped drinking, in fact i started drinking more. I know I'm hurting my family, my self. But it actually it makes me feel better. Sure ihhave bad days, but mostly good days. So if you're husband feels better. ... let him have at it. God bless you and yours
are you still with us willboston
I was googling for some answers for how long a person lives with these conditions and I came across this sight. From the flip side of the coin, I am the person with the disease. I am just now 49 years old and found myself in the E.R after Thanksgiving (Thanksgiving before last) and during Christmas praying that my life wasn't going to be like that. They pumped a total of 13 liters out of my abdomen. I was in so much pain. Not always coherent and almost prayed God would take my life after I saw the look in my 12 yr old son's eyes when he saw me for the first time since I came to the hospital.
Just over a year now, and I struggle with the pain, depression and guilt. But on a good note, doctors are greatly surprised to see how far I have come since then. I am still here and carry on because of the great care team I have from caregivers, doctors, nurses, counselors, and family. I am blessed. But it was my mother who of all of them who was always there from the very beginning. Holding my head out of the toilet, changing my clothes, being my advocate and always telling me she loved me. I believe I am here today because of this loving support because God knows I am still trying to heal, forgive and learn to love myself. Thank you Mom.
I don't know if this will even get read, but this is the first time I have actualized my condition in writing. I like to think this may help those who struggle with the challenge of whether or not to stay.
Thank You
Awesome story I don't know if you read my story about my wife she passed on February 7 just keep takin care of your self because I see my kids hurting every day we have three kids together son 15 and 2 girls 13,2 just please take care of your self you have alotnof people that love you
Thanks for your post. My father died in May of last year - I still struggle with the question of what more could I have done. I know your family is blessed that you are actively working to restore health and extend your life for yourself and others. My last text to my dad was, "I love you. Don't give up. I need you here."
My wife had just passed February7 we have 3 kids together 2 girls 12,2 and a boy 14... she passed away from liver disease sccorisis can anybody give me any advise how to cope with the loss cause I'm so lost and confused about what to do and I need to be strong and take care of my kids
I am 27yrs old Ive been diagnosed with auto immune hepatitis since 19yrs old I've been listening to doctors and don't drink haven't in a very long time but i have been getting worse over the last 2 years i now have PSC & PBC as well I've been on a transplant list for 2 years waiting for a liver I've been at end stage for 2years or longer but don't know how long it will be part of me wants to just give up but i keep fighting for my wife mother sister and nephew other than that i really don't know why i keep going to these appointments its never good news so just cherish whatever time u have left on this earth with your loved ones i continue to go to work and have a normal life well as normal as it can be i am writing a book now and hopefully i get to finish it but its very hard and this sucks but i keep my faith and try to stay as positive as possible i can never find young people to talk to about this but if anyone is out there maybe we can talk because days like today i question everything
Hi I have just lost my dad last Monday to this. We have only just today found out after a post mortem this is the cause of death. It's still very raw and I'm in shock that it was so sudden. I wanted to ask a question. Would my dad have known? He had the flu jab 2 weeks ago and since then went down hill. 2 years ago he was taken to hospital because he had hurt his back and he ended up in a wheel chair or using a walking aid to help him. Doctors couldn't find out what was wrong with him and checked everything they have said. My dad was a heavy drinker and I'm worried that they have missed this. Is this why my dad was always in pain and rubbing his stomach? His teeth where falling out he has a swollen stomach which docs gave him water tablets. A couple of months ago (September) he went to do a with a rash on his arms they told him it was scabies.
He also had diabetes but handled that with healthy eaten ( when he could eat) so cut long story short Friday the 11th Dec dad was not feeling great and Saturday he sleep most of the day the. Woke up and never went back to sleep as though he knew it was scared to go to sleep. Sunday he never went to the toilet drank anything or got out of bed. He was very confused and thrashing about the bed. 5.10am mum had been up with him since Saturday thinking it was flu like my dad had thought due to the jab but at that time mum went to the bathroom came back saw he was bleeding from the mouth could get a response and called ambulance they told him to get him in the floor and give CPR and when she started that all this blood came up out his mouth and he was gone. Please can someone shed light on this if my dad could have known or if he knew he was going and wanted to be at home with my mum. I need answers to let me move on. Thanks.
Hey sorry to hear about your loss. My dad was admitted to the Hospital back on December 14th. He is an alcoholic. He would lock himself in his room and would talk to himself like he was delirious. Often made grunting sounds. He retired last year and we looked after his house while he went to visit grandparents and look for a house down South to retire to. He was going to come back and forth to see his grandkids. When he came back in June his stomach was very big. He had already been through the hospital for drinking before ,but now this time around he has Final Stage liver disease (sccoloris). They drained his stomach three times in a week because of the liver failure. He has jaundice and alcoholic hepatitis(viral hepatitis ,too). They told us he has 3 to 8 weeks to live. Sometimes he's completely with us..having normal conversations. Sometimes completely lost. He looks anorexic, sees thing that aren't there, his stool is black, barely uses the bathroom.
We tried to put him in physical therapy but the doctors told us it wouldn't do any good. He's bedridden and needed Hospice to make him feel comfortable. I feel so bad because he thinks that since last time he skated by with nothing happening to him..that it will be the same this time. I can't bear to tell him the truth. He thinks he's getting better but physically I see no improvement. Hospice gave me the book about dealing with death..which isn't a good sign. The nurses and us have to continually lie to him so he doesn't know he's dying. Sorry that you didn't get to say goodbye..we will. But we don't have much time left. He's got 4 to 6 weeks now max if we go by what the doctors say. Just hope when he passes it's as painless as possible.
Anne 1410, so sorry to hear what happened for you and your family.
Anne 1410, so sorry to hear what happened for you and your family. my family member,( dont want to break their confidentiality by naming them), is very unwell with Cerhosis, but had not attended hepatology, for yrs. i am unsure of their full diagnosis, but the more i read, it all falls into place, ie, their phisical deterioration, etc. i want to help more, to make them comfortable. As their nxt of kin on hospitaal forms, do i have the right to speak to the doctor, in the hospital to find out exactly how to help. They lose their memory and get confused, which is heartbreaking to watch.
Anne 1410, so sorry to hear what happened for you and your family. my family member,( dont want to break their confidentiality by naming them), is very unwell with Cerhosis, but had not attended hepatology, for yrs. i am unsure of their full diagnosis, but the more i read, it all falls into place, ie, their phisical deterioration, etc. i want to help more, to make them comfortable. As their nxt of kin on hospitaal forms, do i have the right to speak to the doctor, in the hospital to find out exactly how to help. They lose their memory and get confused, which is heartbreaking to watch.
Hi my name is Mary iam very scared they told me in aid I had cerrioss of the liver I don't think iam spelling it right but ism not a drinker iam trying to do what the doctor say he said my liver working 10% they say I mneed to losses weight iam trying does any body what I cash dfo to get better I have to grandkids that iam raising that call me mom
I am so sorry everyone is going through such hard times with this awful disease. Have a question now my brother was diagnosed with the disease approximately 10 years ago the last couple of months he's been in agony of pain he's always been in pain with this but it just seems to be getting worse he he goes from the couch to the balcony and is completely out of breath his skin is getting yellow his body is getting more and more swollen he's always in pain he has orange fluid coming out of them I know he's hitting all the symptoms when he does get a minute they already diagnosed him with CHF my question is and I don't know if anybody knows the answer but really anyone who has offer anybody with this disease can you please tell me what the symptoms were at the last bit of their life I am worried that this is the end for my brother or is coming very close to it and all the websites I cannot find anyone or anything that shows what people went through I know everyone is different I just want some insight thank you
I'm not sure it's really clear from the outside what the 'end' looks like. My father died earlier this year from liver failure related to cirrhosis issues and I longed to understand the signs of when it was "serious" "imminent" "dire" ... of all the evidence, I think it was clearest to me when my father stopped wanting medically necessary help. I believe the body wants to keep working, and science can help make it happen, but it takes a willing participant to make it so.
Thanks. It's just so hard to watch him suffer and I offer to take him to the hospital but NO I don't know what to do for him
My Mother also has this disease. I'm so sorry for anyone that has to go through this. I was also wondering how much longer someone has with a disease like this. She can hardly walk anymore, she barely eats and hardly remembers anything we talk about day to day. Doctors have never given us any straight answers and I want to prepare myself. I miss her already.
I'm so sorry you're having to deal with this. My father passed away earlier this year after being diagnosed with cirrhosis 10 months prior. He was 56. I can't answer your question, but I can share what I learned through the process. I think it's hard for doctors to know exactly the answers. While a cirrhosed portions of the liver won't ever heal, it doesn't mean the whole liver is cirrhosed - so there is still partial functionality. Theoretically a person who stops drinking, treats their symptoms and take care of their liver can live for years - there are people on this post that are examples of that. If you don't, your body can go down hill very fast. It's the complications from the disease that can cause death. For example my father died from bleeding in his veins because of the additional stress caused on his circulatory system. My father never quit drinking and refused medical help - which is painful for those he left. Good luck to you!
I can't answer this question cause I'm looking for answers myself I just found out my uncle who's gay is 77 years old has cirrhosis of the liver and he drinks a lot but in he's in denial I told him what it meant he understands he's respond is I'm going to put my papers in order so I need to know how long before he gets get worse
this was written years ago so... no point to answer.
Answering just to answer. :) When I was desperately seeking answers earlier this year I typed in a simple google search: "end stage liver cirrhosis time to live" and this post came up. I saw active posts and I was comforted by those who were responding. The original poster has likely moved on, but the people like me who continue to search on this are looking for answers and comfort- and I'd like to provide my experience because it helps in my own healing.
It's hard reading all of these posts and the pain loved ones went thru. I was in a long distance relationship but to not drag it out to the whole story I lost my girlfriend of 4 years to this terrible disease. Although we lived separate lives in different states we talked everyday and saw one another once a year. The second time we were together I noticed she had characteristics of an alcoholic. When I called her out on it she got quite angry with me so I never mentioned it again. That's when I think I went wrong. I blame myself for not pressing the issue. Maybe had I I coulda got her to see a doctor and get a diagnosis 2 years ago. I never imagined she had the start of cirrhosis but the the illnesses and things happening to her at that time were all the symptoms of the disease but by the time she was so sick 2 years later that she had to go to the ER it was already too late she was in end stage liver disease.
She was hospitalized for 10 days and put in hospice care where she lasted one day before her passing. That day I lost my soulmate and my best friend. Reading all these comments from similar stories tells me just how much she must of suffered before her final week on earth. She always down played every illness she had so not to worry me but I now know just how much she suffered. It hurts my heart to read all of these. Alcoholism is a disease and we are powerless to stop it when it takes over. I only wish I could of done something. I feel guilty that I didn't say more to her but I don't think it would have made a difference. She was under a tremendous amount of stress at home and I think it only fueled her to drink more. Now I'm left with the heartache of going on without her. If only she knew what she did to those she left behind maybe she wouldn't have neglected her own health for so many years. I'm glad she's not suffering anymore but those left behind will suffer her loss forever. I know I'll never be the same without her.
I'm so sorry for your loss. My father passed away 3 months ago from the disease at the age of 56. It's also hard for me to not feel guilty - what more could I -- all of us friends and family -- have done? We got the diagnosis 10 months prior to his death - we tried talking him into rehab or just palatable treatment to lengthen his life. It was like he thought he was going to beat it by himself... Just like my dad.
All my sisters, our husbands, my grandparents and his wife came together towards the end and decided we were at peace with my father's wishes to not seek treatment - even though we weren't convinced he fully understood what that meant. For us, it meant the last time we were all together we weren't fighting. He passed the next morning ...
I most often feel peace in that. Then the times come up that I miss him and wish I had done more.
Much love and healing to you.
Yes it's very hard to watch but in the end they need to help themselves and if they are not willing to all we can do is support their decision. I'm sorry for your loss it's never easy on those left behind.
I've had it for 5 years. You've got a real selfish person on your hands
hi. we have almost the same exact situation. we also have 3 yr old son that i put to daycare coz he is not capable of caring so i van work. he doesnt care about his health. his dr told him 5 more yrs to live if he continues to drink. but the scarey thing is the toxin and ammonia going to his brain. he have encephalophaty which makes him confused. i feel ur pain and anger and its like we are the one who will gonna die first coz of the stress. i have no family here. his family abandoned him and said they will not do anything about him no more. i am a working mom and i am in a lot of stress dealing with my sick husband. i dont know what to do. but to pray and hope for the best.
Hi, I found my ex husband on 7.17.15 he had passed away. He laid there alone passed away in his home for 3 weeks. Thou we were apart I was trying to help him. We raised 4 wonderful children and had been married for 23 years. The aftermath has been to much to bare. That night! Police, detectives, crisis counselor, the smell, the insects and the coroner. The thought of him home alone haunts me. Once the coroner had removed him from the house I asked if I could say good bye. They aloud me. He was wrapped in a black bag. No written words can express my good bye to him. I'm telling you the God's honest truth about this disease. Cirrhosis has left me and our children devastated. So if you won't but down the bottle for yourself please do it for your loved ones. He was not his disease he was a good man that couldn't find peace in life. I pray he has found his peace. Love you forever Paul.
Hi. My father has been drinking since he was a child. He is now 70 and has end star cirrhosis and hepatitis c. In October they have him 6 months to live and told him if he had even a drop he would die. It is now July and he is drinking now more than ever. When he starts to feel bad he'll stop for a day then start again. His stomach is huge, his skin and eyes are yellow, he has blood coming from his behind, is very agitated and sleeps a lot. He is drunk by 7 AM everyday and is in and out of the hospital every couple weeks. It is getting harder for everyone in the family to deal with his destruction especially since we know there is nothing anyone can do. He has made a point to say he has no desire to stop. How long can this way of life go on for??
Is your father still ambulatory? How does he get his alcohol? The only reason my husband stopped was because I wouldn't give him any and he was too weak to get up. He still asked every person that came to visit him. My hubby started going downhill in April 2014 after drinking for most of his 72 years. His acitis was horrible. They drained the fluid about 5 times in 5 months. One time they took off 22 liters. His weight plummeted and he looked like a living cadaver. Jaundiced skin, swollen feet. His personality changed drastically. He was impatient, confused and just plain mean. We brought hospice in around the last part of May. Having an aid give him a bath twice a week was helpful and the nurse would make sure I had everything I needed. In November he lost his appetite and just started drinking boost. The nurse could see how mean and agitated he was becoming so the Dr. put him on Ativan.
He had also been prescribed 50 mg of fentanyl for the pain, so he was kind of out of it most of the time. He passed away on December 5. Please don't hesitate to ask his doctor to put him in hospice. We had hospice in home and it was great having a hospital bed to be able to maneuver him around while changing him and the sheets. They'll make sure he has the right medicine to calm him down and/or to lessen his pain. Try not to let his meaness get you down (I know it's hard), it's a symptom of the disease. This was the hardest thing I've ever gone through in my life. It's tough watching your loved one die a little more each day. I did say a prayer and Thanked God when he passed. I knew he wasn't in pain anymore and he was in a better place. Sending hugs and prayers for all of you going through this.
I see this thread has been going for some time and is still active. From all my research (poking around) over the last 8 months I gather that there is no answer to this question. Each case is different, only thing they have in common is either a transplant or passing on. The varices and personality changes are signs of problems but a timeline, no.
My wife and I got her diagnosis last November, tomorrow we go for her third blood draw and later this month an esophageal scope and 3D ultrasonic imaging of the portal vein and liver and they will probably look at the kidneys as well. The cause of her liver disease is genetic but not a recognized ailment, kind of a generic genetic problem. Over the last year she has lost about 40% of her body mass, had varicies, asceties, edema, and is showing some hepatic encephalopathy. Her sleep cycle reversed and is now erratic and appetite is very little and she retches after anything to drink or eat.
Hopefully the new MELD will be high enough that we can get something moving.
This is the first active site I have found and I suppose I'm here for support though my search was for a timeline that I knew I would not find. Neither of our families are able to deal with the fact that she is dying, we no longer get phone calls, email, or visits. Only one couple, long time friends, and a neighbor who checks on her when I'm at work are still in regular contact. This is something that really troubles me. Why is it that so many people can't deal with the failing health of a loved one?
I've learned a lot being a caregiver to my wife. People initially said "I know what you're going through". No, they simply don't. Prayers were offered and the sentiment was genuine and appreciated. At some point, someone would always say "You have to take care of yourself", clap me firmly on the shoulder and think they have done what they can. Often, that IS all they can do. But you can't clock out at 5:00p.m., take a weekend off, or delude yourself that it will get better. My wife and I recognize we are alone in this. It is a part of life others fear and avoid confronting. I look at each day practically. Tomorrow will not miraculously be better. It will be another day where I can make her comfortable, to try and have some conversations we used to have, and not react negatively when the illness takes center stage. Things we had planned or hoped won't happen, but I know it isn't because she chose this illness.
I'll probably survive my wife. What happens then is equally unknown and it's destructive for me to think about. I have learned what promises and commitments are, and the calm I feel as she slips off to sleep. I've changed what my hopes are, but they still exist. The universe is a blank void that doesn't particularly care how I/we deal with this. That doesn't mean I don't. There is a gut-level endurance I have seen in others and now can see in myself. I can't know where it will lead, but it will keep us on the field.
My partner has been drinking for 35 years.now he is dettoxing his stomach is really swollen.his belly button is sticking out and leaking.his legs and ankles are swollen.He want see a doctor.his skin is yellow.He is off his food too.He still drinks two vodkas a day.how can i get help for him
Hi, I wanted to ask 'anonymous', the Lady who originally started the question, how things are for her now? I too am in a similar situation with my best friend. He is homeless and had been stating with me for the past 6 months. Up until 2 years ago he was teetotal, but physical and emotional pain became too much for him to cope with and he is now an alcoholic drinking 2 bottles of vodka a day. His abdomen is huge, his hands, feet & legs are swollen, he vomits blood and passes blood from behind, he can't eat much at a time before becoming very full. Tests have revealed internal bleeding, damaged liver etc. What many people on the 'outside' don't realise, is how difficult life (if you can call it that) for lived ones becomes, to the point that I'm sure many of us are either in of need counseling.
Thanks to everyone for opening up your hearts and bearing all xx
My alcoholic boyfriend has a Dr. appointment right now as I post this. I strongly suspect that the Dr. may broach the subject of cirrhosis today. He is skin and bones with bloodshot eyes and extremely swollen ankles and very little appetite. I even worry that if he were to stop drinking now, he might not be strong enough to suffer through a brutal detox. It is really disheartening as he was a very talented, generous, sensitive guy. I feel quite powerless as he seems to be in denial. I'm not strong enough to walk away, he needs someone to check in on him at least once weekly. I've read all of the stories on this post and appreciate all of the information and feel your pain, God bless you all. Be strong.
To FRR and Jas22, i'm so sorry that you and your friend/boyfriend are going through this. I just wanted to send my love and hope and pray that life gets better for you all!
Related topics
cirrhosis, liver cirrhosis, doctor, liver, disease
Similar questions
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.