Family Perspectives
I can remember going to the hospital at least 3 to 4 times in a month when my Dad’s cirrhosis started getting bad. With every hospitalization, the big question was “Where did they put him this time?” If he was in ICU I knew it wasn't good. That meant that the ammonia levels in his system were so high that he had to be intubated. When his encephalopathy was at that stage, communication with him was impossible. I felt like I was talking to the pillow.
If he was in a regular hospital room, it meant that he realized his brain function was starting to fade. He actually got better at recognizing the onset of encephalopathy after some time. But I never knew the severity of the condition leading to each hospitalization. The staff would have to do their job and I would return to visit when he was a little more coherent.
Lactulose was always the treatment for reducing his ammonia levels to a normal level. It basically cleansed the protein out of his system. It was a balancing act of sorts. My Dad needed the Lactulose to control protein absorption, yet he had to eat a lot of protein in order to keep his body strong, along with all the other medicines he was taking at the time. He was taking around 30 pills a day.
There were many times I had doubts that he would make it past the torture of this disease. His depression (as well as everyone else’s depression) was at an all time low right before Thanksgiving 2008. Then, just five days before Thanksgiving (imagine the irony) he was blessed with the receipt of a new liver. Thank G-d for miracles. He deserved it after what he went through for so many years.
It is difficult to recall each and every hospitalization, as there were so many. All I know is that I hated to see my Dad as anything but strong. Recalling his weakness isn't easy for me. I am thrilled that he is feeling great now and is recovering so well, and look forward to spending the first Father’s Day with him in years.
Brian T., Larry’s son
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