His liver failed 4 years ago, he had esophageal bleeding, surgery saved his life, but now he is sleeping all the time and has extreme fatigue. His legs are swollen which is most of the time. He does have an appetite and occasionally will have yellow eyes. He is on spironolactone and lactulose. He has severe pain in all joints. Platelets are very low so not a candidate for a liver transplant. Meld score is a 14. MRI has shown a lesion the size of a dime on his liver but won’t do a biopsy for fear of bleeding. Will do another MRI in September to see if lesion grows. I’m beside myself with what to do. Thank you.
My neighbor had liver desease. At 75 she was taken off the transplant list. She passed a year later.
You do not need the doctor to refer you to one. The Admission Nurse can make that call.
You will get help and support from Hospice.
A Nurse will come 1 time a week, more often if needed. The Nurse will order ALL the medical supplies and equipment and it will all be delivered to your home.
A CNA will come at least 2 times a week to help with shower, bath. The CNA will order all personal supplies and they also will be delivered to your home.
From your description it I were your husband I think I would forego any more testing and opt for comfort care. I know this is a difficult decision.
You can call the hospice agency of your choice and they will come out and do an assessment, and they're available 24/7 so you could call them now.
They will supply any needed equipment, supplies and medications, along with having a nurse to come check on him once a week to start, and aides to come bathe him at least twice a week. And this is all covered 100% under your husbands Medicare.
I wish you well as you walk this difficult journey with your husband.