I'm very sorry you are going through this with your mother. Unfortunately, if she doesn't stop drinking this could be fatal. Even if she stops drinking it is a difficult medical situation.
The fluid in her abdomen is called ascites, and removing it only treats the symptoms of discomfort from an abdomen full of fluid. It does not treat her illness. It sounds like your mother is in liver failure. Mayo Clinic has a good section on alcoholic hepatitis, which will help explain what is happening for you: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alcoholic-hepatitis/DS00785/DSECTION=complications.
This is a really tough situation for you to be in. Remember that while you can try to help your mum, you cannot force her to change her behavior. She has to decide she is ready to stop this spiral. So please try to remember that you are not responsible for what is happening to her. All you can do is try to help and support her as best you can while protecting your own emotional health.
If you have more questions, please let me know. I have been through this with several families, so I understand what you are going through. Take care of yourself and thank you for writing.
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Hi Angela
I'm very sorry you are going through this with your mother. Unfortunately, if she doesn't stop drinking this could be fatal. Even if she stops drinking it is a difficult medical situation.
The fluid in her abdomen is called ascites, and removing it only treats the symptoms of discomfort from an abdomen full of fluid. It does not treat her illness. It sounds like your mother is in liver failure. Mayo Clinic has a good section on alcoholic hepatitis, which will help explain what is happening for you: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alcoholic-hepatitis/DS00785/DSECTION=complications.
This is a really tough situation for you to be in. Remember that while you can try to help your mum, you cannot force her to change her behavior. She has to decide she is ready to stop this spiral. So please try to remember that you are not responsible for what is happening to her. All you can do is try to help and support her as best you can while protecting your own emotional health.
If you have more questions, please let me know. I have been through this with several families, so I understand what you are going through. Take care of yourself and thank you for writing.
September 25, 2010 - 5:40pmThis Comment
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