Liver Disease and your Teeth

This is Bob and His Sister Julie on his B-Day

Well as some of you know, Since Bobs diagnosis he has been on ALOT of different medicines, and with Liver disease one of the side effects is Ascities (fluid buildup) in the abdomen and in the legs. To control this they prescribe a diuretic. sometimes the doses can get quite high so again a side effect of that is...it also dries up the saliva glands, and a result of that is all the good and bad bacteria in your mouth is affected. Which promotes tooth decay. In the last year Bob has lost all his teeth but one on the bottom and 4 on the top…He has now been on a soft diet for over a year (duh) NOW for the good news. We as a family have been struggling on what to do or how to come up with the 8K it is going to cost to have the roots and remaining teeth extracted, and the cost of his plates as we have now dental insurance. So… as always God has worked out the details , he allowed the health insurance to pay for the hospital stay (2 days in the hospital because of his compromised health and bleeding problems.) and the extractions !!!! SOMEONE paid the $3,500 bill for the plates. I do not know who it is but whoever you are…….. I am eternally grateful and I am at a loss for words. We could not have done this without your help. It is a day to day struggle here, some days worse than others and then some days so filled with love and appreciation I could burst!!! This has been such a long emotional journey I can not explain the range of emotions and appreciation I have for my family and friends... all of you have know idea how important you are to us!. I just wanted to say Thank you to each and every one of you for your words or your thoughts and prayers. I send our love to you all! Bobs oral surgery is scheduled for the 22nd of April.

Laura and Bob

cirrhosis vs healthy liver

Hi, this was last summer when we took a day trip to Garibaldi, It took everything Bob had to walk the docks but he was so happy. Its funny how we take for granted the little things , like just walking around which in the old days I would have not found very exciting but now since Bobs liver disease I totally appreciate even a half hour walk, we talk about it for months after. It’s these times I realize how compromised he really is. We continue to talk about going again for a night or even just one day...but it never seems like he feels quite good enough. I guess those days are gone. In the beginning of his diagnosis of Cirrhosis, I thought maybe we would be lucky enough and he could get a liver transplant, but with his immediate weight gain he was not a candidate anymore. We have tried everything to get some of the weight off but his body holds on to it like you wouldn’t believe and there is nothing we can do. Some of the weight gain is due to Ascites (fluid in the abdomen) and some is due to other things going on due to his liver disease. I feel like we have done everything that we can so I am comfortable with it all.

I never really knew what all the liver did and now….for all us with a healthy livers, be thankful and make sure you pay attention to your bodies. If something doesn't seem normal…Go to the doctor and ask for blood tests. A lot of time Doctors don't draw blood unless you have a lot of varying symptoms… but it is your right, your insurance, and your bill so ask for blood work! It is so inexpensive and it is absolutely invaluable!

Ok that is my rant for the day. God bless.

Hepatic Encephalopathy

Hello,
Well just an update for those of you who are here to check on Bob and I. As some of you know Bob is home from his stay in the IMCU from complications with his Liver Disease. He was admitted with Hepatic encephalopathy. His blood ammonia levels were at 309, and his white blood count was at 24.9 So to say the least he was a pretty sick guy. Thank you for all your prayers and he is home now and recovering slowly. Everyday is a slow and steady climb back. Thank you for stopping by. Laura has now fixed the comment but so feel free to leave your thoughts. I am going to try to be more diligent on relaying information on the progress of Bob’s battle with Cirrhosis.
Love to you all Laura

Comments Feature Test

Hi Everyone,

It has been a long time and I do apologize. Seems there are never enough hours in day, let alone the week!

Some of you notified me about not being able to post to the Liver Help blog. I think I have fixed the issue and am testing the “add a comment” feature with this post.

More later…

The other Laura

Just a quick note to say thank you all for taking the time to read the email I sent out last week end and for stopping by the blog.

Last week I let Laura know of our efforts. She and Bob have seen some pretty generous gestures by some of you in this last week and I personally want to say THANK YOU!

Some of you wrote me personally and I promise to do follow up with you soon. Be sure and watch for updates by email about what we have accomplished and how the “endeavor” is helping.

Don’t hesitate to drop note with any questions you may have.

Thank you again and more later…The Other Laura 

Bob and Laura 2008

Laura and Jessi November 2007