
Help Dad Battle Liver Disease and Encephalopathy
Donation protected
As some of you may know, my dad was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver in 2017. That same year, he began treatment for ascites, which is fluid buildup in the abdominal cavity due to his cirrhosis. This treatment began with him getting drained every few months. Then it became monthly. Now, this is a weekly regimen essential to his life.
At the end of April this year, he was diagnosed with hepatic encephalopathy, which is the loss of brain function when a damaged liver doesn’t remove toxins from the blood. This is causing him to have spells of extreme confusion, forgetfulness, disorientation, and slurred speech. Along with his current treatment, he is now on a strict diet of low protein and low sodium, plus several new medications. Too much protein creates ammonia buildup in his bloodstream that goes to his brain, which can cause more spells, coma, or even death. Due to this new diagnosis, no doctor will release him to work. Therefore, he has been forced into early retirement. He has applied for disability, but it can take up to a year for him to start receiving benefits.
Due to all of this happening so suddenly, I’m asking for help from family, friends, and the community to pay for his medical expenses on top of everyday bills. Just him getting drained costs $4,000 each time, which is now weekly. He was relying on insurance through work, but because he was forced into retirement, he lost his insurance and is now having to pay out of pocket. My parents are now struggling because my mom has been out of work due to her own health issues, causing my dad to be their only source of income for the past ten years.
Any and all help is deeply appreciated. Thank y'all so much.
Organizer
Madeline Slay
Organizer
Lucedale, MS