Questions about alcoholism

[KelNottAt]

We just found out that DH’s cousin, “Robin,” has been hospitalized with cirrhosis. Apparently, she has been drinking heavily for over 5 years, since about the time of her dad’s death. She’s 38 and we only see her about once every 3 years, or so, at major family events. Everyone loves her dearly; she’s always the life of the party. (In hindsight, I guess that could that have been the booze talking.)

Our info is sketchy, but we think her drinking caused her to lose her job about a month ago. This triggered a non-stop binge that put her in the hospital. In addition to the cirrhosis, SIL said something about brain damage and memory loss. We hear that her life-partner, “Mary,” is equally addicted, but it’s unclear if she’s also hospitalized.

Everyone is heartbroken, of course. DH’s mom has known about Robin’s hospitalization for about 2 weeks, but didn’t tell anyone. Don’t know why, and that’s irrelevant anyway.

Can anyone explain the medical side of alcoholism? The physical damage it does? Can the damage be reversed? I don’t think Robin has entered a recovery program yet; her condition is still too sickly. So right now I’m just trying to get my own understanding about what could be going on in the hospital. I’m asking here cuz something tells me this won’t be a Thanksgiving discussion when we’re all together next week.

Thanks,

 

[chrissyk]

I'm not an expert, but my uncle died from cirhossis (or "cancer" as we call it in my family ). In his case, his liver was just done-for from all the drinking. It certainly didn't seem to be reversible, and it must not have been since he did end up dying in his 50's. I don't think that there was much that could be done. I am sorry to hear about your family member with this issue. Alcoholism is such a tough thing

 

[POB14]

Here's someplace to start:

http://menshealth.about.com/od/diseases/a/alcohol.htm

A tendency toward alcoholism can be inherited. Don't hesitate to use this as an object lesson for your kids. Hope everything works out OK for her.

 

[Shugardrawers]

I'm no expert. I can only give you and tell you my bio father died of cirhossis at the ripe old age of 42. He was an extremely heavy drinker for 25 years. To have that much damage at her age she has to have been drinking heavily for much longer than you suspect. Or much more heavily than anyone suspects. To be this sick at her age I'm suprised she didn't die of alcohol poisoning long ago. Cirhossis is not reversible and there is no cure that I know of.

 

[ElizaB39]

My Uncle died of alcoholhism related complications when he was 52? or so. He started bleeding internally; his organs just were destroyed by all the alochol and there was nothing for anyone to do but watch it happen. Very sad.

I was once at a seminar/speaking thing, and the guest speaker was saying that each one of us has a lifelong limit of how much our bodies can take (regarding drinking alcohol). It is different for each person, but once you have hit your limit, thats it. Interesting comment I thought.

I have no idea if this person was an expert or if it was just his opinion.