Jay’s Story

Site created on April 6, 2019

We were shocked to find out about a year and a half ago that Jay has liver disease (cirrhosis) and that very little of his liver was functioning. This shocked us because Jay does not have any of the normal causes of cirrhosis. He has never been a big drinker, is not overweight, no autoimmune diseases, etc. Doctors tested for all and were unable to determine the exact cause. During this time, Jay started having some related symptoms, extreme fatigue, nausea, night sweats, and encephalopathy but the most serious symptom was that he developed esophageal varices. These are bulging veins in the esophagus brought on because the scarred liver puts pressure on these veins. He had these varices banded to prevent bleeds, however; new varices formed or the bands came off and he vomited a significant amount of blood several times. These bleeds can be life-threatening. It was because of these bleeds that they expedited adding him to the liver transplant list.

Newest Update

June 12, 2019

Journal entry by Renee Powell Slater —

Jay has been home 4 days now and is doing great! Like they say, there is no place like home! He feels great and is getting stronger every day. Thankfully his appetite has also returned! He had a great checkup Monday and physical therapy is coming twice a week. No medical needs for home health nurse but PA from WK hospital to home will visit once a week. We are covered with care. 
Read More of the journal titled "June 12, 2019"
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