Jaundice in the eyes, how bad is the prognosis?

My mother was told 4 years ago she only had 10 percent of her liver left (it was caused by a medication she took, not by drinking), and was given only 2-8 years unless she could get a liver transplant, which is imposible (even though I am probably a match) because she does not have health insurance. She recently noticed that her eyes were becoming yellow, and was very concered that it was jaundice. She went to the doctor and they said it is jaundice, and she needs to come back for blood work later. Is this very bad? Does this mean she is going into liver failure? I am very concerned.

I'm so sorry about your mother. It's unfortunate you are unable to find any help for her. Please call your county's health department as they may be able to find a physician to help your mother.

Have you maybe considered trying a fund raiser? Do you work in the community or know somebody who does? Fundraising can do wonders if you are able to do that. Is your mom on Medicare? Perhaps you can look into that as a possible solution for a transplant procedure. If you have insurance, you may even wish to check that out as well.

About the jaundice....when my boys were newborn, they had jaundice, and I was told to get them sunshine, as there is something in the sunlight that helps with the jaundice. Perhaps you can have your mom sit outside for a bit, get some fresh air and just let the sun take care of the jaundice. Just because her eyes are jaundiced, doesn't mean she is going into liver failure; only the doctor could tell you that.

I did some searching for you - please check out these links. I do hope they can be of some help to you. Blessings to you and your mother.

http://www.cpmc.org/advanced/liver/patie...

http://www.transplantliving.org/Communit...

http://www.fairviewtransplant.org/about/...

http://www.fairviewtransplant.org/about/...

My thoughts to you and yours

She can get help. She needs to go to her county's department of social services. They will get her the medical help she needs. She will have to go down and apply. But when approved they will get her seen right away. If you are a match, it wouldn't take long to set up the surgery (as long as both of you are healthy enough). The great thing about livers, is that you can give her half of yours (or half of someones) and the liver regenerates. It will become full size for both patients.

My Dear Friend:

The prognosis is not good. I'm reasonably sure that her Doctor put her on some kind of diet and probably removed her Gall Bladder.

A liver can regenerate itself...but it becomes a matter of time..and she may not have enough time...I don't know.

I feel sorry for her that she does not have Health Insurance...but there may be another way to avoid that expense.

Please check with her Doctor...sometimes there are plans that will not charge.

Good Luck!

like the person above me said go apply for state assistance. you may also have a hospital around that takes people who are unable to pay...like a university hospital? you may have to call around but there are program that can assist her, you just have to find them. and yes jaundice is a symptoms of liver failure. are you or anyone in your family a match? Remember that you may have to be an advocate for her and stand up and nicely demand appropriate treatment. dont be afraid to ask for help. Good Luck

If the county health department doesn't produce leads for assistance with the expense, go to the state department of health and apply for state aid. Another possibility is the United Way's First Call for Help... usually just dial 2-1-1 for most cities. Tell them what she needs and they might have some suggestions...

I'm sure her doctor told her this, but just in case... Tylenol (acetaminophen) is very hard on the liver... avoid it and anything containing it. Check with local poison control or a pharmacy if she is taking any meds, even over-the-counters to see if they are also toxic to the liver...
Best,
Ed, RN

Unfortunately, from what your describing, she may be going into liver failure. Tell her you love her and cherish the times you have together.