T.I.P.S. anyone?

Liver disease isn't something that you hear about often but it is more common than you think. This disease is hard. Sometimes I don't think people realize just how serious it is. I know I didn't. There is no doubt. HG is VERY sick. Without a new liver...he...will...die. There is no way around it. Statistics that he will live long enough to get his new liver aren't so great either but right now...for us....losing is not an option!!! It just isn't.

So can I just say that liver disease...well...it just plain SUCKS! What a horrible, debilitating and sad disease. The worst part about it? Someone has to die so that my brother can live. This is the thought that has consumed my mind the last few weeks. How fitting seeing as this week is Easter. Our Savior died so that we could live again. I am so grateful for this knowledge.  It helps me to put things into perspective but it sure doesn't make it any easier. 

It has been a week of ups and downs for HG. It is so hard for me to imagine how he must feel. Always feeling bad, always being in pain, always feeling tired, always fighting for your L.I.F.E.  EVERY....   MINUTE....   OF....   EVERY....   DAY!!!

Today HG is having a procedure done called T.I.P.S. It will hopefully help so that he won't need to go into the hospital several times a week for the paracentesis. I have provided a video so if any of you care to see what it is they are going to do.  The basics of it are that they will put a shunt in his portal vein that goes to the liver to release pressure on varicose veins that are causing this fluid to build up in his abdomen area. Right now he is at the hospital preparing for the surgery. It is a mildly invasive surgery but when you are dealing with someone in as poor of shape as HG is in....well....it can be very serious so prayers would be appreciated.

This journey that we are traveling on with HG is not one I would have chosen for him but it really doesn't matter because it is the one we are on and I would do it time and time again if it meant having here on earth...alive and well...with us...his family. So do me a favor. This weekend as you are spending time with your families and celebrating Easter. Please....hug your loved ones a little tighter, be a little more patient and if you find time...say a prayer for HG that he will continue to have the strength to fight because remember.....Losing is not an option.

Happy Easter Everyone!