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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Fullness In Stomach Like Water Balloon, Shortness Of Breath. Recommended Banding Of Veins In Esophagus, Nothing Told About Getting Off Fluid. Help

yes, I just visited my brother yesterday and his stomach is so full that when you pat it it is like a water balloon feeling. I am so afraid that it is going to cause him to die. He went to see a doctor and they want to start banding his veins in his esophagus but nothing was said about getting that fluid off him. He is starting to be short of breath and the rest of him is like a skeleton. Please should I insist that he get a second opinion? I am sorry I can't pay to ask you this. I was just so scared when I looked at him. I don't want to loose him. Thank you
posted on Sat, 3 Aug 2013
Twitter Sat, 3 Aug 2013 Answered on
Twitter Sat, 3 Aug 2013 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi and thanks for the query. I am so sorry to hear what your brother has been experiencing.

From the informational you have provided you brother most likely has a liver disease. If the fluid in his stomach is drained it will re-accumulate and that is why we only drain it if it causes so much pain or causes difficulties breathing or maybe infected. I think draining it will make a good option in him because you say the stomach is so distended and causing him to breath with difficulties. Please discuss this with his doctor.

His chances of surviving are very slim unless he get a new liver. Ask his doctor how possible it is to do this in your context. I understand the pain to see your loved one go through this. however, i will not conceal the truth from you and pretend it is going to be okay. He is sick and very sick.

I hope you find this helpful and informative. If you have more questions, please ask us and we shall gladly provide answers. I wish him all the best of outcome given his present state.
Dr. Ditah, MD
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Fullness In Stomach Like Water Balloon, Shortness Of Breath. Recommended Banding Of Veins In Esophagus, Nothing Told About Getting Off Fluid. Help

Hi and thanks for the query. I am so sorry to hear what your brother has been experiencing. From the informational you have provided you brother most likely has a liver disease. If the fluid in his stomach is drained it will re-accumulate and that is why we only drain it if it causes so much pain or causes difficulties breathing or maybe infected. I think draining it will make a good option in him because you say the stomach is so distended and causing him to breath with difficulties. Please discuss this with his doctor. His chances of surviving are very slim unless he get a new liver. Ask his doctor how possible it is to do this in your context. I understand the pain to see your loved one go through this. however, i will not conceal the truth from you and pretend it is going to be okay. He is sick and very sick. I hope you find this helpful and informative. If you have more questions, please ask us and we shall gladly provide answers. I wish him all the best of outcome given his present state. Dr. Ditah, MD