Ascites

  • 1 reply
  • 35 subscribers
  • 147 views

My father in law unfortunately has terminal cancer. And a condition he has now is fluid around the abdomen and is in pain. His specialist has told him he needs it drained, but his know it all girlfriend reckons he doesn’t as she has read on the internet that it’ll get rid of all his nutrients and make him worse. My wife, his daughter, is worried sick and doesn’t know whether to get involved in some way. He has had single point in, OT & a macmillan nurse most weeks. But he doesn’t want respite he is adamant she is looking after him better? Can doctors etc make him go into either hospital or. Hospice at anytime?? Obviously it’s difficult to not have him upset with his children by them interfering but I’m just wondering if someone will have to intervene? Thank you for listening

  • Hi Kevy,

     

    Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to our online community. My name is Suzanne and I am one of the cancer information nurse specialists here at Macmillan

    I can appreciate you and your wife’s concerns for your father-in-law, especially as he is in pain from the build-up of fluid around his abdomen, known as Ascites.  

    As suggested by his oncologist, this can potentially be relieved by draining the fluid using a procedure called paracentesis. This is a common and generally effective way to manage ascites and could help him to feel more comfortable.

    There are also other potential ways of managing the build up of fluids such as the use of a water tablet known as a diuretic, such as spironolactone. These work by removing excess fluid, partly by increasing the amount of urine the body produces. They can also sometimes help prevent further build up, but are not suitable for everyone.

    Any treatment offered to him should be based upon the best clinical evidence of its effectiveness, coupled with an assessment of the risks versus benefits of the treatment based on his individual clinical circumstances.

    It must be very difficult if his girlfriend is challenging this specialist advice based on information she has read online, which can often be inaccurate, misleading, and not necessarily based upon the best clinical evidence. Nor does it factor in your father-in-law's individual circumstances.

    Perhaps you may wish to suggest that she reads the information in the links given above if you feel that would help. You could also suggest that she discusses her concerns about the possible effects of drainage with his oncologist.  

    I can also appreciate your frustrations about your father-in-law’s reluctance to consider respite care in a hospice or hospital. Coping with advanced cancer can be challenging and it can often help someone to spend a week or 2 in specialist setting to make sure they are on the best treatment plans to minimise their symptoms. They and their families can also be given psychosocial support to maximise their quality of life.

    His feelings are understandable though, and it is not unusual for someone to be reluctant to be away from home, even for a short while.

    Whilst I can appreciate that you don’t want to upset anyone, it may be that you can influence his thinking by explaining the above in a gentle way. Failing this, as he has a Macmillan nurse you may be able to get in touch with them via your father in laws GP to express your concerns confidentially. That way the nurse can have a general chat with them both without them knowing you have been in touch.  

    I really hope that this information is helpful Kevy. As this is a complex situation for you all it may help you and/or your wife to give us a call to talk through the situation as you go forward. Please feel free to give us a call on the support line on 0808 808 0000.  We are here every day from 8am -8pm.

    I can also see that you are not a member of our family and friend’s forum as yet and wondered whether this may be supportive for you all.  

    Take care and please do reach out again if you need information and support.

              

     Suzanne,

     Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

     

     

     

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.

    Ref/SF/AMc