My husband and I separated three years ago because of his alcoholism. He is only 44. Earlier this year, specifically in mid March, I was called in by the ICU three times because they said he would not survive. The diagnosis was end-stage cirrhosis and portal hypertension. They were only controlling the bleeding using balloon technique. He was on advanced life support for more than three weeks and then they gave him a 10 % chance of survival. He was then transferred to a different hospital so that the TIPS procedure could be performed. After more than three months in hospital and being critically ill, he has now been home for almost one month. My question is ... it is my understanding that the TIPS procedure is only a bandaid and that he will eventually die. All blood is bypassing the liver. He does seem confused often. I would appreciate your thoughts!