My liver only has 30% functioning, what are my prospects?

[Peterboag]

[Bolly]

Hi Peter. Depends what has caused the other 70% to stop working. Can you give us a bit more information, like who gave you this figure of 30% - was it after a biopsy or a series of blood tests or a fibroscan, or something else.

[Peterboag in reply to Bolly]

Hi Bolly

I was in hospital withbliver failure for a couple of weeks in Feb/Mar. The doctors there thought at first it was autoimune hepatitis, also I was an intermittent heavy drinker but gave it up and have not touched a drop for about 24years, I also suffer from athritis and used various prescribed pain killers over the years, this they said may have been a contributory factor, I haven't smoked for about 15 years.

I was unaware of how bad my liver was and my follow up appointment was not until the begining of June, I was still on steroids and felt ok, I was really surprised when the Consultant broke the news. It was based on numerous blood tests, MRI scan, CT scan and a biopsy all taken while I was still in hospital. He did say that it was not terminal but I would eventually need a transplant. I am 65 years old and substantially overweight.

I was a bit stunned and didn't ask the questions that I should have asked, or if idid the answers didn't register. Any information however general will be gratefully received. Thank you. Pete.

[nutrimar]

Hi Peter.

When I had my diagnosis, the doc told me I only had 19% of my liver working. Mine was diagnosed as NASH cirrhosis. I too was seriously overweight (129kgs) and was told to take regular exercise and eat healthily to get the weight off.

I was doing all right for about 18 months, lost about 22kgs, then hit the big slide and ended up having a transplant in January this year.

If you can seriously do something about the weight and get plenty of exercise (I did mine by walking up to an hour a day), then maybe you can increase your chances of not needing a transplant. Hope all goes well for you.

M

[Peterboag in reply to nutrimar]

Hi Nutrimar

I was 152kg now down to 145 but it is tough, the will to live is a great incentive, I hope your transplant is going well,

When you say that you hit the big slide.... What does that mean, I have no idea

Thank you for replying. Best wishes. Pete

[gamesmaker]

Write down a list of questions to take with you the next time you see the hepatologist. Put the questions in the order of importance, and do not leave the consulting room until they are answered! Take a good friend with you as two pairs of ears are better than one. Reducing the weight is really difficult - but good luck! Mine is also NASH cirrhosis.

[Peterboag in reply to gamesmaker]

Thank you gamesmaker, that is an excellent idea, when I went the last time I was expecting good news, I was stunned when he told me, I will keep reading the postings, that should get me more in tune with all the medical and technical terms.

[nutrimar]

Hi Pete.

Well done on losing the weight. I know it is hard work, but you will feel better for it.

When I said the big slide, I meant I was feeling great for 18 months, then the disease started to take its toll. I got jaundice, oedema, ascites, itching, encepalopathy, colycistitis and a severe leg infection all within 6 months. Had 3 stays in hospital totalling 4 weeks, plus another week at King's having pre transplant tests. Felt freezing cold all the time, and had cramps in my hands and feet almost permanently.

Thankfully, the transplant solved all of the above... Even the weight issue! It all came off when the water retention problem was fixed by the transplant ( now weigh 74kgs) ;-).

Now I am feeling great, looking great and the new liver is working excellently according to my consultant.

I really hope you don't have to go through any of that.

M

[Peterboag in reply to nutrimar]

Thank you Nutrimar, I am very glad to hear that it is working out for you, this is the sort of thing I need to know if I am to get a complete picture of the disease

Good luck