Anyone know what decompensated liver disease means. I have cirrhosis Thanks

[Ruby52]

[Ph1ldad]

Hi Ruby, from what I can gather it is the stage of liver disease when the organ can no longer do all the things it's supposed to do like removing some toxins, processing fats,producing energy and enzymes used elsewhere in the body. The liver is a very hard-working and complex organ and is essential for continued life. It might be better is someone, other than a layman like me, gave more detail. My consultant says that as long as the liver is well compensated only "minor symptoms, such as varices and referred pain, present themselves. A decompensated liver is a step change. Hope this helps, Phil

[carer2709]

Dear Ruby my husband just died from complications related to his decompensated liver disease and cirrhosis. It was diagnosed about 9 months ago but we didn't see anyone from the Gastro team at the hospital until January this year. After the initial diagnosis we considered going private to get more definite information but we just didn't know where to start and didn't want to step off the NHS merry go round in case we couldn't get back on. How bitterly I regret not getting more definite information earlier and facing the fact that this horrible disease can be terminal. DO NOT WASTE TIME. Call up your GP and ask where you should go today. Don't be put off. Eat really healthy food and don't drink, take light exercise - do not sit around. Its very important not to get any minor infections as well. truly truly I wish you good luck

[Ruby52]

Thank you both very much for you're advice. I have thought about going private for a long time now, and would go like a shot, just waiting to win the lottery. I talked to a consultant when i was in hospital 3weeks ago,Ask him about a transplant, but he said after looking into my case I would have a better chance with the one I have. Also found that I now have heart disease, I need a stent but they can't put one in due to bleeding out, so I really don't know what to ask next. Carer it is so nice to hear from you still, I do hope you are coping & stay with us xxxxx

[Sheana]

My understanding is that when the liver is decompensated it means it is losing the battle to do what it needs to do. It is a serious condition to be in. I can lead to death or you can come back up from it. I was in hospital for a month with a decompensated liver but managed to struggle back from it and have hung on now for 2 years. Re private -sometimes it is worth paying the c£250 consultation fee to get some quality time with an expert who will answer all your questions. If you do this go in with all your questions prepared and written down and make sure one of them is ...who are the top liver people who can deal with my condition working nearest to me.

Also you must read up fully on your condition via the internet and books so that YOU can take an active role in managing your condition rather than being a passive recipient in whatever help you are/are not given.

[Ruby52]

Thanks Sheana. I was told yesterday that my bloods are looking so much better and he showed me on the screen and they did, but a person on here told me that all these my look good but will not show the bad side ie fatty liver only when you have the LFT looked at, well I have that done each visit, and never told me that. Sheana I am so very confused, do you no anymore as you have had the same as me x

[elaine1234]

hi my name is Elaine. I have cirrhosis of the liver. It is decompensted. I have been in hospital 3 times in under a year.

Can someone tell me if a decompensted liver inproves and goes back to compensted. I dont drink anymore.

[Nikolaus]

Hi Elaine 1234,in reply to your question I had 2 months in hospital with a decompensated liver and was recently told that is now compensating again. I would be interested to hear other people's thoughts on this as I am not convinced. Best wishes to all.