Hi I'm new here. I was booked in for bariatric surgery on Nov 16th 2016 at Kings College. During the operation the surgeon found cirrhosis of the liver. My operation was converted to an instant liver biopsie. That was a Wednesday. I was told that the operation had been stopped and why on waking from the general anaesthetic. I had further blood tests and an ultrasound before returning home on the Friday. Two weeks later after chasing one of the surgeons I was told over the phone that Cirrhosis was confirmed but could not tell me anymore until the team had discussed my case. He did say that my bariatric surgery was being kept open for me. First week in December I was contacted to arrange an endoscope procedure back at Kings. It was to be carried out before the 29th Dec 2016. I went in just before Christmas. No varices were found but some spotting was found. Although I have chased nothing more has been said. I managed to confirm that my case was to be discussed by the liver specialist but when I don't know. I also have Borderline Personality Disorder. Not knowing anything is driving me crazy. I have no appetite and discomfort in the area of my liver. I am fatigued but struggling with sleep at night. My urine is dark. No one will tell me anything. On top of this I have had to change GP because my old surgery is being closed. I am sending my girlfriend round the bend to.
Is there any advice anyone can give?
Written by
MalcolmCClark
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Hi Malcolm, I would be tempted to write a letter to the Kings unit - include your NHS number and date of birth (any other reference numbers which are on previous paperwork). Briefly outline the situation as you see it. i.e. your case was to be looked at by liver specialists and you were anticipating feedback and an appointment to see where you go from here. Highlight your anxieties and request an appointment at the earliest convenience. Polite and in writing does seem to get thing moving along. I've had to do it numerous times to chase up appointments and tests for hubby.
After a diagnosis of cirrhosis you should be monitored at least 6 monthly - ultrasound scans, blood tests and consultant appointment. You want to be asking about the biopsy result and if they have identified the nature of your cirrhosis? There isn't much treatment for cirrhosis but if the cause is identified and tackled there can be improvements in the liver health. Liver specialists together with the gastroenterologists and other specialists in your bariatric surgery need to all be singing from the same hymn sheet so to speak. Will bariatric surgery improve your weight and therefore take strain off the liver? What impact has the cirrhosis got at present on your blood clotting which would be a major consideration in surgery?
I would send a letter, recorded delivery to explain your worries and request an appointment a.s.a.p.
The issue with clotting was that with cirrhosis you quite often have reduced platelet count and poor clotting due to portal hypertension / enlarged spleen so in effect you'll be taking anti-clotting meds on top of poor clotting due to cirrhosis so there may be MAJOR bleeding issues during surgery etc. You need to be seeing a liver specialist to bring together all your various issues as I said previously.
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