There is hope.

[JCB1]

Hi.... I haven't posted since December last year. My husband had a consultation with the transplant specialist back in December, to be told he was too high risk..... The next appointment in February was to discuss TIPPS procedure. Once again he has proved to be a walking miracle, with the help of a healthy diet, Zero alcohol, wholesome smoothies, milk thistle and a little excersise and he has gone from a decompensated grade C to grade B.

At the moment his aceitis is non existent with the help of Spiro... And he has stopped the furosemide and has no Odeama at all..".. His sodium has been up and down but stabilised at 127 which is acceptable.

We are finally going on holiday next week, this will hopefully do us both good, if anyone is interested, Nationwide Flexplus account offer insurance at a very competitive rate

Just wanted to give a bit of hope to anybody suffering or supporting someone with this awful disease....... If you are willing and able to follow everyone's advise it really does work! It is a long hard slog for everyone involved but there is light at the end of the tunnel even if you are not a candidate for a transplant.

[dooley1]

That's is fantastic news, and your're absolutely right about the healthy diet, I did the same no alcohol healthy food, smoothies packed with healthy nutrients for the liver, milk thistle and a little bit if excersize. I was also decompensated and on life support after a huge bleed. My fibroscan score was 68 three years ago and I was assumed to need a transplant and I've just had my latest one and I'm now 17, bloods are back to normal. Obviously still cirrhotic but compensated and coping well. So it is possible in some circumstances to come back from the edge. All the best! 😃

[susieanna in reply to dooley1]

So is that! xx

[susieanna in reply to dooley1]

You mean from decomp, its possible to go to comp?

[Bermuda1 in reply to susieanna]

Yes, I have too , went from high CP B to now a low grade A, and told I should have a normal life span , as long as I keep looking after myself as I am now. I know many others who have too . It does take commitment and hard work, even when you don't feel like it.

[Hidden in reply to Bermuda1]

That is fantastic news, I am so pleased to hear it. Can you give any tips on what recipes or meals to eat? I find it confusing trying to avoid processed food, are any pre-made foods ok?

[JCB1 in reply to Hidden]

Hi. We have a lot of sea food with pasta and tinned tomatoes.. plenty of garlic.chillies and herbs.... no salt obviously. .. also plenty of fresh vegetables especially spinach. .. plenty of eggs.. fruit... lean meat .. chicken etc.....

[susieanna]

That is brilliant! xx

[Mushroom-71]

Well done reading with interest what wholesome smoothies did u make and also milk thistle could you tell me where you bought it from, many thanks have a lovely break x

[JCB1 in reply to Mushroom-71]

We just put anyour fruit in with a bit of fat free yoghurt .spinach or kale and a small amount of turmeric. ... The milk thistle is from Holland and Barrett but as the British Liver Foundation quite rightly pointed out... you must check with your doctors before taking it.

Hope that's OK.

[Hidden]

Hi,

We are delighted to read that your husbands liver condition has impoved.

We would just like to remind followers that The British Liver Trust does not recommend the use of any homeopathic or herbal remedies for those with any liver problems as these have to be processed by the liver and can actually damage the liver and lead to severe illness.

More research needs to be done on the use and safety of such remedies and therapies.

Homeopathic remedies are unregulated in the UK and concentrations of active ingredients vary by brand purchased. If you are considering using complementary or alternative remedies &/or therapies please always discuss this with your liver doctor first.

With regards to milk thistle specifically; Milk-thistle (also known as Silybum marianum) is an over-the-counter supplement, which some people believe can be beneficial to people with liver disease. Some laboratory studies have shown the herbs active components (silymarin) have a positive effect on liver cells.

However, milk-thistle is not licensed as a medicine and so studies into its effectiveness in the body have been limited, with conflicting results. There is not currently enough evidence to prove or disprove any beneficial effects on the liver. Milk-thistle may lower blood sugar levels and people with diabetes or hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) should use caution. If you are thinking of using milk-thistle, it is a good idea to discuss this with your doctor.

We wish your husband continued good health,

Best wishes,

Rebecca

[Liver3 in reply to Hidden]

My Dr's have advised against taking milk-thistle, sue to liver not functioning well enough along with no real proof of effectiveness! .that Houston , Tx Medical Center Doctor's

[Millie09]

I had my first consultation on 28 Feb with a hepetologist at QE birmingham.i have been living with cirrhosis 9 yrs now. been on and off the wagon due to losing my father to cancer. I asked about taking milk thistle on here a while ago and the replies were immense .. well my liver consultant Joanne Thompson said under no circumstance should I take milk thistle .she said she knows of two patients thst have been affected by this herb and not in a good way .obviously she did not go in to detail .I know one thing I will and have taken note and won't be using this myself. healthy diet low sodium is the key .. and no alcohol .

[Liver3 in reply to Millie09]

Amen, I am having to learn healthy diet as I rarely cook, use to eating out, not fast food,but not home cooked. Bug adjustments told to lose 20/lbs asap add so walking to my daily schedule..doing the treadmill

[Millie09 in reply to Liver3]

Yes I had to change my eating and lifestyle around completely! It was a struggle to start with but I am so used to it now and it has played a major part towards my cirrhosis. Take it one day at a time and you will be fine 😊

[Hidden]

Lovely to hear good news, all the best for continued good health.

[JCB1 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks. .. He is still doing well. ..

Learning all the time!

[Grannyblue]

That is such a positive post - thank you, and have a great holiday!