New to the forum, in the middle of a whirlwind of tests

[Rogermorgan]

I am a 57 year old male, after a few years with oedema in my legs I suddenly became short of breath and my abdomen is swollen and solid. went to see my GP and have been caught up in a whirlwind of tests and specialist vists. Noboby will actually tell me what they are looking for but one let slip that he thought I showed signs of Cirrhosis.

A little scared at the moment because I have never experienced the NHS working at such a furious speed before, blood tests, xrays, ultrasounds and now some sort of major scan is be arranged.

I dont drink, so Cirrhosis seemed a total shocker to me.

I am over weight, type 2 diabetic. January tests were all normal HpA1C, liver function, blood pressure, cholestrol. So I am totally confused and started looking here for answers. read a lot of your posts and it would seem I am likely in the right place.

I am waiting for some more results, I am a little worried about telling my wife as I don't want to worry her, but your own brain can be a lonely place at night.

[freddie76]

Sorry to hear this.

Understand how shocked u r.

Been there with my hubby.

What u need to know is u do not have to drink alcohol to get cirrhosis.

There lots of liver diseases totally unrelated to this.

Hopefully the speed they r moving u should get an answer soon

Good luck

[Rogermorgan in reply to freddie76]

Thanks for that, the more I read on this site the more I understand the the different causes, but like me , the assumption is Alchohol causes Cirrhosis. so I guess I may have to get used to explaining it everytime I need to tell someone.

I hope your Husband is doing OK.

Thanks for your concern

[freddie76 in reply to Rogermorgan]

Yes we r 5 years post transplant now but still when we mention liver transplant immediate reaction is alcohol.

Keep us informed

[Bermuda1]

There are over 100 ways to get cirrhosis , yes some of the more common ones are more prevalent . It could be NASH or NAFLD , from fatty liver , with or without other other potential issues. The tests will be more conclusive, and its important they do they to try and establish why . Then they can find the best ways to stop or slow down you liver inflammation , and the progression of your cirrhosis hopefully .

[Rogermorgan in reply to Bermuda1]

Thanks, I am beginning to understand a little more about causes, I guess I really need to wait until they have completed all the tests and give me a firm diagnosis.

Though the Specialist that was honest with me has probably hit the nail on the head. I am not usually one for googling and self diagnosis, but all the symptoms I have been having make it pretty clear what is going on.

I think I just feel a bit angry that as I don't drink, don't smoke, work hard. why me!

Childish I know , but early days, I will calm down.

And I am usually such a pragmatic , sensible person.

[Bermuda1 in reply to Rogermorgan]

Roger what you are feeling is totally normal , its a form of grief reaction, anger is not bad if you use it to serve good . You have a whole gamut of emotions probably going on , you will come out the other side though. . X X

[susieanna]

Hi Roger, overweight people can even end up with eventual cirrhosis; im no expert on all the causes, but others have given you information; at least you are having all the tests done now to find out whats going on. Good luck and I hope whatever happens it can be fixed.

[Rogermorgan]

Good luck to you too.

[Geffy22]

Gosh this must have been a shock and with normal liver test results it is odd to think that it could be cirrhosis.

The scan will check to see if it is liver of gall bladder etc. Keep managing your diet like you have for type II diabetes and try to avoid salt and salty foods until you know what is wrong.

Of course odema can be circulatory which is more linked to diabetes, but until the tests are complete, everyone is just guessing.

I hope it is an easy to fix issue, I too am type II diabetic (genetic) and the impact of the disease can be absolutely horrendous, take care.