What to do.... and expect

[Trevy]

Had blood tests last year ....... sent for scans ...... enlarged spleen and varices ........... cirrhosis suggested in the report ...... referred to GI on 2 May

[jojokarak]

What would you like to know? You haven't got long till your appointment which I am pleased for you as at least you will know one way or another what's going on. Can I ask was it a random blood test or did you have because you was feeling unwell?

[Trevy in reply to jojokarak]

Thanks reply. I have been on ART past 16 years and new doctors and meds

Liver function testing showed abnormal function and levels

Hence the scan and soon GI

[jojokarak in reply to Trevy]

Sorry if I sound a bit thick here but what is ART? Lol a lot of tablets can throw function tests off as well. I do understand your worry but nothing In the slightest can help till you have a diagnosis and please don't read up on things a lot can apply to one person but not another. I know a lot of people with cirrhosis and they don't look or seem ill and don't have many symptoms and then you have others including myself who had every possible side effect off cirrhosis, and I not saying you have it, I just trying to let you know different illness cause different effects on everyone x

[Trevy in reply to jojokarak]

Much appreciated! And yes no one person is the same

ART are anti retro vitals as I have been HIV positive for 20years

[Marie1980x in reply to Trevy]

Hey huni your liver can be upset for a number of reasons achol medication I wouldn't worry until you have had your scan it's great your feeling well in yourself that's always a good sign xx

[Trevy in reply to Marie1980x]

Thanks.lets see 2 May

[Marie1980x in reply to Trevy]

Good luck 🍀 mate x

[jojokarak in reply to Trevy]

Ah right got you, thanks for educating me 😁 and being so honest a lot of people tip toe around hiv, but I guess having for 20 years you have experienced a lot of that. It's on a slightly milder version but everyone who has cirrhosis gets asked if alcohol the cause, and don't get me wrong here I am not in any shape, way or form saying people who have got through alcohol are any less it just shows you how judgemental people are. God I hope that sounds right lol

[Trevy in reply to jojokarak]

Morning , I have just read your reply and it made me smile 😜

[jojokarak in reply to Trevy]

Lol thank God for that.... So many can mis-interperate words.

[pishi1]

I have small varices and slightly enlarged spleen. I have portal hypertension and take medication for it. Am ok so don't worry too much. Put your trust in the team if you are happy with them.

[Trevy in reply to pishi1]

I am very positive but very anxious if that makes any sense

I have been lucky in life and been on ART almost 17 years .... that in itself was a huge lease on life

I feel great and fit

[Trevy in reply to pishi1]

Just not sure what to expect and what type of news to prepare myself for

[AyrshireK in reply to Trevy]

It's good that you feel good in yourself - that's a good sign. It's also good that doctors are following up your abnormal LFT's with the scan you've had and the upcoming endoscopy to check for varices.

At your endoscopy you will be asked if you want sedation or just a throat spray, if you are at all nervous about it I would suggest you go for the both. The throat spray will numb the back of your throat but sedation will make you drowsy so you shouldn't be too aware of what is happening and shouldn't remember the procedure.

My hubby has had lots of endoscopies now after he had a massive upper GI bleed from varices and subsequently underwent an aggressive banding regime to obliterate them all.

He always holds his breath as they apply the throat spray, goes for sedation and as soon as they put the bite block in his mouth he closes his eyes. Some people choose to watch but hubby would rather know nothing about it. A camera is passed down your throat to look for varices and to check your stomach lining and duodenum. If any varices are found a second tool (the bander) is passed down and small bands are applied round the bulging veins. If you are banded you will probably have a bit of pain (especially on eating) for the next few days. Even if you arn't banded, for the next few hours you'll be a bit windy as the air they use to inflate your innards escapes. If you've had sedation you'll be in for about 3 hours after your procedure to sleep off sedation and you need someone to drive you home and be with you for the next 24 hours.

Depending on what is found you may be prescribed Omeprazole or similar to reduce stomach acid and may or may not be prescribed a beta blocker to treat the portal hypertension.

If they decide you do have cirrhosis then they will need to find out the cause of this (this will probably involve further tests if the cause isn't obvious upto and possibly including liver biopsy). If the cause of cirrhosis can be treated or removed then you have a good chance of keeping your liver in a compensated state. If you've not really got much knowledge about cirrhosis it might be an idea to have a look at the British Liver Trust page for some guidance. The better you educate yourself about the condition the more you can take control of your own illness and also make the most of medical appointments in that you can ask appropriate and informed questions. britishlivertrust.org.uk/li...

If you have any further queries you can ask away, there is plenty of experience on the forum and we can generally provide desired information.

I guess that's enough to be going along with the now, so I shall sign off and wish you the very best of luck.

Katie

[Trevy in reply to AyrshireK]

Katie, thanks so much for the reply and info

How old is your hubby?

Let's just say that I've been driving myself insane by reading up and being more confused.....

[AyrshireK in reply to Trevy]

Hubby will turn 56 on Thursday, he was first taken ill 23rd April 2012. Massive upper GI bleed followed by a diagnosis of cirrhosis due to Auto-Immune Hepatitis. I've taken it upon myself to thoroughly educate myself in order to help him with all his appointments etc. We've been through transplant assessment, listing and delisting after his results improved. We are back at the watch and wait and monitoring stage (endoscopy every year now that varices are all banded, 6 monthly ultrasound scans and blood tests and clinic appointments every 3 months).

You've not long to wait until your next appointment but if there is anything specific you want to ask then go ahead.

Katie.

[Trevy in reply to AyrshireK]

Thanks Katie! He is lucky to have you .......

[Trevy in reply to AyrshireK]

The scan results suggest cirrhosis. Enlarged spleen

Varices in the abdomen and porta hepatis

[pishi1]

After having gone through cancer treatment I suppose I have learnt not to think about it until I see the consultants. After all, there is nothing you can do. Worrying makes it worse.

[Trevy in reply to pishi1]

That's so so true!!!!! How have you been?

[pishi1 in reply to Trevy]

Ok, one year almost clear now. Have six monthly checkups with consultant. I had a brilliant team and can't thank NHS enough.

[Trevy in reply to pishi1]

Hi @pishi1 glad to hear you are doing so well!!!

[Ninie]

All the best for 2 May.