Stable Cirhosis.

[ihateparkinsons]

Doctors say I have "Stable Cirhosis", after being cured of Hep C, with "Harvoni Treatment medicine ", for six months. Blood tests and ultra sound every six months for the last year and a half, and each time the nurse calls me the results and says, "ok, your good, see you in six months, if you have any problems, give us a call." That leaves me with that, standing on the edge of a cliff feeling. How long do I have, am I cured? That is my question. Does anyone relate or have input? Thanks friends, always. David.

[AyrshireK]

The thing with cirrhosis is that it exists in two forms - compensated and decompensated. If your liver is stable and is managing to do many of it's important functions then you are in the compensated bracket and 6 monthly monitoring is normal (this should include blood tests and an ultrasound scan).

My hubby was listed for transplant and seeing T/P team every 5 weeks for 10 months then his blood numbers stabilised which took him out of the criteria for transplant leading to him being delisted (May 2015) - he does have some symptoms but he is considered stable and we now only see his consultant every 6 months in Edinburgh and in between also see a local consultant (just to keep him in the loop), he gets 6 monthly scans and an annual endoscopy and that's it just now. We keep a close eye on him and if any more serious symptoms were to raise their head then we know to contact doctors immediately.

Now that you've cleared the Hep C your liver is no longer under attack from the virus so hopefully your condition won't worsen, yes, there is a chance it might but get on with life to the full, don't panic the what ifs etc. Keep an eye out for symptoms and if they appear between your scheduled appointments don't wait - contact your liver team. Fingers crossed your liver health improves from now on.

The good news is, it used to be thought that cirrhosis could not be reversed but thinking has changed and although it doesn't go away completely they do now think that some of the damage will reverse if the liver isn't under attack so carry on living life to the full.

Katie

[ihateparkinsons in reply to AyrshireK]

Thanks Katie