Can someone please explain to me what 'it feels like' to have ascites. Or how to check yourself whether you have it?
Ive been feeling really bloated for the last few days and uncomfortable in my middle areas, but the problem seems to be relatively high, where my stomach is.
I wouldve assumed the swelling and discomfort is down low? (due to gravity?!)
Have i just got an upset stomach or wind??
Quick get some answers in before Rebecca at the British Liver Trust tells me to go to the GP!! 
Hi Matt
You'd have swollen feet/legs and a swollen belly and your face will be puffy. It will make you feel very tired and heavy but maybe someone else has had a different experience than I have. I remember my belly being so huge. My feet and legs weren't so bad! But my gosh that belly made me exhausted and breathless. I couldn't eat and I kept begging them to take the fluid out.
Call your consultant's secretary and explain to them.
Kind regards
Jahida
Thanks Jahida
Thats made me feel a little better. Maybe ive just got an upset tummy. I have no swelling anywhere else and im not breathless. I hope things are going better with you now?
Matt
You will experience quite a lot of symptoms of indigestion ie bloating, heartburn etc because if your live isn't working properly, then it isn't digesting your food properly. I had a lot of bloating and that time I didn't realise i had liver problems.
I'm OK. Fourth day on antibiotics for h.pylori eradication. I didn't have pain yesterday and today it sort of came and went and it wasn't intense so I'm praying this whole antibiotic craziness is working.
Jahida
The lack of edema has a NPV of 0.2 for ascites, I believe.
Nevertheless, ascites without edema does occur frequently, as well. The dosage of diuretics for ascites in absence of edema must be monitored very carefully. I don't remember the reason, it seems the fluids in the legs works as kind of a buffer in order for the fluid in the stomach being evacuated too fast.
They also say that ascites per se does not hurt😨. I certainly remember differently. As you asked, I felt pain everywhere in the belly, most of all just below the ribs. This could have been due to inflammation of the liver, though.
You will know you have massive ascites if friends keep telling you 'boy, you've grown fat', or if you're female, when people offer you a seat in the autobus.
It is scary. Quite. Good luck.
P.
i remember that feeling too Jahida. I was so swollen i couldn't walk properly or breathe. It wasn't nice at all. Eating was horrendous as i constantly felt like i had eaten a 5 course meal but hadn't had anything at all.
Matt please speak to your consultant. Don't let it get really bad. Good luck 🍀😊
Hello Matt,
To quote Rebecca 'if you are concerned, see your GP'
Seriously, if you do have serious concerns, she is always at the end of a phone line waiting for your call.
As you have been concerned about your liver health for some time now, I would think you probably already know the answer.
Anyway, have you excluded the obvious ? When did you last visit the toilet and have success in the number two department ? Never under estimate the effects of constipation. Do you have a lot of wind ? Perhaps a change in diet ?
I first noticed the ascites when gradually my trousers didn't fit anymore. No discomfort or pain, just bloating. Saw my GP and two weeks later my cirrhosis was diagnosed and my 'liver journey' began. The visible water retention in my lower legs and feet came much later (oedema) and I began the water tablets which were very effective. The water tablets mean regular bloods as they can cause harm to the kidneys.
Thankfully, I never had ascites bad enough to require draining. That is where a needle is put directly into the abdominal cavity and the fluid drained into a bag. Some on here have had a continuous drain inserted, where they can walk around and live a normal life rather than having a day or night in hospital.
In the meantime, leave the 'devils tea' alone, eat well and keep active.
Take care,
Jim
Yes definitely call your GP or your consultant's secretary and explain to them. Like I said everyone has a different experience.
I may have on symptom but you may have another.
Good luck Matt
Thank you everyone.
Jahida, I'm glad you're feeling a little better. I do hope those antibiotics work.
JIm, I am already diagnosed with cirrhosis, I just don't have many outward symptoms but I think sometimes the anxiety of getting some, gets the better of me at times.
POrphy, definitely no swelling anywhere else. Just a really bloated feeeling that's still here today. I'm already a bit chunky with or without ascites!
THanks for the input. Pretty confident it's just digestive issues.
HOpe everyone has a good day
matt my mrs says its like walking in wellies full of water. think of your legs and tummy as if in a sumo suit
cut out the salt as much as possible it is everywhere it should help
Thanks Carllovatt
Hi Matt, having had ascites 4 times now and 3 drains I know that my fluid retention started around my middle, clothes tight etc.. and tummy pain that I used a hot water bottle to ease it , it seemed to increase so fast within 2 weeks that I looked huge!! .legs and ankles swollen and pitted . If you have any concern see the Dr , don't leave a thing to chance where cirrohsis is concerned. It may well be nothing Matt, but as I do , I check any slight change with my doctor regardless.
Hope your still keeping off the old demon drink ..linda😊
Ascites is very uncomfortable,its more bloated under your chest which can cause breathing problems.you also feel very itchy all over because the fluid gets into every cavity it can even your back.i was drained 6litres a week for 8 months but even after every drain it was back within two days.
You can blow up with gas but it can also be ascites.go to your gp and get a ultrasound asap.good luck cathy
Thankyou xx
Have just seen your post and as you see everyone's experience is different . I was draining up to 14 litres a week before my transplant and really had no pain prior draining but pain after as organs fell back into place. The greatest fear is the fear of the unknown an ultrasound scan will show any fluid build up and if there is it will be treated.Speak with your doctor I am sure you will be better for knowing the situation . I have been through a long period of draining and hit every landmark of deteriorating cirrhosis and thanks to the altruism of donors and the skill of the medical I am still here.Knowledge is power ask your doctor. I wish you every success in dealing with your cirrhosis.
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