Hi all, I am 52 married 2 children and would describe myself as a 20-25 units a week drinker. Due to injuries over the years I have used a lot of painkillers. Last Sunday I was admitted to hospital, they estimated I had lost 2/3 of my blood. A transfusion saved me. The tests revealed I have cirrhosis of the liver. I was given this bombshell and discharged! I have stopped drinking and painkillers, my diet is now strictly "hairy bikers diet book," and as I get fitter more exercise. I have more tests to go but would appreciate any advice or guidance available. I have google searched but I am looking for more personal and positive? stories. Life expectancy would be good!
Tim
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Gosh that must have been very traumatic for you all but I'm glad to hear you got through it. Excellent that you've cut out alcohol and painkillers.
I assume you will be under a consultant now, for them to assess what level of damage there is (if they haven't already) and monitoring.
I don't think anyone can really talk about life expectancy as the liver and how it functions seems to be very individual.. symptoms differ, some are the same so depending on cause diagnosis and prognosis will differ too so even if people do write their own experiences it doesn't mean it will be yours if that makes sense.
I think the liver is an amazing organ though, it does so many things and can take a lot of damage before giving up the ghost.. you must have been deemed medically ok to be discharged. It's what happens from here now that's important.
What is the follow up plan and have they decided the cause?
There are some fab people here with lots of really useful advice so I am sure someone else will come along shortly..
Many thanks Michelle, the diagnosis was given on a ward round. the consultant said, "you have cirrhosis of the liver, stop drinking or you will not be able to have a transplant." As I looked a little shocked he said "like George Best!" I was then discharged. I have taken a break from work while I have more tests and find out more. this has taught me to appreciate what I have. when asked about motivation by a counsellor I showed her a picture of my wife and 2 sons. i am not expecting this to be easy but I am determined to be a good patient.
We are sorry to hear that you were informed of your diagnosis in such a manner.
A diagnosis of cirrhosis of the liver is complex and there is a lot of information that your consultant needs to tell you.
You may find the additional information on our website a useful place to start.
Have a look at the following publications; 'Living with liver disease' 'Liver disease tests explained' 'Cirrhosis of the liver' and 'Diet and liver disease' here is the link to our publications;
I'd like to say that the way you were informed and treated is unusual, but I'm afraid I cannot. You may find out a bit more if you purchase your hospital records, they usually make interesting reading.
I am philosophical, maybe the "shock and awe" approach is standard shock therapy, it did leave me lost for words! I have now had the colonoscopy and that was all clear, so nexttest is bone density for osteoporosis, having been raised in the Mendips with really hard water I am optimistic.
Yes, I had no energy, I could not walk more than a few metres, I was short of breath. to put this into context, I climb ride bikes kayak etc and I could not do 5 steps on the stairs. Basically had no oxygen going around my body so no energy. Cold extremities as the blood I had was limited to core functions. I had been feeling nauseous for a few days, no appetite, again digestion was a low priority for the body. Graving liquid especially sweet lemonade or coke both of which I never drink! black tarry stools, this was the red flashing light moment in hospital, once they had that information it was you have a bleed, low bloods, transfusion coming. After a week, my wife decided I was the wrong colour-grey, so phoned nhs help line and the rest is history. Because of the bleed they found the cirrhosis which was symptomless.
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