Ragnar the drunk

[Ruxrunk]

Okay I was a junkie for about 3 years or something or 40 damn near and I've been drinking for about 25 and guess what I have Hep C high blood pressure I'm overweight I'm on methadone 16 years what can I expect oops I forgotcopd

[AyrshireK]

Wow, Ragnar I guess your liver is taking a bit of a battering with all that going on. What monitoring are you undergoing for your liver at present? Have you had any recent blood test results or scans.

I am guessing and it is only a guess as I am not a medical professional that over time/if not already your liver is taking a pounding and in all likeliehood there is some damage and you may head towards the cirrhosis side of damage.

Long term illicit drug use will have given your liver an almighty battering, as will the long term alcohol use, as will the Hep C infection plus you perhaps unhealthy weight will all compound issues.

However, there are things you can do to help yourself.

I take it you are only taking your methadone script and not 'topping up' with the other. Transplant would NOT be considered if you were still using illicit substances.

Have you quit or would you consider quitting the booze? The longer you drink whilst also having a infected liver is giving it a massive workload and can lead to damage. Again, active alcohol misuse is a contraindication to transplant - patients normally have to prove abstinence for a minimum of 6 months and be compliant with all medical appointments and engage with some alcohol counselling.

Are you seeing doctors regarding your Hep C? Are there any plans to treat it as nowadays there are some very effective treatments which rid patients of the condition though funding issues decide when and at what stage of liver disease it will be tackled.

Despite your COPD, could you try and diet and exercise and give your liver a chance that way.

If you want to give yourself a chance you do have to tackle these things. We have other members on here who are post transplant who were drug users, alcohol users and Hep C carriers and having tackled their issues got that 2nd chance at life. Even if transplant were not an issue you can relieve the strain on your liver and overall health by tackling them too.

Wishing you the very best of luck,

Katie