alcoholic hep but consultant does think cirhossis, so whats happening

hi has anyone ever been treated for alcohol hepatitis , then told months later by your dr thay they doesn't think its cirhossis if so whats happened , bloods good just raised gamma gt and alp

[AIHMom]

It could still be alcoholic hepatitis. I believe cirrhosis is simply that it has progressed so that the scarring is very very bad and at least parts of the liver cannot now recover. Your consultant can tell you more but you may still be in the stage that your liver can heal if you continue to abstain from drink and follow the treatment plan.

[AyrshireK]

Hi Samtt, your post is a bit confusing. In the title you say your doctor 'does think cirrhosis' but in the text you say 'doesn't think its cirrhosis'. Alcohol related hepatitis (which just means the liver is inflamed due to alcohol) should eventually reverse with abstinence whereas if the doctor does think you have cirrhosis you'll need to be monitored going forward and they should be firming up the diagnosis.

Perhaps if you can clarify the does think / doesn't think situation we can give some more appropriate support and advice.

If alcohol is affecting your liver it would be best to stop altogether, if you have a long term usage issue you may need medical help to do this rather than going cold turkey as that can be harmful too.

The British Liver Trust has a guidance page about alcohol and the liver at:- britishlivertrust.org.uk/li...

Katie

[Hidden in reply to AyrshireK]

hi Katie , sorry I was diagnosed with alcoholic hep and been monitored since having fibros scan which was high , but my bloods have improved and my consultant said he doesn't think it is cirhossis , but is going to treat me as I am so im gunna have a camera down my throat and a ultra sound to be on the safe side etc ,, what im saying is if it isn't cirhossis , whats going on if that makes sence , I have not touched alcohol atall , since being over since 6 months ago when I was told I was treated for alcohol hep . I feel well in myself I don't get a swollen belly or ankles etc .

[AyrshireK in reply to Hidden]

Hopefully after the ultrasound and the endoscopy you will have a definitive answer to the question as to whether you have cirrhosis or not. Cirrhosis will normally be seen on U/S and an endoscopy will show whether there are signs or symptoms of portal hypertension.

You can have normal (or near normal) blood results even with cirrhosis so that isn't really telling you whether you do or don't have cirrhosis. It's good that levels have gone down after you've stopped drinking so maybe yes your liver was inflamed due to drink and now it's calming down. It's also good that you have no major symptoms.

Your doctor is doing all the right tests to ensure an accurate diagnosis and once you have that they should treat as appropriate going forward. Hopefully your alcohol use is a thing of the past (for good), your liver obviously doesn't like booze (hence the alcohol related hepatitis) and you need to stay off it to prevent further inflammation and eventual fibrosis and cirrhosis.

Katie

[Hidden in reply to AyrshireK]

yes kate , im not getting to excited etc and am really glad I am where I am , and still preparing for the worst ,,, just like so many others though as maybe yourself we can have abit of good news I spouse , but when its you going through it , theres so many questions in your head etc , but thank you for your time lovely , I will keep you posted hun , sam