Confused! 😕

[Hail1967]

Hi Everyone, I'm new on here and wanted to ask if anyone else has experienced my situation.

Over 6 years ago I became very unwell almost overnight. I turned yellow, got myself to A&E where I subsequently spent almost 6mnths in Hospital. Diagnosed with AIH, it hit suddenly and almost destroyed my liver. Since discharge and diagnosis I take a immunosuppressant and have never had another attack. My bloods have been normal for years now. I have recently changed consultants and due to this he has been testing the current state of my liver. Everything was going really well until I had a endoscopy, they found varicies (from when I had originally been unwell and stage one requiring no treatment ) they have gotten bigger and subsequently have been diagnosed with portal hypotension (devastated, did not take this well) but have been reassured my liver does not have cirrhosis, I'm very confused. They are telling me the varicies and portal hypotension are due to the original attack and my liver, due to normal blood results, is functioning normally. I had a fibrosis scan, which returned a medium reading, again was reassured that this is from when my liver was decompensated and has no meaning now. Don't have a consultants appointment for ages so can't ask these questions. Am devastated, for months before the endoscopy I was on cloud nine, results were coming back normal. I had a blood test, no evidence of scarring, then a scan, portal veil and other organs were great, liver had some evidence of showing a fatty liver but nothing else, appeared round and smooth etc. Very very confused, varicies and portal hypotension is what is diagnosed when cirrhosis is advanced. I don't understand!

[jojokarak]

Hiya 😊 sorry about what's happened and please don't worry too much varices are curable...

I was a bit baffled I haven't heard of anyone having varices without cirrhosis but I have done some research today and it's totally possible which has surprised me but fantastic news for you

I would ask how they are going to help with the varices is it banding or tablets?

[Hidden in reply to jojokarak]

That’s interesting jojo. Didn’t know that either!!

Milo

[Hail1967 in reply to jojokarak]

I opted for banding, hoping that will be a long lasting cure. I drive have two jobs and my blood pressure tends to be in the low side. Hypertension medication will lower my blood pressure further and make me more tired, really don't need that. Its hard enough as it is!

[jojokarak in reply to Hail1967]

Probably the best way they can keep there eyes on them as well and it works well... I hope all goes well for you ☺️

[Hail1967 in reply to jojokarak]

I've got my second appointment coming up. Not sure how many appointments it takes for the treatment to work. Thank you for your reassurances ☺️

[jojokarak in reply to Hail1967]

Depends on how many varices you have, I had loads so I had about 30-40 bandings done they can do a few in one procedure though... Just have a soft diet for a few days afterwards as your throat will be a bit tender

[Hail1967 in reply to jojokarak]

Wow! You're incredible! I have 3 and have had them banded once. Due to get it repeated in a couple of weeks time. I don't know how you've coped with all those procedures. Huge respect!

[jojokarak in reply to Hail1967]

Thanks x but the banding was the easiest thing I had to go through but that's the evils of liver disease...

So you make sure you look after yours ☺️

And I truly hope you have no problems once the banding is over with x

[Hail1967 in reply to jojokarak]

Thank you 😊 for your support. I've been very very lucky. Sometimes I lose perspective of that. I will look after my liver, I'm very lucky not to have needed a transplant. Seriously unwell when the disease materialised. Spent 6 months in hosp. I now panic when I have any treatments or tests. Possibly PTSD. Which I feel rather silly for. I know I'm lucky 😊 Take care ☺️