Onwards and upwards for the moment !

[jacobsmum24]

Hi, I have posted a couple of times, mainly when I have been in a blind panic about results etc. but am more of a lurker than a contributor !

I just wanted to say that I find the forum extremely helpful and a really valuable source of information. There is always someone who has experienced or has knowledge of everthing I am concerned about.

I have cirrhosis (alchol related without doubt) but at the moment I feel fairly lucky in terms of quality of life. I have no HE, Ascites or Oedema and have a good appetite and no nausea and manage to do my 10000 steps a day. I havent had a bleed but do have an endoscope on the cards at some point to check for any varices. I also had a bit of jaundice following my last alcohol binge but that resolved within a few days.

I know we aren't supposed to post actual test results but can say that in the last seven week since becoming abstinent and eating healthily, my liver results (GGT, Bilirubin etc) have declined by roughly 70% so roughly a 10% weekly improvent. I am still not in the normal range which shows how bad things were initially but I am now able to see the tunnel, if not the light at the end of it ! I had a Fibroscan done as well as MRI and CT scan. The Fibrosan was extremely bad but it was done very shortly after I gave up the demon drink so would like to think (or hope) that as inflammation subsides, kpa might also be improved at my next check in 6 months time.

I guess the purpose of this post is just to say that the liver is an incredibly forgiving organ and although I know I have a life limiting condition, there is hope that with the right lifestyle choices, some of the damage can be undone.

I posted a couple of weeks ago about employment with cirrhosis as I took the decision to give up work when I was in a really bad place with physical and mental health back in April. On reflection, this was probably hasty and based on embarrasment but I have two interviews booked for next week so it's definitely Onwards and Upwards for the moment.

Thanks for reading my novel and enjoy the rest of your weekend x

[Hidden]

Hello Jacobsmum

Firstly congratulations and good luck with forthcoming job interviews which is excellent news😊

Secondly may I say you sound like you have your head screwed on correctly and you've already stated that you'v managed to lower your blood results so I think everyone on this forum will agree that you deserve one of these 🏆for your determination !

Good luck and take care!

Loads of love and best wishes for the future

Love Trish 💕

[jacobsmum24 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Trish. You, Phoenix, AyrshireK and AlfredtheGreat amongst many others to numerous to mention have become my go to sources of infomation.

I can honestly say that every little niggle I worry about has been asked and answered by the stalwarts of this forum many times. It is such a relief to know I just need to do a quick search and know that I am not alone in dealing with some of the mad thoughts that pop into my head ! Throwing yourself out of a plane is going above and beyond the call of duty though xxx

[Hidden in reply to jacobsmum24]

It's my delight to be here for you and others when I can be. I may not always be in a position to answer your question but I'll try my best to help !😁 I'm a good private listener to!

With regards to jumping out of a plane at 15,,000 is nuts I know but I wont be alone, I'll be strapped to someone, so my fingers are crossed for some tall strong hunk😂😂😂😂 with a SOH to make me laugh through it !

Well nighty nite as I'm busy trying to glue beads to painted pine cone's 😅😅! I must admit there's more blummin hot glue on me than on pine cone! Health and Safety at its best😂😂😂! Lol!

Bye again! Love Trish ❤

[Hidden]

Hello Jacobsmum.

What a truely inspiring and encouraging post.

I wish you well and keep up that new healthy lifestyle change which your liver and body are obviously thanking you for.

Best of luck also with the job interviews. Please dont be downhearted if nothing comes of them even the fittest, youngest and healthiest don't get a break sometimes but fingers crossed it all goes your way.

Lots of love and luck

Laura xx

[jacobsmum24 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much for your kind words. They are much appreciated xx

[Hidden]

Hi

You have done so well, you should be really proud of yourself. Good luck with your forthcoming interviews. Love and hugs Lynne xxxx

[jacobsmum24 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much Lynne x

[Hidden in reply to jacobsmum24]

You are very welcome. Love and hugs Lynne xxxx

[alfredthegreat]

Great to hear that you are doing so well This kind of post gives great inspiration to others on here. I hope those interviews lead to a job for you. Keep us updated. Were all rooting for you. Wonderful news!! All the best. Alf

[jacobsmum24 in reply to alfredthegreat]

Thank you so much Alfred x

[FrenchiesRule]

Congratulations on all the positive changes you have made for yourself!

[jacobsmum24 in reply to FrenchiesRule]

Thank you so much. Baby steps but at least they are in a forward direction x

[Hidden]

Great stuff jm. Fancy feeling well enough to consider work again - that is amazing.! And two interviews already - you must be wanted 😁👍.

Good luck in those and to your continuing improvements!

Miles

[jacobsmum24 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for the positive good luck thoughts x

[erica1960]

Big well done for turning things around, I know how much strength and determination that takes. Also good luck with the interviews, new beginnings all round 👍 you might even fancy taking up a new hobby, crafting perhaps? I understand glueing beads to pine cones is very therapeutic!!! (but why would you want to 🤔🤣) Seriously, great moves in the right direction, good luck, Erica xxx

[jacobsmum24 in reply to erica1960]

Thank you Erica. I think jumping out of the plane is preferable to the pine cones lol. I must be the least artistic person on the planet ! Can't sew or knit, draw or paint, play a musical instrument or cook anything that doesn't end with a microwave ping....

But I have a fab memory for facts and am a whizz with maths even with all the brain cells I have probably destroyed over the years. My real passion is animals I guess, especially dogs which I show and breed very occasionally x

[erica1960 in reply to jacobsmum24]

I'm rubbish with Maths, love music (play brass) but struggle with theory (kind of mathematics dyslexia - I get frustrated with being unable to understand and shutdown!) on the dogs front, I've always had shaggy ones, currently have 3!! What do you have/show?? Xx🐾🐾

[jacobsmum24 in reply to erica1960]

I have bred and shown St Bernards for over 20 years so like to go large lol. My brother was a professional pianist and double bassist but could turn his hand to virtually any instrument. I on the other hand am totally tone deaf. I think you are either born with artistic or academic tendencies. Cooking, drawing, crafting, needlework etc are like black arts to me but give me a spreadsheet and I am in heaven !

[erica1960 in reply to jacobsmum24]

👍 Always was a big doggie person, started off with 2 old English, then 2 Beardies, but as the arthritis took hold I downsized to Tibetans, more pickup able!!! You're prob right about the gifts you're born with, I can faff around all day making things, and I'm very practical too, but ask me about my pension and my eyes glaze over!! 👀👀😒 Xx

[Hidden in reply to jacobsmum24]

Love it jm. 😁👍. Spreadsheets and me get on too. Music and me are at war with each other.

[Mirlo]

Hallo Jacobsmum

Thank you for your message, you give hope and inspiration with your text. I wish you the best of luck in the future, health wise and work wise. You have taken steps that must have been very difficult at times. Stay well and strong.

[Millie2014]

Thank you for posting such a positive and inspiring message. Your message gives hope to all those on this forum who need a boost and to see that there is light at the end of the tunnel. I too am a bit of a lurker rather than a poster but I cannot praise highly enough the people who have sent me encouraging messages full of useful information and support. Well done with the upcoming interviews and may your health continue to improve.

[Wass71]

Hi,

Its truly inspiring to hear how effictive the changes you have bravely made have been. It does give hope to others, and it's kind of you to share this positivity.

I lost my sister at 41 to alcohol, and of course I wish she had been able to turn things around before it was too late. I know how remarkable your achievements are, as I've seen first hand what addiction/dependence can do. It makes me happy to think you have been able to dodge the downward spiral, and climb back up to the fresh air of enjoying your life, and moving forward.

I wish you loads of luck with the interviews, whatever happens its a big deal putting yourself out there, it's all positive experience.

Will be thinking of you, best wishes

Onwards and upwards!!

XWassX

[Hidden]

Hi jacobsmum24

We are really pleased you have found the forum so helpful. If you ever need a chat regarding your liver condition, our helpline is open Monday to Friday 10am to 14.45 on 0800 652 7330

warm wishes

Trust1

[ClintBone]

well done Jacobsmum and good luck with the interviews