Ascites - why do they come and how to ... - British Liver Trust

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Ascites - why do they come and how to make them go

Sankar1057 profile image
28 Replies

I was diagnosed with Cirhosis recently (Non Alcoholic). Post that the doc put me on Ursocol and Nusam. And advised that I reduce salt, make dietary changes and reduce weight.

I did all that and within month I reduced quite a bit of weight, all the swelling on the legs disappeared and I generally felt way better.

But suddenly I seem to have got the water weight back. I feel ascites in the belly. Why do ascites come all of sudden? Is there something I can do to keep them from coming?

I am a little worried whatever little progress I was making has gone.

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Sankar1057
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28 Replies

Hi

I'm sorry I don't know but wanted you to know that I'm thinking of you. Have you been back to your Dr? Had he referred you to a heptologist? Please take care Lynne

ThreeSmiles profile image
ThreeSmiles in reply to

Lynne - Hope you can go to sleep Now...☹️

in reply toThreeSmiles

Hi

Thank you. As you can see, I don't sleep well , it would seem you don't sleep well either. I get normally get about an hour or less sleep per night. Some nights I don't get any sleep, this is due to being in so much pain as I have many conditions. I've actually had just over an hour tonight do I don't think I will have any more tonight ☹️. Take care Lynne

ThreeSmiles profile image
ThreeSmiles in reply to

Oh dear Lynne. I have followed your discussions about your problems- it must be very very hard for you and I know you are getting everything done for you that they can possibly do. Only hope that at some point things do actually improve for you! Good luck.

Angus

in reply toThreeSmiles

Thank you so much. I know I already have Nash but my consultant wants me to have full bloods done plus more and an ultrasound. This is because my liver enzymes shot up,, I know they have gone back down but I will still have the tests because of the symptoms I'm getting at the moment. I am quite concerned but I will try to keep smiling 😊. Take care Lynne

ThreeSmiles profile image
ThreeSmiles in reply to

That’s a great positive attitude 👍.

in reply toThreeSmiles

Thank you. I just think there is no point in moping around cos that won't change anything and could make me feel worse emotionally. Are you going to make an appointment with your doctor? I do think you should. It will hopefully give you peace of mind. Take care Lynne

ThreeSmiles profile image
ThreeSmiles in reply to

Hi again Lynne 😁

I see the doctors and Consultants frequently already fortunately. I’ve got a back op end September (not related to liver 😁👍), had a CT scan of abdomen about a week ago (TP related), and have just had recently a referral to a Cardiologist - and have other issuettes too 😁. Like you I just try and get on with things. 👍

in reply toThreeSmiles

Sorry for late reply, I was reading . Take care Lynne

in reply toThreeSmiles

Sorry you've got do many things going on. Hope to you e got someone to go with you to these appointments

ThreeSmiles profile image
ThreeSmiles in reply to

My wife does when it’s an important one so that’s cool 👍. God I’ve put her through hell (stress wise / worry) for 5 years - i.e. ever since diagnosed and had to give up work. Also gave up drinking then as well 👍. She’s a star 👍.

Angus

in reply toThreeSmiles

So pleased your wife has supported you. My husband, sons,other family members and friends have been great. Everyone on here great too.

I have IBS, diverticulitis gastritis, Nash with fibrosis, costochondritis, diabetes type 2, fibromyalgia, under active thyroid, degeneration of the facet joint, sciatica, oa in the knees, fibromyalgia to name but a few!! I'm also being tested for auto immune hepetitis!! Take care Lynne

Poobear69 profile image
Poobear69 in reply to

Dear Lynne, I'm sincerely sorry to read of all the problems you've been going through. Sleep deprivation is awful ☹️. I really don't know what else to say other than I genuinely do hope that at some point soon you'll start to recover fully and you get the good night's sleep that you deserve. Take care x

in reply toPoobear69

Thank you. Just getting a bit fed up , I will give myself a talking to , then I will be ok emotionally. Take care Lynne

Rachel299 profile image
Rachel299 in reply to

Hi have you considered looking at holistic therapies like acupuncture? Don't rule them out, a lot of specialists now acknowledge that chronic conditions require a holistic approach as well as medical. I'm also reading a lot of interesting things about the vagus nerve and therapy to help improve it as it plays a fundamental role in the autonomic nervous system from the moment you chew food and the whole digestive process. If this nerve doesn't work properly it can affect all sorts of processes within the body and can cause autoimmune issues that lead to things like pancreatis etc.. Worth looking into anyway. I've also found the research on Epigenetics interesting. Stay strong and hope things improve for you x

in reply toRachel299

Hi

Thank you. How are you feeling this morning? I've tried acupuncture to no avail. I'm not sure what else to do now. My consultant wants me to have a full blood count with extra plus an ultrasound scan. Bloods 28/8, see my Dr on 5/9 about my bloods, 9/9 ultrasound and see Dr 17)9 and other appointment for my other conditions!!

Do you ever get shaky hands and and my tummy feels on edge but I don't know why?? Sorry for rabbiting on!!!, Take care Lynne

Rachel299 profile image
Rachel299 in reply to

Hi Lynne

It's my dad who has portal vein thrombosis which causes the liver problems. He is currently in a bad way also with ascites which has gone to his lower body. We are waiting for bloods also, but he's been told to keep as mobile as possible for now. It does seem very frustrating that they haven't done anything yet but once the bloods are done I'm hoping they will then look to drain maybe. Although I think that carries a risk of infection so they aren't keen to do that.

It's horrible seeing how much suffering my dad is experiencing. I will let you know if they do offer any useful advice or treatment and keep you posted.

Rachel x

in reply toRachel299

Thank you so much. How is your Dad at the moment? Been thinking of you. Love and hugs Lynne xxxx

Rachel299 profile image
Rachel299 in reply to

Oh thank you that's so kind. He's not doing well at all right now, having to use a wheel chair to get him out of the house because of the amount of ascites in his lower body. It's such a strange thing, we have no idea why it's suddenly got like that or if it will go. They can't give higher dose of water tablets because they were damaging his kidneys. Such a cruel illness. He is a fighter though so hopefully this won't beat him. How are things with you? I hope things improve for you xxx

in reply toRachel299

Thank you. Just the same.

You are both in my thoughts and prayers. Lots of love and hugs Lynne xxxx

carllovatt profile image
carllovatt

i know when my wife had salt or some other naughteys with in a few days the fluid was there

but if it comes on for no apparent reason see the doc

there are other unpleasant things that could happen

Good luck

Porphyriamaniac profile image
Porphyriamaniac

Hi sankar, as I understand it, your abdomen is lined with 2 layers of peritoneum, one layer protecting your organs, these layers produce fluid for cushioning and lubrication normally. In liver disease, the ascites is caused by the pressure from the portal vein in your liver, the sluggishness of the liver and its problems with blood clotting, causes more production of this fluid and pushes it out out into your abdomen, collecting between the layers, as ascites. You've done really well getting the weight off and sounds like you are doing everything you can, if you are worried speak to your Dr, only they can advise. Stacie. Xxxx

carefull1 profile image
carefull1

Hi Sanksr1057, how bad were your legs, what is your activity levels and how the diagnosis was made

Sankar1057 profile image
Sankar1057 in reply tocarefull1

The initial diagnosis was made through an ultrasound which said nodulated margins of the liver.

I put up 2 kg and have lost them too now...so around 2kg worth of fluid perhaps if that even makes sense.

Sankar1057 profile image
Sankar1057

Thanks everyone for the replies. Over the couple of days I have improved very well. I checked my BP and it seemed to have risen and was advised to get back with my usual doses of BP medicine.

I am not sure if it was the BP medicine or the excercises but the fluid buildup is all gone. And I am feeling back on track again.

in reply toSankar1057

Hi

How are you feeling tonight? Take care Lynne

carefull1 profile image
carefull1

Nice to hear that. I had similar issues when BP med changed. Ascites is sometimes misunderstood by people who look out for symptoms. Please see your dr to confirm. How bad were your legs, was one leg more swollen than other and what is your activity level. I ask because my gp questioned me similar questions when I went to see him with swollen legs. By the way how is your memory?

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