Liver Cirrhosis

[Pussycat65]

I was diagnosed in Sept 2018. After loads of tests they are unable to find the cause has anyone else had this? I struggle daily to come to terms with this I am only 65!

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Hello pussycat, this must be such a frustrating time for you. I see your new to this site, so may I start by sending you a warm welcome. This site is for people to share their experiences, and to offer support and advice. This means that sadly no-one is medically qualified to answer any medical questions as such, nor comment on any test scores or image results.

That having been said, you should hopefully find a wealth of experience here.

You and I are of similar age, and I can totally understand your concerns. Firstly, having liver cirrhosis is no longer a death sentence it once was. A person can live a fairly normal life with cirrhosis if they adopt some life style changes. I.e. Adopting a healthy diet, and NO ALCOHOL.

I take it that you are presently being cared for by your local hospital and your own GP. It is hard for anyone on here to know what to advice without knowing what sort of tests or scans they have carried out already. Do you happen to remember if you've had a fibroscan for example, or CT scan maybe? Has anyone carried out a liver biopsy as yet? Normally a biopsy will give a hepatologist some clue as to what is going on.

I don't mean to pry, or ask any personal questions, but are you presently taking any medications for another medical condition? Obviously, cirrhosis happens when the liver is being damaged. Here a hepatologist or gastroenterologist has to do a bit of Sherlock Holmes detective work. By eliminating what is not the cause, they should hopefully identify the real problem behind this. This is a process of elimination, and sadly can take some time.

If I was in your shoes, I know I’d be wanting answers. I would go back to your GP and ask some straight forward questions. (Make a list of what questions you want to ask before you go). What is happening, doing nothing isn’t an option. You need to know what is going to happen, and what further course of action do they intend to take in order to identify the cause of this cirrhosis. (Without knowing this, you could inadvertently be doing more harm.) Be firm but polite.

I should point out on this site, that there is a facility that allows you to message someone privately. This way you can discuss and ask some personal questions, or even if you prefer to communicate with someone of your own gender. (AyrshireK who answered your last question is a well respected and knowledgeable lady on here) Just thought I’d mention this.

Good Luck.

[Hidden]

Good afternoon Pussycat65,

Welcome to the forum, I am sure you will get lots of support from the members here.

I have attached a link to the British Liver turst website information which you may find useful.

britishlivertrust.org.uk/li...

Also, if you have any ongoing queries you can call the helpline Mon-Fri 10am-14.45.pm on 0800 652 7330 and one of the liver nurses will take your call.

Best wishes,

Trust9

[JimmyJackson]

Hi yes exactly the same, never been more than a minimum social drinker, after all tests still no idea of cause

I suffered from acid reflux for some years