A little about me - advice, thoughts and ideas welcome

[Niques]

Apologies in advance for the long post, thought I would let you all know a little about me, I have been hanging around for a while

I was taking azathioprine for a skin problem, I was also overweight which meant I was on the maximum dose, for a few years my blood tests showed reduced liver and kidney function at different rates each month. I did write to the hospital with my concerns, and for any help or advice for my weight, as I had controlled my diabetes for years with my diet, I was able to prove my diet was healthy but still not losing weight. I was then also put on steroids for my skin, which in turn put my diabetes wonky and I was put on medication. By the time my liver function was investigated, (earlier this year) I was told I had Fibrosis stage 4, and it is irreversible. Since then I have had a further scan, and been put on the "surveillance programme" my doctor has said it's cirrhosis, my nurse has said NAFLD/NASH. Whatever it is, I feel sick the majority of the time, sometimes waking up through the night to be sick, my white blood cell count is low, so I've been put on iron tablets. I work full time, although very tired with an ache on the upper right around rib cage. I suppose I would like to be told it will get better, but would be happy to know this is all normal. It is very difficult when I look fine, but feel like death warmed up. I'm not sure people understand chronic illness, especially when holding down a full time job. I am hoping to keep working for at least another couple of years, as I know nothing about benefits or help I could get, I need to work to clear debts etc. Sometimes I think it would be good to work less days, but I couldn't afford it.

I am aware this may seem like I'm rambling, nerves get the better of me

xx

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Hi and welcome,

Living with a chronic disease can be very challenging. Hopefully you will find our website useful for information and you are welcome to call our helpline for a chat.

It is open Monday to Friday 10am to 14.45 on 0800 652 7330. We hope you also find our forum a supportive place to visit and soon our lovely members will reply to this.

Take care

Trust1

[ballie52]

Hi Niques I can understand why you are worried about your diagnosis of cirrhosis.. did

you ask if your immunosuppression drugs could have been a potential cause?

Fat that develops in the liver can cause liver problems hence your possible diagnosis of NAFLD/NASH..it's hard to identify the real cause when you have underlying medical issues that could possibly be the reason for your cirrhosis ..but now you are being monitored by your consultant at least they can pick up on any changes that take place .

Yes it can be normal for people with cirrhosis to suffer from symptoms like exhaustion and ribcage pain for some!

You should try and have a chat with your consultant about all your fears and concerns and any symptoms you have right now to get some reassurance and to ease your worries about all this right now!

There is many people on this site suffer from NAFLD/NASH that can potentially give you some support and possible advice if needed.💕

[Niques in reply to ballie52]

Thank you. Much appreciated X