Where do I begin?

[Est7]

Fibrosis or cirrhosis?

Hi all. Newbie here.

I have alcohol related liver disease. The only problem is my Hepatology Dr can’t tell me at what stage I am.

I have 2 small varicies which suggests cirrhosis but scans and blood tests suggest fibrosis.

She has now suggested a MRI scan. She doesn’t want to do a liver biopsy unless she really has to.

I was really hoping to get an answer today but suppose I will have to wait a little longer, if at all as I have been told.

Not taking any medication now. I certainly don’t miss the lactulose 😀

Sorry for rambling and thanks for reading.

Tina x

[Hidden]

Hi

I'm sorry you aren't feeling too good. A biopsy was the only thing that diagnosed Nash with fibrosis. Love and hugs Lynne xxxx

[Est7 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Lynne. Yes it looks like that’s the only way ahead.

I had severe sepsis 2 years ago so biopsy is the last choice because of chance of infection.

Love and hugs to you 🤗 xxx

[Hidden in reply to Est7]

Thank you. Just hope you get sorted soon. Love and hugs Lynne xxxx

[Hidden]

Welcome. Some Consultants do not overwhelm with information. It's a work in progress. 6 months to my diagnosis & a further 4 to be labelled. You'll gleen more on here plus be in a better position to ask.

Who, What, Why, When, Where?

[Whitelock]

How comes your not taking meds. Did the consultant tell you that. My husbands meds kept him going before transplant. It take a while to diagnose things. But you want them to do this to ensure they take the best cause of action. Keep us posted on the outcome xx

[Nik-Nak1]

I was told I had cirrhosis but had a fibroscan two days ago and it turns out I only have mild fibrosis so think a fibroscan or biopsy is the only way you’ll know 100%. Good luck

[davianne]

Hi, I am surprised you are not on meds for your varices. When they found mine I was put on omeprazole straight away.

I hope you have given up alcohol. If not you really should give it up completely and permanently to give your liver a chance of survival.

Unfortunately my awakening came too late, and I have stage 4 cirrhosis, so I can speak from reluctant experience.

I hope further tests give a better indication of your livers health, and hopefully you might have dodged the bullet.

David

[ballie52 in reply to davianne]

Hi davianne I have varacies and I'm not on medication mine are also small!

I think with small varacies they don't treat them !

I got diagnosed with only 3 varacies and PHG but I think they prefer to just keep a watchful eye on the small ones!

[davianne in reply to ballie52]

Hi Ballie,

Yes, mine are small as well, but was prescribed Omeprazole. Whether it was just precautionary, or a normal response to varices, I'm not sure. My varices were too small for banding, so, as you say, they just keep an eye on them.

Omeprazole reduces stomach acid, so, I guess it's to prevent acid irritating the varices.

David

[Ughhhhhhh]

With alcohol related liver disease it is sometimes difficult to get an accurate diagnosis until after the cause(alcohol) has been removed and possible alcoholic hepatitis has subsided-I had been with a questionable diagnosis for a good while-it’s encouraging that it’s in question-I would do everything possible to heal right now-it’s critical. My Dr. said the first year in particular after removing alcohol a lot of healing can occur-follow your doctors orders and eat a really clean diet-no processed foods lots of leafy green and vegetables in general-a lot of plant protein. No crazy cleanses-follow everything your doctor says-hopefully you are still at a reversible stage-or if not you can halt any progression-wishing you the best❤️

[Est7]

Thank you all ❤️

No alcohol for over 2 years.

Ended up in A&E January 2017 because of my liver. Signed myself out after 4 weeks.

May 2017 A&E again. This time very serious.

I stopped drinking in December 2016. Didn’t cut down, just stopped.

By May, had infection, vomiting blood, HE, delirious etc etc.

In hospital, pneumonia, induced coma, multi organ failure, severe sepsis in itu for 4 months.

Very close to not coming home 😞

Due to the amount of tests and scans etc I found out how bad my liver is....well so I thought.

I was on medication for a while but been told there is no need to take it now.

I will keep you informed of what happens and no doubt I will have many more questions.

Thanks again x

[Whitelock in reply to Est7]

Hi husband went through simulate episodes. Hospital jaundice phbemonia and varices bleed. He was stage 1 went to 3 then bleed. But has always been on Omeprazol. Very surprised they have not got you on any meds if you have had all of the above. I would get a second opinion that’s what we did and that’s when we was put on transplant list. 3 months in after transplant and my husband is like a new man x

[Hidden]

That's a sobering list, but you made it through. So ask and you shall receive........

Stay strong. 💪😃