Good news

[Frananncru]

Morning all

Just an update , saw consultant yesterday , first appointment since diagnosis of cirrhosis a couple of months ago .

Best news under the circumstancesI have early cirrhosis (stage one) and none alcoholic fatty liver disease .

Liver not really enlarged so still no explanation for the pain I experience.

Need to have endoscopy to check for varices ,this fills me with more dread and fear than the liver biopsy ,but I understand the importance of knowing if I have varices .

Following discussion with consultant suggested I might tolerate the nasal approach endoscopy , so that’s what I’m going with and with sedation .

Anyone had experience of this nasal approach?

If all is well , been advised to continue with positive life style changes and will need Ultra sound scan every 6 months and annual consultant review .

Hoping you all are as well as you can be .

Regards

Fran

[Hidden]

Hi Fran,

Welcome to the forum where we hope you will find support and understanding from our great members.

Don't forget there is a lot of information about Cirrhosis on our website and if you are in the UK you can phone our helpline for a chat Monday to Friday 10am to 15.00 on 0800 652 7330

Warm wishes

Trust1

[ThreeSmiles in reply to Hidden]

Hi Trusty1

Fran has posted quite a lot in the past and profile says UK. Nevertheless a warm welcome 👍 from you.

[Hidden in reply to ThreeSmiles]

Sorry Fran! the profile came up as a new member. Old or new you are welcome!

[Frananncru in reply to Hidden]

Thanks , I wondered what had happened ... technology has never been my friend lol !

[Hidden]

Based on my experience there's no need to dread an endoscopy. I've had an endoscopy & colonoscopy. Both procedures were done together & because they were done under general anaesthetic it was not uncomfortable at all. After waking from the anaesthetic & resting for a couple of hours I went home & resumed living normally with no memory of the procedures & no after effects.

I needed the colonoscopy because I burst a blood vessel & bled from my back passage while straining due to being persistently constipated. The colonoscopy was precautionary to check for colon cancer & there was no sign of this found.

In retrospect the endoscopy wasn't necessary. The specialist routinely performed an endoscopy as well as a colonoscopy with all his patients who really only needed one of the procedures because it was a lucrative source of income paid for by Medicare!

Based on the following quote your long term outlook is positive provided you follow a healthy lifestyle avoiding liver stressors like alcohol, drugs etc.

Dr. Melissa Palmer's Guide To Hepatitis and Liver Disease:

'People with compensated cirrhosis often live a normal life span with relatively few health-related consequences due to cirrhosis.'

[Frananncru in reply to Hidden]

Thanks , just hope for a good dose of sedation .

[Pheebe in reply to Hidden]

I'm glad to read this as I have late stage PBC with cirrhosis (compensated) The 2 main symptoms are ITCH and very enlarged liver. (22cm)

[Bungalow68]

Glad you got good news. I see my consultant end of November hope i hear what stage my liver is xx

[Frananncru in reply to Bungalow68]

Good luck

[popupstands]

There are better ways than biopsy which can give false readings why don’t you ask for fibroscan

[Frananncru in reply to popupstands]

Thanks for your reply ... endoscopy is the only investigation left to have ,I’m resigned to getting it done and moving on .

[Katiesgran in reply to Frananncru]

Don’t worry about the endoscopy. I was frantic before I had mine but with sedation I have absolutely no memory of it being done and the bonus that no sign of varices and doesn’t need repeating for three years. Wishing you luck.

[Frananncru in reply to Katiesgran]

Thanks , I know it’s necessary , but it’s always been a procedure I have said I would never have ,but I realise it’s important to have it done . Bring on extra sedation , Just received an appointment for early December . So will try not to dwell on it .lol , thanks Again . Fran

[Hope1011]

Hi Fran, that’s excellent news. Very happy for you.

Are you on any medication? I have stage 1 cirrhosis (non alcoholic. AIH.

I been taking steroids for few years now

TC

Hope