Hi everybody! A few words and questions

[SarahMcgarrigle]

Hi guys,

I have been a member of this forum group since last month, and although this is my first post, I read the posts and responses on here often.

I was discharged from Aintree hospital on November 28 this year, after being in hospital for 3 and a half months. I was first admitted to Oldham Royal, where I very soon got transferred to ICU with severe bleeding (found to be from oesophageal varices via an endoscopy), severe hepatic encephalopathy and jaundice. I had very bad ascites and severe retention in my ankles and face, too. I had parecentisis where they drained 9.5 litres of fluid several weeks later.

They were going to turn off my life support (I had a tracheotomy and was on a ventilator) and was on dialysis as I went into kidney and liver failure very rapidly. Thankfully, my family fought with them to no end to keep me hooked up. I wouldn’t be here if they’d have turned them off.

At the end of October, I was transferred to Aintree in Liverpool, to be closer to family. This was also an amazing decision, as I wouldn’t have made the progress that I have without them.

I was unable to move due to severe muscle wasting (I was 9 stone in June, I am now 5 stone 12 lbs). I can now walk up and down the steps to my flat, which is above shops, and take short walks! Although I tire extremely easily, I can feel myself getting stronger each day.

I am on Omeprazole 20mg once a day (switched in Aintree from lansoprazole, which was clearly crap), Spironolactone 75mg twice daily, and Lactulose, supposedly 30ml twice a day, although I just take two big swigs in the morning now and one in the evening, like a lot of you! I also take a 500mg calcium chew in the morning, and vitamin B-complex.

I just thought I’d say hello, wish you all a very happy Christmas and new year; and keep fighting the good fight: we’re all made of strong stuff.

Top photo was taken at the end of October, bottom one early this week.

Sarah x

[ThreeSmiles]

Hi Sarah

Welcome to this fantastically friendly forum - well I know you have been around a bit (in the nicest possible way I mean!) - but a big welcome because it’s your first post! 👍

Wowee - you have had a humongously torrid time 🙁 but thank goodness you seem to be on the up and up - a bit at least.

May we (well me) ask what they have diagnosed you with - I mean what do they think or know is the cause of your horrible problems. And is it something you will have to always endure or do they envisage you continuing to get better and better? Or maybe even need a transplant or something similar in the longer term.? 🤞🤞🤞for the continuing to get better route!

You are indeed made of “strong stuff” to come through that!

Good Luck, Sarah

Miles

[SarahMcgarrigle in reply to ThreeSmiles]

Hi Miles 😊

Thanks for the warm welcome!

I have been diagnosed with cirrhosis. They thought I’d die without a transplant in the ICU, but for now, I’m just having regular check-ups, bloodwork etc with the consultant. They said I would probably need a transplant in the future, though.

At the moment, it’s regular exercise (as much as I can manage - some days are better than others), a healthy diet and medication.

Sarah

[ThreeSmiles in reply to SarahMcgarrigle]

Sarah, thanks for reply - That sounds good - well I don’t mean good per se - but good that you are holding your own and improving a bit. Hopefully you can continue to improve. 👍👍. But if you do need a TP then, well, at least you are young so should recover more quickly than most, I hope and 🤞.

[SarahMcgarrigle in reply to ThreeSmiles]

I hope so, too. Wishing you and your family a very happy and healthful Christmas and new year 🌹

[Sophieatkinson]

Well done, x

[davianne]

Hi Sarah,

Like Miles, I welcome you to our friendly forum.

Dear Lord, what a journey you have been on, but you have come out the other side, and it seems like you are improving now.

I hope and pray that your health continues to improve, and your liver is managing to cope with all it has to do.

If you need advice or support, you know where we are......there is a wealth of knowledge and experiences here to help you.

Have a great Christmas, and a happy, healthier New Year.

Take Care,

David

[SarahMcgarrigle in reply to davianne]

Thanks a lot everyone 😊 it means a lot! 🌹

[Hidden]

Hi Sarah

This is a huge welcome from me too! I'm the forum member who occasionally makes the odd typing error's and gets corrected by some of my lovely friends above .... it's all banter and I dont mind!

Anyway you've definately joined the crazy but so caring bunch of fabulous people who will always be at your side!

If you ever feel like screaming, crying or just need someone to talk to on the serious front, there will always be someone online to chat to privately by PM or openly! Just remember we're here to support one and other !

I wish you a Merry Christmas full of happiness and improved health for 2020 and many many years to come!

Loads of love

Trish ❤🎁🎄xxxx

[Huggy7614]

Hi Sarah,

Wow, just sat reading that thinking, god that poor girl!! You’ve certainly been through it!! I can relate to a lot of what you had, but on a completely different scale!! So good to hear you sounding chipper, even if you’re not quite feeling it!! And very glad you’ve popped your head up and said hello.

Clearly you’re a fighter with some great support beside you. Always a bonus. Never be afraid to ask for help, and keep up the fight!! An inspiring post. Have a great Xmas.

Andy.

[Jason68]

had a ruff time to, fell ill in Spain and sorry any Spanish followers they didnt have a clue. After 3.5 months and lots of other medical issues, in a moment of clarity we got back to the UK. Another couple of months etc. 16 Stone to 9 stone. Just back to 12.5 Stone and that seems to bit it for now. Feel your pain but you done it. Fair Play.