CIRRHOSIS?

[williamg89]

Cirrhosis could mean just liver was slightly damaged, not physically cirrhosis. I have a meld score of 6 7. I had acute liver failure, but not from alcoholism. I was in critical care, but in best shape of my life workout 6 days a week. I remember my specialist said once that cirrhosis could be just a title, not necessarily meaning I have it. can anyone verify? i am a little paranoid lol

[AyrshireK]

Hi William, some doctors confuse matters by calling all liver damage cirrhosis when in reality cirrhosis is the last stage of a process called fibrosis which is why cirrhosis is often also called end stage liver disease or F4 Fibrosis.

When it is being damaged a liver goes through various stages of fibrosis before it reaches the cirrhotic state. This is often described using the metavir score system.

F0 - No Fibrosis

F1 - Mild Fibrosis

F2 - Moderate Fibrosis

F3 - Severe Fibrosis / Incomplete cirrhosis

F4 - Cirrhosis/End Stage Liver Disease.

Some doctors do mix up the terminology. Once you have cirrhosis though you do tend to have it, the liver can still recover to a degree even from a cirrhotic state but it is pretty damaged by then. A cirrhotic liver then needs to be monitored as from it can spring a whole host of other health issues and it's then about dealing with those rather than curing the liver.

Your MELD score of 6.7 is really excellent - the Model for End Stage Liver Disease (MELD) is a calculation based on your serum creatine, serum bilirubin, serum sodium and your INR (blood clotting time). At 6.7 you are in the very least severe bracket so hopefully your liver has improved greatly from the health crisis that took you into hospital.

Hopefully not to confuse matters cirrhosis is also split into different stages based on symptoms present.

Stage 1 Cirrhosis - No Varices, No Ascites.

Stage 2 Cirrhosis - Varices, No Ascites.

[Both of these are deemed compensated cirrhosis]

Stage 3 Cirrhosis - Ascites, +/- Varices.

Stage 4 Cirrhosis - Bleeding, +/- Ascites

[Both of these stages are deemed decompensated cirrhosis].

For more information on cirrhosis have a look at the British Liver Trust page about it:- britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

It sounds very much like you are doing great, keep up the good work, you are giving your liver the absolute best chance of a long life. Hopefully you are still being monitored - 6 monthly blood tests, 6 monthly ultrasound scans. If you can take someone with you to clinic appointments it will help with taking in information 'med speak' is a whole different world to us mere mortals especially when you're not feeling on top of your game. I find having a notebook with a list of questions and a pen to jot down answers helps us get the most out of clinic appointments and helps us keep a record of what's said.

All the best, Katie

[williamg89 in reply to AyrshireK]

Wow, that was very helpful. I was checked two months ago and was fine. I havent been checked for a year before. I do go out though sometimes but ill have wine is that going to be bad? I shouldn't expect to be deceased soon correct? even though i feel great and all

[AyrshireK in reply to williamg89]

You should seriously consider whether the wine is a good idea. If you have a damaged liver to any degree then giving it a toxin to deal with in the way of alcohol can be like throwing petrol on a bonfire - you could re-ignite the inflammation and further damage your liver.

With such a low MELD score and I guess few symptoms you are doing great. You are far from shuffling off this mortal coil.

Katie

[williamg89 in reply to AyrshireK]

Thank you so much for those words and it’s been 2 years since I had it. God bless you

[Laura009 in reply to williamg89]

Hi William. I totally agree with Katie.

You look a fit healthy guy ... stay that way ... ditch the wine ! 💪😀

[Hidden]

Hi William,

Great replies from our forum members on this thread, and you have been given the links to our information on cirrhosis.

As the members say, if you have cirrhosis, drinking alcohol is not a good idea and will not help your liver function.

If you would like a further chat and you are in the UK, our helpline is open Monday to Friday 10am to 3pm on 0800 652 7330

Best wishes

Trust1