Cirrhosis

[bottleofdog199]

Hi my last scan shows my liver shows coarse and patchy echo texture do i need to be worried about this I was diagnosed 18mont ago and thanks for adding me to our roil xxx

[AyrshireK]

Hi bottle, if you were already diagnosed with cirrhosis 18 months ago then this scan appears to just be confirming that diagnosis.

What is important now is that you continue to look after yourself and your liver. With cirrhosis there is no miracle cure, some damage can reverse to a degree if the cause is halted and then you need to be aware of changes that might indicate things are changing or worsening. It becomes a matter of dealing with the side effects and other symptoms or conditions that can arise as a result of the cirrhosis.

With a diagnosis of cirrhosis there is a minimum level of medical care that should be in place and this includes blood tests every 6 months which include AFP (Alpha fetoprotein) and a 6 monthly ultrasound scan. Endoscopy to check for signs of varices in the oesophagus etc.

The British Liver Trust has excellent pages on cirrhosis :- britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

Plus a new page which details what you should expect from your care.

britishlivertrust.org.uk/li...

You should really educate yourself about the condition so you are aware of what might happen and so you can ask pertinent questions when you go to appointments. Make sure your diet is appropriate (you can ask for referral to a liver specialist dietician) and live well. Try not to dwell on the diagnosis but concentrate on looking after yourself and living the best life possible.

There are loads of folks on here so always someone on hand to answer questions, vent to etc. No question is a daft question.

All the best,

Katie

[Bootandall]

Hyper echoic texture means that the liver is denser than normal, cirrhosis changes the architecture of the liver to make the liver thicker and bumpier. Imagine a sponge that has stiffened, and despite the blood continuing to flow through it, it has to push harder to get through and to function properly as a filter. Once this has happened, there is nothing you can do to change it, but following a healthy lifestyle helps the liver continue to function adequately enough so that further intervention can be delayed or avoided.

[briccolone in reply to Bootandall]

Very good description

[bottleofdog199 in reply to Bootandall]

Thanks for the explanation xxx

[Bootandall in reply to bottleofdog199]

It's no problem! I still have lots of questions after 3-4 years ☺️ if you are looking for answers, we can all help. But feel free to PM if you want.