I've read conflicting information about the difference / classification of cirrhosis.
Some articles say once symptoms appear, it's considered decompensated. Others list symptoms that can appear and still be compensated.
What has your Dr told you about the classification?
There are 4 stages in cirrhosis.
Stage 1 & Stage 2 are considered compensated where the liver is managing to do most of it's important functions and this would be staged based on symptoms present.
Stage 1 Cirrhosis - No Varices, No Ascites
Stage 2 Cirrhosis - Varices, No Ascites.
Stage 3 & Stage 4 are considered decompensated where the liver is now struggling to fulfill even it's basic functions and is seriously struggling.
Stage 3 Cirrhosis - Ascites, +/- Varices.
Stage 4 Cirrhosis - Bleeding, +/- Ascites.
As the liver does 500 different jobs each person's journey with the condition is totally individual as it depends which of these jobs end up getting knocked off your livers functionality.
For example my hubby has cirrhosis - diagnosed in 2012 completely out of the blue with a massive variceal bleed so he was then Stage 4 decompensated due to bleeding but has never had ascites. After his varices have been dealt with he is now back around the Stage1 bordering stage 2 area as he has 'barely visible' varices returning on endoscopy exam. He has loads of the incidental symptoms of a poorly liver though as his liver isn't carrying out some of it's 500 jobs - fatigue, muscle loss, minor HE, hormonal issues etc. etc.
The BLT page on cirrhosis might be of help to you if you haven't already read it. britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...
Katie
thanks Katie
may i ask if the small varices is can be reversed normally or disappear without any treatment for varices or once it appear it is not reversible ? if the overall liver function is improved by changing the life style for example
Varacies can get larger smaller or completely disappear!
If you have cirrhosis or portal hypertension then you should get a scope done every few years to check for them..if you have small grade 1 varacies like me then you will get a scope in one to two years to check if they have got larger smaller or even disappeared!
If you have significant varacies they can band them and monitor you regularly to make sure they are eliminated...also sometimes you get put on medication to lower blood pressure which can help to prevent a bleed in the future.
Hi,
As Katie says, we have some great information on Cirrhosis and stages in our Cirrhosis of the liver publication.
If you need to call our nurse led helpline for a chat its open 10am to 3pm on 0800 652 7330
Best wishes
Trust1
Decompensated to compensated
Compensated or Decompensated
Compensated Cirrhosis Fibroscan
PIP and decompensated cirrhosis 
