Usx2

[Usx2]

Hi, I've recently been diagnosed alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver. I have now stopped drinking and also given up smoking. I have had no medical help whatsoever with either but I have help from my family. The only thing now is the depression. All that I can think of is the worst. I have spoken to the specialists who said that I have Well compensated cirrhosis of the liver and a small indication of fatty liver disease but with no complications. I always seem to think of the worst case scenario in anything. Does anyone else think like this.

[AyrshireK]

You have WELL COMPENSATED cirrhosis and that is really positive. Ok the cirrhosis bit isn't so great but you can live for many, many years with only a fraction of your liver working. My hubbies consultant has patients on his books who have had the condition for 20+ years and are no closer to clocking out now than on first diagnosis, nor are they at transplant stage.

No point getting depressed about what's done it is in your power to improve things and even to a degree possibly reverse some of the damage. Fatty Liver and alcohol related fatty liver can be halted and you've taken those first steps with alcohol cessation and stopping smoking so well done on that and keep it up. I posted a link to the BLT page on Non Alcohol Related Fatty Liver on another of your posts - the guidance in there together with continued abstinence from booze will help you no end.

Educate yourself about cirrhosis so that you know what signs you need to look out for if things were going wrong but don't dwell on the minutiae. My hubby nearly died from a massive bleed 8 years ago leading to his diagnosis of auto immune related cirrhosis with varices. He was listed for t/p in 2014 but delisted in 2015 because his liver stabilized. He has just this minute put on his rucksack and set out for an 8 mile walk round local lanes - he lets me monitor his liver stuff and just gets on with living the best life he can.

The BLT page on cirrhosis is really good plus the one on living with a liver condition and the recently added patient charter page. Now you have a cirrhosis diagnosis you should be under a hospital consultant, have 6 monthly bloods and 6 monthly ultrasound scans just to keep an eye on your liver and other abdominal organs.

britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

britishlivertrust.org.uk/li...

Katie

[Hidden]

Hello,

You are to be congratulated for making your lifestyle changes. It is very encouraging that you have what is called well compensated cirrhosis - this means that your liver is still working pretty well despite the scarring. It is natural for most people to think the worst when given a diagnosis of cirrhosis, one wonders what the future holds. I hope that you will get some supportive posts from fellow forum users - there are plenty on here who are in the same circumstances as yourself.

It is important that you are having the appropriate followup with your medical team and also that you talk to them and/or your GP about your feelings of depression.

If you would like to talk to one of our liver specialist nurses we do have a free helpline:

Mon - Fri 10:00 - 15:00 0800 652 7330

regards

[velvetunderground]

I think it's very natural and very common to think of the worse case scenarios, at least initially. In fact I very much doubt you'll come across anyone who hasn't dwelt on that for a while. As you understand more about your condition, I hope and expect your outlook will improve dramatically. People can live long and happy lives with this condition as long as they look after themselves. This forum is littered with people who have been in the same place as you and are now very positive about their future. When I was diagnosed with liver disease it was the only thing I really thought about. First thing I thought about when I woke up and the last thing on my mind when I went to sleep. That changed in the first few weeks / months, and these days I really don't give it much thought (unless I'm on this forum!). In retrospect, the key to this viewpoint was the belief that I was doing everything I could to improve my situation, and it sounds like you are doing the same.Very best wishes

Paul.

[LeiL]

Some folks are stronger than others. I’m not strong and can’t get on with everyday living. I didn’t drink, didn’t smoke but had my thyroid removed to treat my hyperthyroidism. Worst mistake of my life. Metabolic syndrome with weight gain ensued with not a mention by my doctors until NASH diagnosed. I’ve lost the pounds gains but nearly too thin and experiencing horrible neuropathy in legs and hands that written off as nothing.