Enlarged spleen

[Rozy64]

I have my first endoscopy scheduled for 19th Jan and l am terrified, both of the procedure and of what might be found. I am given to understand that it will be performed by the Hepatology Consultant whom l have not yet met.

Since my cirrhosis diagnosis last month l am sick with worry the whole time. I understand that the purpose of the endoscopy is to check for varices but does the fact that my spleen has been enlarged for a couple ofyears, to my knowledge, not indicate that backflow is already happening? I have read that by curing the cause, sometimes cirrhosis can be improved but l don't know the cause. I am type 2 diabetic and a couple of stones overweight. The medics say its probably that but seems hard to take. They said metabolic syndrome, but doesn't that also include blood pressure and cholesterol issues? neither of which l have ever had. My question is really about the spleen and what they may find.. I just need a bit of reassurance. I still struggle to accept how on earth l have got to this stage and never picked up.. Never a mention of fatty liver or anything that could be helped before now. I am not a drinker at all. Thanks for reading.

[AyrshireK]

Hi again Rozy, type 2 diabetes and being over weight are risk factors for the development of non alcohol related fatty liver disease which can in turn lead to NASH and cirrhosis. If there is any way you can manage to exercise more, improve your diet and over all health there should be a chance of improving your liver though now it is cirrhotic it's not going to magically heal.As regards the endoscopy, just because you have evidence of portal hypertension (enlarged spleen & low platelets) it doesn't necessarily mean you'll have varices although the presence of varices would certainly confirm portal hypertension.

When you have your endoscopy it is best to go as relaxed as possible and that way if you are having the sedation (strongly recommended) it will work better and you shouldn't even be aware of the procedure happening. My hubby has had several since 2012 and I admit he has been terrified of it but he's had banding too (42 in all). At one of his endoscopies a nurse said to him to hold his breath whilst they did the throat spray and by doing so it stopped his gag reflex from kicking in and the procedures have largely gone smoothly since then. He has the throat spray and the sedation, he says as soon as they put the bite block into his mouth he shuts his eyes and more or less sleeps through the whole thing which is over in well under 5 minutes though you have to sleep off the sedation after wards.

If you have the sedation you'll need someone to drive you to and from the hospital and someone stay with you for 24 hours afterwards just in case of any mishaps and you arn't allowed to drive or operate machinery for 24 hours.

If they find any evidence of varices it depends on the hospital what they do, hubbies consultant went for an aggressive banding regime for his resulting in them being eradicated within two years but we were going for banding every few weeks. He has never been on beta blockers as he had already had a massive bleed so his doctor went for the banding regime.

You'll be ok, you are in good hands. You probably won't get a chance for a chat with doctor if it is anything like Edinburgh was for hubby this July when it was all very covid secure, in operating theatre and procedure and out but take your list of questions anyway and maybe you'll get chance to clarify some things. Ask about a follow up consultation anyway as you need to know the state of play.

All the best, Katie

[Rozy64 in reply to AyrshireK]

Thankyou Katie.... I am such a worryer and very anxious. Thank you for your support and clarification.

[pishi1]

Hi Rozy I have had three endoscopies. To be honest the worst part is waiting to get the procedure done. The procedure itself is a little bit uncomfortable but other than that is all over in 5 minutes. I always have sedation. I used to have varices but over time they disappeared and also my enlarged spleen went back to normal. Maybe my diet brought this about although I never had a weight problem.

I hope all goes smoothly. You will be thinking why you worried so much.

Best wishes

Angela

[Rozy64 in reply to pishi1]

Hi Angela, That is so encouraging thankyou. This may seem a silly question but do you have cirrhosis?

[pishi1 in reply to Rozy64]

Hi Rozy, yes I do and I take carvidilol twice a day. I am what is known as Crytogenic meaning they could not find a cause. I am not a drinker so don't know. I was told that the liver can repair itself. My liver functions are normal and am leading a normal life. I did have ovarian cancer back in 2015 and have been in remission since then plus taking tablets for thyroid which is also normal. Long may it all continue. I just put my trust in the experts and got on with it. Let me know if you need any more help. Happy to share. Angela

[Rozy64 in reply to pishi1]

Thankyou so much. You have been very encouraging and supportive.

[pishi1 in reply to Rozy64]

Let me know how it all goes. Best wishes