Worries about pain and itching.

[Tonyp74]

Hi all,

I was diagnosed with alcohol related Cirrhosis 5 years ago and have been abstinent since. I am experiencing right quadrant pain and generalised itching. My LFT results were in normal range except for bilirubin. I am having a CT scan with contrast today but I am concerned about the cause. I know every case is different but has anyone else had a similar experience and what was the underlying cause?

Thanks all

Tony

[Tonyp74]

Also meant to mention my platelet levels are also low.

[Hidden in reply to Tonyp74]

Your symptoms are indicative if cirrhosis. But please contact your GP for confirmation or to discount any other reasons for your symptoms.

[AyrshireK]

Hi Tony, since you were diagnosed with cirrhosis 5 years ago have you been under the care of a specialist and been having your 6 monthly blood tests, 6 monthly scans and regular monitoring. Once you have cirrhosis this is the minimum standard of care you should receive and it is aimed at picking up changes in your condition. Once you have cirrhosis then that's it, you can maintain your liver function but the damage is always there and sadly it can deteriorate further as time goes on. Reduced platelets is pretty normal in cirrhosis and often due to portal hypertension and an enlarged spleen usually accompanies this too. Itching is often a side effect of too much bilirubin/bile salts entering your blood stream.

Hopefully you'll get more answers after your scan but I also truly hope you have been under the care of a liver specialist or gastroenterologist at least since your earlier diagnosis.

BLT page on cirrhosis might be useful for additional information and the BLT guide with the Patient Charter.

britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

britishlivertrust.org.uk/li...

Katie

[Hidden]

Are you under the care of a consultant in gastroenterology/ hepatology? Hopefully they are advising on this?

[Tonyp74]

Thanks folks. I am under the care of Gastroenterology but they aren’t very proactive. I had to push for 6 monthly bloods but also have yearly ultrasound and endoscopy. I have mild portal hypertension and also Gilbert’s Syndrome which doesn’t help with itching and bilirubin levels.

I have not had a face to face with my consultant this year due to COVID and couldn’t even get a response around shielding as I work in frontline NHS services myself.

[Hidden]

If you are not confident in the care you are receiving you might want to consider asking to be referred to a hepatologist rather than a gastro enterologist ? The correct management and follow up is extremely important for you . If you haven't done so already you might want to take a look at our website with regard to COVID/vaccination for the clinically vulnerable ? Here is the link:

britishlivertrust.org.uk/ne...

regards

[hun64_D0chIk]

Hi, I’ve also abstained from alchohol for six years since my Gastroenterologist diagnosed liver cirrhosis based only on how much I was drinking. I’ve got low platelets, my spleen is also enlarged 16.5cm, I have portal hypertension and have had ascites twice so now on a low salt no sugar and eating healthier.

Well done to you for giving up alcohol.

I was referred by the Gastroenterologist to a Hepatology Consultant at a London Hospital. Luckily, I’ve had all the scans, blood tests and a liver biopsy. After a couple of years, through an endoscopy I had Grade 1 varices, then over a year on the next endoscopy I have now Grade 2 varices with red signs, ALT, AST and bilirubin only slightly elevated but GGT continues to be just under 200. All stable and I can continue like this for years as long as I keep doing what I’m doing.

I think you should press your Gastroenterologist to be referred to a Hepatologist.

I hope your CT scan goes well and keep us informed of the results please and hopefully you’ll be vaccinated soon. Thank you for your frontline service in the NHS.