Decompensated or Compensated? That is the question.

[200987]

If you had ascites that is now medically controlled with diuretics and varices that have never bled. I was diagnosed as decompensated when I had ascites. But now the nurse puts on my blood test forms “compensated cirrhosis screen”.

I know if I stop diuretics ascites will return so which is it?

[AyrshireK]

If you don't currently have ascites and you have no bleeding then technically (although medicinally controlled) you have compensated cirrhosis - based on the definitions that stage cirrhosis.

Stage 1 - No Ascites/No Varices (Compensated)

Stage 2 - Varices / No Ascites (Compensated)

Stage 3 - Ascites, +/- Varices (Decompensated)

Stage 4 - Bleeding, +/- Ascites (Decompensated).

At the end of the day it doesn't really matter what is written on forms, if meds are working and you don't currently have bleeding or ascites that's great.

Katie

[200987 in reply to AyrshireK]

Thanks Katie

[deanw41]

My consultant never talks in decompensated or compensated or stages. Just says don’t worry see you in 6 months.

[deanw41 in reply to deanw41]

I had one small grade 1 varcie a year ago I’m on carvidalol. No ascites or medication.

[Chris-harris]

I was initially diagnosed as decomponsated and around 6 months after i was discharged my blood forms had componsated cirrhosis, im on Spironolactone and carvedilol for acities and varicies and like you have no acities and no bleeds, been like that for 3.5 years now, i just see it as a bonus and am happy that 2 tablets keep me that way