I was diagnosed with Cirrhosis incidentally on a Scan last December and have entirely normal Liver functions and no symptoms
The Consultant at Hospital is not concerned and told me to get on with my life and just have 6 monthly blood tests and ultrasound scans
I have sadly had a breakdown with the shock and don't know what will happen next
The internet says I have 9-12 years to live
Can anyone advise me?
Sorry to hear about your diagnosis, it's a hard one. Folks here who have been through this for far longer than I will give you lots of good advice.
I have some you might not expect--be very grateful. Most people with cirrhosis find out when their liver is already decompensating, which carries a median 2 year survival, and that's a very difficult 2 years. Many on here are in that position, some in their 30s and 40s. If your disease was caught early, you can take steps now (liver diet, exercise, listen to your docs) to keep your liver functioning for a long time, and can live a relatively normal life hopefully for many years to come.
Who knows, maybe by the time your liver takes a bad turn, there will be treatments to fix cirrhosis. Especially if you raise your voice now and help make that happen.
Thank you I am 67years old and terrified
Could be alcohol or long term medication
No symptoms but Scarring on Liver
67+12 is 79. About a standard life expectancy, and far beyond what most sick people here can hope for--I would repeat the gratitude suggestion. Should you ever get symptoms (might never happen for you), this forum will be here with plenty of great advice. All the best to you and yours.
My mum got this through too much of a strong antibiotic given to her that ruined her liver completely. So keep off antibiotics try natural remedies that boost and protect the liver. Also eat mushrooms, they remove toxins from the body which is what the liver usually does x
I just want to say thank you. Your posts are brilliant!!👍👍
That's way too generous, but thank you. I must say, I've not felt brilliant since learning what I did to myself. Hope you're doing as well as can be, glad you started sharing your wisdom/experiences here. Commenters like you and others who have been fighting the worst of this nasty disease and sharing your battles are an inspiration.
Had a real bad 24 hours. Had a tooth out Wednesday , got infection, started antibiotics Friday. For swelling and pain took co codamol.
Then I think I started hallucinating, and everything has been a blurr.
Very constipated despite lactulose.
Headaches, swollen cheek and pain in jaw, still here!!!!
Hope you're well!!!
Hi Patharrbon
The Internet is an idiot with a mental age of 7 so please step back from anything you've seen saying how long you have left. Of course there are some reliable sources of information out there like the NHS site, The Mayo Clinic and our hosts The British Liver Trust. The bottom line is that you will always find the worse case scenario on line - not helpful if you're vulnerable.
Your diagnosis has understandably come as a shock. There is not much information in your post to go on but the fact that you've no symptoms is one very significant detail. Basically, if you do indeed have cirrhosis then it seems to be compensated (this means your liver is still doing all the things it needs to)
I think you need to ask your Drs to qualify your diagnosis. What type of scan did you have and are you borderline for example?
Moderate fibrosis and even early cirrhosis are now seen as reversible if the cause of the liver damage is removed and... if a liver friendly lifestyle adhered to. There's a lot of nonsense quoted about survival rates but most are based on extremely poorly people in clinical settings and there's little consensus about the real world statistics.
So there's no reason to believe your longevity has to be massively impacted by this.
It's absolutely worth you checking out what constutues a liver friendly lifestyle in terms of your situation. BLT have some great information here
britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...
You will also find much general support from other members too.
Whilst it's encouraging your Dr isn't too worried, don't let them of the hook if you need further clarification.
Best
Chris
What about MELD score and INR?? What if , like mine they're in the higher levels??
Thank you Scarring was originally found and then a Fibroscan 19.3 3 months later
Blood was normal and Consultant confirmed my Liver was working entirely normally
Last week a ultrasound confirmed Scarring but Liver function still normal and Hospital will do 6 month reviews
As my consultations are text messages from Consultant I am left totally traumatised and now on anti depressants and reading from the internet
We've had members with much higher numbers but that said your score is suggestive of F3 /F4 fibrosis for alcohol damage (if that is the primary cause) I base that on the official fibroscan scoring system. Numbers can go up to 75kpa. I know it feels really rotten right now but as you get to know other members and learn more about liver disease and how to look after yourself, this horrible low you're experiencing will hopefully ease.
All is not lost by any means.
As I said earlier the fact your liver is doing all its critical jobs is great. Moreover the fact your liver has never had a decompensated phase is a big plus. In other words your liver has not crossed the line. Now it's all about keeping it that way. We've genuinely had members see their scores drop significantly over time.
Do avoid consuming anything that will inflame your liver. The liver and pancreas respond to sugar in a very similar way they do to alcohol for example. So don't lock yourself away (tempting when you're feeling crap) Even small amounts of exercise will do wonders for your general health. Keep posting, no question or concern is too daft or obscure.
So welcome to the club that no one wants to be a member of but does have its very own life affirming benefits.
Best
Chris
Thanks Chris My MELD 7 child-Pugh A5
Fibroscan 19.3 (F4 fibrosis CAP 165-normal)
Does that make sense?
Evening
I hope things have been looking and feeling a bit better today.
Because the British Liver Trust understandably ask that people don't interpret members test results/scores, I will just say that your MELD 7 and Child- Pugh A5 are consistent with the least severe end of those two assessment tools.
Basically, as outlined yesterday you seem to be at the right side of moderate fibrosis or early cirrhosis as you are fully compensated (have a well functioning liver) so there is much to be positive about. And remember your diagnosis was just chanced upon in good time. You'd expect most people in your age range to have some stiffness in their livers it's just most of these people don't know it. Your liver will look after you if you look after it moving forward.
Very Best
Chris
You have been so reassuring to Partharrbon and myself with your detailed reply, thank you. I only have this blog to keep updated, as I have chosen not to worry my family and I am relaxed with my cirrhosis (NARLD) pure through to kind people on here and my Consultant. I too have never presented with symptoms. I knew I had fatty liver disease in 2006 which was attributed to diabetes. My GP had never heard of FLD and so I wasn't advised. I had an U/S as a routine check which said 'liver was normal'). In 2015 I had a CT for urinary tract issues, the report showed 'suspicious underlying cirrhotic change. By Oct.2015 I was diagnosed with cirrhosis, a complete shock to me. I have twice-yearly U/S scans and bloodwork and an annual Endoscopy. Results all show no change. I found that the British Liver Foundation diet has been useful for me to adopt a better healthy living lifestyle, reducing my sugar intake. Thank you Chris again for your excellent reassurance.
Thank you Chris and Yummy BearYour words are filling my heart with hope and can now see the future
I want time to meet my graqndkids and will do anything for that time
My diagnosis of Cirrhosis was sent to me as a text by the Consultant and the shock has left me a wreck
Luckily my Liver Blood tests are normal and I am assured my Liver is working normally and I am told to get on with my life
Am I wrong to feel the way I am 67years and nobody to talk to xx
Hi
I just wanted to say thank you for taking the time to write this, it's very generous of you. It sounds like you have a lot to deal with. I hope life is better for you right now or at the very least you are able to be kind to yourself. The liver is incredibly forgiving and has a great capacity to recover (if not completely at least to an extent that it keeps things ticking over well enough) I'm glad too that this forum is filling the in gap of support you absolutely deserve. Often no change in test results is still a big win. Keep up the good work.
Best Chris
Thank you Chris for being there I am honestly not a party animal
My husband is undergoing Cancer treatment and sadly alcohol became my support friend during Lockdown x
There's nothing you've said that implies you are party animal. All of us enjoy little pleasures and relief here and there and you're dealing with a lot, especially with your husband's diagnosis. Also your diet sounds great. Your big positive in all this is your unremarkable bloods suggesting every is working normally. The more of these positive changes the more your liver will calm down. I really hope things start looking up for you both. Cx
Hi Chris Just a quick question after your brilliant diet advice
Is fruit full of sugar as I am living on it
and I sweeten my porridge with Honey each day?
Pat x
Hey Pat
Sugar is not your liver's friend but... many different types of fruit are of course good for you. So that's the conundrum to sort out.
I think most healthy eating plans fail because of lack of time, cost and taste. Basically you want to be able to sustain your liver friendly life and be happy too. Eating can remain a pleasure.
The way fruits and carbohydrates impact our blood sugar is about both their glycemic index and their glycemic load. So keeping those numbers low can be as simple as choosing low GI fruits (list here)
healthyeating.sfgate.com/gl...
And mixing up HOW you eat them. So Berries with your porridge and flax and Chia seeds for example, means you'll process the fruit sugar gradually because you've mixed your fruit in with other slow energy release foods.
Throw in some exercise too and your body will start to be optimal in its everyday processes - you will be rewarded with better mood, sleep and a happier liver. Try to not make yourself miserable about food. Also don't see your liver in isolation - a happy digestive system is so important. Our intestinal health seriously supports our liver when it comes to processing the good from the bad.
I should say that different types/stages of liver disease have different dietary requirements but as wonderfully asymptotic person with a compensated liver, a classic healthy diet seems sensible.
Best Chris
Thanks Chris I am going to stick to my porridge; blueberries and raspberries with a topping of Honey for now
I will attempt to buy flaxseeds tomorrow and also sprinkle them on the porridge
The other meals are pretty boring chicken or fish salads with bananas cherries apricots or nectarines in between
Not sure about the Honey but will pray as well for a reversal of the Scarring 🙏🙏🤣
Hello there!! Firstly let’s calm the water,and don’t listen to Dr Google!! Nobody knows life expectancy. I’ve heard of people nearly died of liver failure and are still around 20 years plus. Everyone is different. I had liver failure last year lost 5st had ten litre of ascites,was a shade of yellow. Now I’m compensated and doing boot camp 5 times a week symptom free.(I stopped drinking). Enjoy your life!!!! All the best!! 😊👍
I am so happy for you and your positive attitude Thank you
Hi Chris (re your reply to Patharrbon) you have been so reassuring to Partharrbon and myself with your detailed reply, thank you. I only have this blog to keep updated, as I have chosen not to worry my family as I am now relaxed with my cirrhosis (NARLD) purely through the kind people on here and the care of my Consultant. I too have never presented with symptoms. I knew I had fatty liver disease in 2006 which was attributed to diabetes. My GP had never heard of FLD and so I wasn't advised. I had an U/S in April2014 as a routine check which said 'liver was normal'). In April 2015 I had a CT scan for urinary tract issues, the report showed 'suspicious underlying cirrhotic change. By Oct.2015 I was diagnosed with cirrhosis, a complete shock to me. I have twice-yearly U/S scans and bloodwork and an annual Endoscopy. Results all show no change. I found that the British Liver Foundation diet has been useful for me to adopt a better healthy living lifestyle, mainly reducing my sugar intake. Thank you Chris again for your excellent reassurance and all the best to Patharrbon.
Is your anxiety worse on wakening and better in the evening?
Why don’t you ask the question on a forum that deals with anxiety sufferers? This one deals with liver disease and your results don’t indicate any issues.
I have fatty liver, the lady whom I’m asking the question to has cirrhosis. My husband died like Laura’s did, he wouldn’t or couldn’t give up the booze.
I can't see the relevance of your question either 🤷🏻♀️
Your question, like most of the others, related to anxiety. Your username gives a huge indicator of your issues.
For myself, I had a liver transplant and would have loved to have heard what you have been told.
Well it doesn’t matter because I wasn’t asking you.
You are very rude
I am sorry to hear of your diagnosis, I fully appreciate, how you are feeling. I'm sure many people can give you some info, here. Please do yourself a favour, don't look to Dr Google!! Wishing you all the best.Annie x
Thank you everyone for your comments It's a very scary time and very worrying what the future holds
I have no symptoms so will pray it stays like that for a long
The Consultant said he felt I would die with the Scarring not from it
And then you read Goggle and wonder when to book your funeral
Thank you all for being there
That is a somewhat morbid but relieving comment from your consultant at the same time. But it’s a good sign and echos what many on here have said about early diagnosis and the opportunity to make changes and heal 
Cirrhosis diagnosis 
Cirrhosis diagnosis 
New Member - Recent diagnosis of Cirrhosis
6 months since cirrhosis diagnosis and still no symptoms
contradiction in the diagnosis of liver cirrhosis 
