My Cirrhosis was discovered as I was having stomach pains and irregular bowel movements, often with a degree of urgency. This was last August. I have had Bloods, Fibroscan and Ultrasound and from this, diagnosed. To date I haven't seen a NHS Consultant, although I have been referred. I did pay for a private consultation which was useful despite the fact the Consultant had limited information. She wrote to my GP suggest I had Pugh - Charles A level Cirrhosis. It has been assumed that my Cirrhosis is alcohol related - but not confirmed. I stopped drinking instantly, so not dependent, I just liked it I guess, though I know plenty that could 'drink me under the table' . I exercise daily. I swim, run, play squash all to to fair level and regularly. I am 58 (almost) and work full time. I feel pretty much ok most of the time and apart from some fatigue, which given my age and lifestyle could be normal, I don't really have any outward symptoms. I get cramp and mouth ulcers more than I would like, but other than that all I suffer with is this bowel problem, which has to be significantly reduced. Now and then it feels like a donkey has kicked me in my back (RH side). Prior to my diagnosis I can recall periods of itchy skin, that's now well passed. I have never had jaundice, edema or ascites. Oddly, despite giving up the booze, I haven't lost weight and to be fair I do carry about 2 stone too much which the Consultant pointed out. It is a work in progress.
Earlier this week I had an Endoscopy which, from what I was told at the time (I knew the Endoscopist) was pretty much ok, no sign of Varices. I am yet to have it analysed by my GP and as I said I still haven't met my NHS Consultant. I have met with a Gastro Consultant and he requested a Colonoscopy. I was due to have this today but when I read the Moviprep laxative leaflet it warned of the effects of the large amount of Sodium on the liver. I rang 111, they said don't take it and to seek further advice. I have now just spoken with a charge nurse on Endocology who confirmed this and said I should have had a more up to date blood test and shouldn't have been given Moviprep. She has said she would report back to the Consultant and make new arrangements.
I' can't remember all the figures from my various tests, they almost seem irrelevant now, although at first they caused considerable stress. I know they were too high, the LFT blood test reduce, and then rose again. I am hoping the next one will see an improvement. At my insistence with my GP, I now have another ultrasound booked as it will be six months since the last one.
I have spoken with the telephone support line in the early days and must say, they were all fantastic. The private Consultant highlighted the BLT as a great source of support. I'm not really sure why I am writing this today but I guess two things, firstly that I was disappointed with the Colonoscopy fiasco and secondly to see if the bowel issue was a linked issue that I should expect and can hopefully be resolved. Maybe sharing some of these things publicly will also help others rather.
When I was 40 I ran the London Marathon, I'm not really a runner and it was hard work. I said never again, but I have decided that part of my recovery plan is to prepare to get over the finishing line again in time for my 60th in April 2024. I will happily run for BLT.
Best wishes to all that are suffering, not forgetting family and friends that are sharing the journey of their loved ones.
Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse Imaging
Safest way to loose weight
Seeing a liver specialist tomorrow: What might happen now?
Alcoholic liver disease 
G P telephone consultation 
