Is it always progressive?

[Lester14]

Hi all. Once you have advanced cirrhosis is it always progressive? Ie if I continue to abstain from drinking could I have the next 5-10 years complication free or is there always something around the corner

[AyrshireK]

Lester you may be panicking about something you don't even have. This is why that scan was so important.

When you don't have symptoms with cirrhosis your liver is considered compensated - continued abstinence and healthy liver should keep it in that state BUT there are unknowns and patients with cirrhosis are monitored regularly for signs of any deterioration or symptoms that might be appearing (6 monthly bloods keep an eye out for changes to liver function, 6 monthly scans check for signs of ascites, portal hypertension and sadly for liver cancer which a cirrhotic liver is potentially more at risk of, also, endoscopies to see if there are any changes to the gastro intestinal tract like varices).

As I said in an earlier reply to you my hubbies consultant has patients on his books who have had cirrhosis for 20+ years and are no where near transplant or deaths door. Hubby is 10 years into his journey and is regularly monitored.

A stable liver can tick along ok but there are things that can tip it over the edge - things like getting a big infection can de-stabilize a liver.

You really need to find out if you even have an issue & you can then get the appropriate monitoring going forward.

Continued abstinence is ESSENTIAL or any damage you do have may get worse.

Katie

[Lester14 in reply to AyrshireK]

Thanks Katie. I do have symptoms but not ones that I consider debilitating as yet. I am looking to get the scan rescheduled

[Cat-B]

The liver is remarkable, I was diagnosed with end stage cirrhosis and 8 years on my liver function is almost normal, I stick to my diet and have been very slowly increasing my exercise times and definitely no alcohol. So yes there’s hope, but it’s very hard work, keep fighting and always remember it’s the snail who won the race! That’s my moto lol, oh and “ slowly, slowly catch the monkey. Good luck

[JESUSMYHEALER263]

Congratulations, we give glory to Jesus and the medical team.