TIPS procedures

[Researchfreak]

Received a telephone call from Dr to say the ct scan I’ve had revealed I have shirrosis. I was shocked. Anyway he was referring me to a local top liver Hospital in Newcastle. He mentioned TIPS. I know what it is. Has anyone here hat a shunt and what was the procedure like.

[BritishLiverTrust3 Administrator British Liver Trust]

Dear Researchfreak,

If you [are in the UK and] would find it useful to talk things over, our nurse-led helpline is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm on 0800 652 7330 (excluding bank holidays)

Best wishes

British Liver Trust

[AyrshireK]

HI Researchfreak, glad you are finally being referred to a liver unit (the Freeman is excellent and is also one of the transplant centre's) - hopefully they will investigate you thoroughly and work out what has been going on all these years and will give you a proper diagnosis.

I take it they are considering that some of your GI issues may be portal hypertension related? I can think of no other reason why the suggestion of TIPSS would come up.

It is usually a very effective treatment for reversing portal hypertension - varices, oesophageal issues related to PH and ascites. HOWEVER it is not without it's issues - having a TIPSS procedure can actually lead to a development of/worsening of issues related to Hepatic Encephalopathy since the blood which would usually be detoxed by the liver (even when slowly filtering through a damaged one) will now be channelled through the liver via the shunt and will not be detoxed at all thereby toxins can rapidly build up in the blood stream and head to the brain causing HE symptoms. HE can be treated to a degree (Lactulose & Rifaximin) but i'd want to be 100% sure the TIPSS was needed before rushing into it. (My hubby had portal hypertension and 42 varices banded and TIPSS was never mentioned).

The Freeman will sort you out I am sure.

Best wishes,

Katie

[Researchfreak in reply to AyrshireK]

I know freeman hospital is good but the whole scenario is frightening. I’m in between a rock and a hard place. Currently have 2 weekly blood transfusions am still fatigued and breathless after one week , have severe dry burning mouth so teeth are rotting hair falling out memory probs and very wobbly on feet. Apart from that I’m fine. I can not handle anything more. Hoping they can find something else. Presently receiving two monthly ablation on stomach. Thanks for the information and for bothering to reply in such depth