Travelling on public transport with suspected liver disease/test to diagnose liver disease

[Daphnis61]

Thanks to those who came back to me about this. Much appreciated. I probably wasn't very clear. I'm not asking anyone to try and tell me if they think I have liver disease or not - I appreciate that is very difficult as symptoms seem to vary and tests don't seem very reliable. What I'd like to know is: first, if you'd feel safe travelling on public transport with liver disease given Covid. (The trouble is that most don't wear masks now, you can't let in fresh air and trains are often busy, too.)

Second, can anyone tell me if there a reliable test - blood test or scan (if so what) - that shows cirrhosis?

Many thanks and keep safe everyone.

[BritishLiverTrust5 Moderator British Liver Trust]

Dear Daphnis61

Although no one on this forum can diagnose you, here is the link to information on our website explaining liver disease tests, diagnosis and screening, which you may find helpful.

britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

There is also this Questions to Ask your Doctor page on the website which may contain information that is helpful when attending heathcare appointments

britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

Best wishes

British Liver Trust

[Daphnis61 in reply to BritishLiverTrust5]

That's great. Thanks so much!

[Jaygee87]

I have liver disease and I don't worry about travelling on public transport. I'm also fully vaccinated and have had covid quite recently. Each to their own on the matter but life continues, but if you are worried just wear a mask and sanitise your hands. In regards to cirrhosis I have been told by my consultant there is no singular test to show cirrhosis. There is a series of tests done which are more advanced than the LFTs you get at the doctors. The only way that I got these is because I was referred by a doctor due to very high LFTs.

[vinylcollector]

Several ultrascans fibro scan and regular blood test can diagnose cirrhosis. Talk to your Liver specialist nurse. I get a call every so often. I always wear mask and gloves in shops and transport. Never vaccinated, never had covid. I never worry about Liver. Stay cool in Summer, warm in winter eat well but sensibly a 20 min walk daily. This keeps the energy up.

[Daphnis61 in reply to vinylcollector]

You sound very relaxed, vinyl collector! Thanks for the advice. I might investigate the fibroscan. I haven't had a diagnosis - GP thing difficult. I wear a good mask in shops but don't feel safe on transport. I mostly eat sensibly and walk a lot. Am vaccinated. Keep safe.

[vinylcollector in reply to Daphnis61]

I wish I was relaxed. It's a lot to cope with. So, on one hand I'm in a position where little can be done, on the other I find it is pointless worrying about it too much. I just try to get on with it knowing.... Lack of energy small portions, feeling bloated, insomnia or sleeping too much, and sometimes not knowing what to eat. The irony is my BP and Cholesterol is perfect, my Liver is early-stage Cirrhosis plus I have a size 17 spleen and Portal Hypertension....the clock is ticking. At 56 looking at all the proper medical stuff, it doesn't inspire confidence in reaching age 70. But who knows? I think it's best to enjoy day-by-day not get knocked back by any of it, just be aware, adjust, be gentle with yourself and others. Winters keep warm, Summer, not too hot. Protein for energy, avoid too much dairy. You will all soon know what different foods, and how much will cause you problems, it teaches us lessons. Air Fryer ovens and lean pork are good, Green Bananas, Veg tiny amounts of each. Porridge is great with milk in microwave. It's a balancing act on a thin line.

[vinylcollector in reply to Daphnis61]

Thank you, I will keep safe. You stay safe too.

[Cat-B]

Hi the travel question, can you travel off peak when it’s less busy? Sadly the Covid numbers are high, all you can do is try your best with a good mask and gel, but there’s no guarantee. I try to avoid public transport and always wear my masks in shops, we can’t change how others behave, just do our best to protect ourselves.Second testing, there’s blood testing, physical examination, ultrasound and scanning, you need to talk to your doctor and if it’s appropriate get a referral to the liver team. Good luck

[Daphnis61 in reply to Cat-B]

Thank you, Cat-B. I hope you had a better night. I am a bit limited as to when I travel on this occasion and it would have been over the bank holiday (not ideal!) so am being very extravagant and getting a taxi now. Totally agree best to travel at quiet times but this was not going to be possible this time (long story). I'd certainly have felt safer if others wore masks too. Find it odd that they are so casual about Covid. Numbers still very high if on the way down. The doctor thing is tricky - been huge change of doctors at my surgery, not very confident about them or the surgery was thinking of changing to.

[Cat-B in reply to Daphnis61]

It’s so difficult to understand why anyone listened to Boris and not the medical professionals! Re the doctors, just be careful not to jump out of the frying pan into the fire, you need a doctor that you get along with, but sadly we aren’t allowed to interview them lol.

[Readlots]

Hi, lots of good advice above. I personally don’t feel safe on public transport because of Covid. I have multiple liver diseases but not cirrhosis. I kind of risk assess every situation and decide how much I want to do something v the risk of Covid e.g. I want to see my adult children so I’ll have them to stay and they do an LFT test before they come. But I don’t think it’s worth the risk to see a film at a cinema., even wearing a mask. I guess it’s a question of why you need to travel by train, and is it worth it.

I think others have covered the testing question.