I just wanted to write to show other readers that you can turn things around.
I wrote on here a couple of weeks ago venting frustration at the lack of communication regarding test results and finally got to see a consultant yesterday.
I was admitted to hospital in May last year via A & E and was very poorly. Id always liked a drink but it had got worse during the last couple of years. We had also recently moved to a different area of the country where I knew no-one and drink was my only friend.
Anyway, I was in hospital for 5 weeks and not given a lot of hope of survival. (Less than 50%). My billirubin level was 350 and I had ascites and no appetite. I was so frightened. I left hospital on my birthday in June determined to turn this around.
I gave up alcohol quite easily (guess the 5 weeks in hospital helped) and will never touch it again. My husband gave up too which helped. Alcohol is just a reminder of how ill I was. My ascites went down slowly (no drains) and I began to eat healthy meals and exercise, building up slowly. I was very tired, always cold and tired for weeks.
Seeing the consultant yesterday I was told that my bloods were now normal, I have very very minor varices - he is not concerned, (no endoscopy for another 2 years) and my Fibroscan was grade2. I dont need any medication but he has advised to take calcium for my bones due to my age(I’m 58) and all I now need is a routine ultrasound scan in around 6 months time, possibly with a follow up telephone appointment. I am now jogging around 10K per week and, having had confirmation that I can fly, am just about to book a holiday in the sunshine, having sorted out travel insurance. (Expensive)
Please understand that I am not posting this to gloat but just to let you know that things can turn around! In a way I feel lucky that I went to see my GP (who sent me to A & E ) when I did. I was told that if Id left it much longer then all my organs would have shut down and I wouldn’t be here now. I was very jaundiced with swollen stomach, couldnt eat & felt very unwell. I looked dreadful. If anyone feels like this the please act NOW - it could literally mean the difference between life & death. I was shocked into turning things around so if I can help in any way….. X
Written by
J4ck1369
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
I guess you never had cirrhosis but actually had a serious bout of alcohol related hepatitis / acute liver failure which can give very similar symptoms to those experienced in decompensated cirrhosis and can also inflate fibroscan.
It's great news that your continued alcohol cessation has turned your liver health round, well done you. If only others in the same boat would take heed of their conditions and take the help they need and perhaps we wouldn't see so many loved ones on here fighting for the health of their loved ones only for them to be in self destruct mode.
Not necessarily, in acute onset liver failure a lot of the signs of decompensated cirrhosis can occur. People with non cirrhotic portal hypertension can also have varices too.
this is amazing, am so happy for you. You have worked so hard to recover and should feel so proud. Your husband too. Hope you have a wonderful holiday in the sun
can I just say as an alcoholic myself and have not drank for 19 years, WELL DONE it’s a hard thing to do and a great story thanks for letting everyone know because people do think it’s impossible, but the more of us that let them know I think it helps 💕.
Really nice to read something positive, my husband has managed to turn things around too and he was given the all clear to travel with compensated liver! Found 'stay sure' the best for europe as it covers liver cirrhosis and just over £300 for 3 of us for a years cover. I was very surprised (Costs a lot more for outside europe) Hubby very excited about his second chance at life and travelling again, he hasnt stopped grinning since we booked it, I expect you are too.... well done 😀
excellent about your husband. I looked at Staysure for they were more expensive than that! I just want people to know it can be done. Not saying its been easy- Ive been really down at times. I didnt really tell anyone what was wrong but am sure some guessed! Im now hoping to make new new friends as we have moved to Lancashire and have a new start as the new me! Good luck to you all & if I can offer anything to help then Im here. Like most people on here I feel like I could do a masters degree in Liver disease now! X
Good luck with your new life in that beautiful part of the world. I'm sure you'll make new friendships quickly its friendly part of the country 😘 It's not easy turning things around and changing your life style but being positive and determined really helps. Hubby still has issues but he has a life now and can plan things for the future, he hasnt touched alcohol for a year and is determined to keep it that way.. He was lucky he didnt have any bleeds so maybe that was why we got a good deal. As you say we all have to learn pretty quick about liver disease and 'the liver trust' is a great place to start. Good luck x
Thank you very much I loved what you've just shared,, I'm Taz in Scotland, I have recently been through the same thing still very much ongoing. You give me so much hope. I'm sober now too and have a healthy fear of alcohol. Scared the life almost out of me.Again thank you so much, as a newbie here, your post was the first I seen straight after filling out my profile. You really made me smile.
well i wish you all the luck in the world. Just keep off the booze, get plenty of fresh air and using light weights helped to improve my body mass. Summer is just around the corner and dont know about you, but I always feel better during the longer warmer days ☀️If you ever need anything, I dont know much but Im happy to help if I can 😀
😊 Thank you so much for your kind reply too mate,, yes I do enjoy walking, although I have a stick for my balance more for confidence than anything. Too many knocks on the head,, lol, I'm actually going out for a longer walk tomorrow with a friend, alcohol took everything almost! And gave me only hell bud,, it took near death too see that, prior I was so stupid. I always thought won't happen to me!!!! Then guess what lol, crash bang floored. Likewise your always welcome to keep in touch I already feel very supported here massively in fact. Good to be around others who just know!!! 👍
Wonderful to hear your story, thanks. I am celebrating too. I just received a elastography Kpa rating of 2, down from 11. Normal results are usually between 2 and 7 kPa. Elastography result may be higher than the normal range if you have liver disease. The highest possible result is 75 kPa. My liver is 13% fat content, a normal liver is 5%. This great result comes after two years of a plant-based diet, plenty of exercise and most of all, no alcohol. I am still struggling with my sugar cravings.
I have hemochromatosis and have gotten therapeutic phlebotomy throughout the same time period. I am giving up half a litter of blood each time, starting with once a month and now every two months.
That is wonderful to hear. News like that gives me hope because I still have those symptoms and quietly hoping I will improve. Doing all the right things since last July. Really no more I can do but wait and see. Thanks again for sharing. Love to hear good news!
Great! On leaky guts...the oncologist told me to get a protein mix as protein toughens your blood vessels. A doctor friend told me to get a mix that is Casien instead of whey. Casien is slow burning and I use it at night with whole milk to also prevent muscle loss. Had the original Gastroenterologist told me about this I would never have lost muscle like I have and wouldn't bruise much.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Diagnosed Aug 2014
Liver Disease
