Portal hypertension Doppler ultrasound

[Chick_atee]

Hello,

Met with consultant last Thursday. First time being assessed for transplant was mentioned since I was diagnosed with decompensated cirrhosis over 6 months ago.

Still on dueretics for ascities & started a course of carvedilol for portal hypertension. Haven’t had to be drained as yet but have been feeling like I’ll burst sometimes. I sympathise with anyone going through that at the moment. Just puts pressure on everything along with all the other symptoms we have to go through.

Phoned today to see what bloods are like from last week. Bloods have improved over the months and now they tell me my blood counts are normal apart from 2 liver ones but that they to are improving.

I am being sent for ultrasound for portal hypertension with doppler.

While very happy to hear about bloods today I’m left wondering about why transplant has been suggested given only 2 liver bloods are not within normal range but have been improving.

Has anyone experienced this, what was the outcome? If anyone can shed any light on it?

Thanks for reading. Much appreciated.

[Mango5cm]

your situation sounds like my sons . His last LFT said bloods were satisfactory - no further action and his blood counts are normal as well - but he has ascities and gets drained weekly . He saw a new consultant last month and he is having tests - a heart scan and lung scan to see if he is fit enough for a transplant assessment . The doctor explained it’s the symptoms not the blood tests they are concerned about - having Ascites means the liver is not improving and a transplant was mentioned .

He is seeing the liver nurse today so if we find out anymore I’ll let you know .

Thinking of you - I understand how worrying this is . Regards Carol

[Mango5cm in reply to Mango5cm]

just read my post - it should have been liver not lung scan !

[Chick_atee in reply to Mango5cm]

Thanks Carol. Appreciate your reply. Good luck for your son today. Very hard on you being a Mum.

Ann.

[Kristian]

Your consultant is just preparing you for the possibilities. Just normal when things are decompensated. It may be that if things improve further it'll not be needed. But, forewarned is forearmed as they say. If the diuretics stop working or they have too much impact on your kidneys then the next stage is likely to be transplant assessment. Hope thats helpful.

[Chick_atee in reply to Kristian]

Thanks for your reply. I was thinking that alright. Much appreciated.

[KengaRoo]

BTW which 2 liver blood tests are still abnormal if u don't mind sharing? Would be easier to see what to focus on to bring them to normal.

[Chick_atee]

They didn’t tell me which ones were abnormal. I will see if I can find out.

[Hidden]

Are you not on Mychart, it allows you to see your blood results and track changes in your bloods, ssince my consultant got me to sign up it has been an invaluable tool for checking my results and comparing them from week to week as well as asking questions, though not urgent questions, turn around is supposed to be 5 days?

[Chick_atee in reply to Hidden]

No, never heard of it but I’m based in Ireland so maybe we don’t have that here. I’ll check.

Thank you.

[sophiaS1980]

I don't understand what's going on but i see so many people that depend on their doctors to call about their labs, why is it that your doctor don't give you a copy of all your testing, the 2 labs that is out of normal range might be important but due to you not having a copy, it seems you don't know why you are being assess for transplant. Doctors should be made to give a copy of all medical labs/scans or have a patient portal. I always leave with my copy. Good luck, and i hope you find some answers.

[Chick_atee in reply to sophiaS1980]

Thank you. I don’t understand either but I’ll ask if I can get a copy in future. I’ve no idea why some of us are left in the dark!