Portal hypertension

[Jezza220]

Hi AllRecently diagnosed with Cirrhosis and portal hypertension.This was found by CT scan when admitted with gallstones.

Sent for endoscopy and no varices found, Also sent for biopsy and portal pressure test. No results as yet but the guy doing pressure test says I scored an 8 ...so looks high.

I have to start exercising, but I have read no lifting wieghts just light exercising, as the pressure may burst varices...but I don't have any....so can I exercise normally?

Thanks in advance for any help.

[Fibro2021]

Hi. No, you can't. Strong weights lead to an increase in portal pressure, regardless of the presence of varices. This may cause them to appear. This is my personal opinion, so it's best to discuss this with your consultant. HOWEVER, you need moderate and regular exercise to maintain strength and muscle size and aerobic exercise like Nordic walking at a moderate pace.

[Jezza220 in reply to Fibro2021]

Thanks so much for your reply...this whole cirrhosis is a mine field to navigate through....what to do ...what to eat...what not to drink ....list is endless....you go on Google we are all doomed...so I'm trying not go on there for information....no better place than here is my thinking...👍

[Readlots in reply to Jezza220]

Google is indeed a minefield. Good advice on here and the BLT website. If in doubt ring the BLT helpline

[Jezza220 in reply to Readlots]

Thanks , I assumed the helpline was for more serous questions, but I will give it call.

[redpoint72]

Hello there jezza.I was told to do some light exercise, walking, swimming, gentle cycling, not mountain biking, as I had lost all my muscle mass, so exercise helps in that regard.

But I do still have varices, so I'm different to yourself. Its probably best if you speak with your hepatologist or liver nurse, just to be sure for yourself,we are all different!!! .Good you have no varices though fella.

I do walk several miles a day though.

Take care. Chris

[Jezza220 in reply to redpoint72]

Thanks Chris.I go to the local gym...do I'm doing cycling and treadmill jogging with some rowing...and some light weights...but I'm thinking just stick to the cardio low impact....so you have varices...did you ever have hypertension without them ?

[redpoint72 in reply to Jezza220]

Well jezza,unfortunaly my varices ruptured massive,in the middle of the night....rushed to hospital, consultant said I'd got varices and portal hypertension, so were diagnosed at the same time. Otherwise I had no prior knowledge. So had to have banding done, im on carvedilol to control the portal hypertension, but I still have varices, and awaiting an appointment for another endoscopy, to look at the varices again to see if more banding is required.

I really would run it past your medical team, better to be safe than sorry.

My best. Chris

[Jezza220 in reply to redpoint72]

Wow...that must of been a shock, glad the varices are being monitored now, I will try and call liver nurse Monday to clarify the dos and don'ts...thanks again.

[teletonetapper]

Hi there. In my opinion, although not a professional, please seek advice from your medical team as Chris has pointed out. We are all different but it is better to be cautious first. Take care.

[Jezza220]

Thanks, seems to be the general census , so I will take the advice and check first👍

[Jezza220]

Just a update, spoken to LN , wonderful lady...was advised no mathron running or HIT training...can use wieghts but sensibly, no power lifting.On another note with portal pressure of 8 and that's under 10 , means I can now have my gallbladder removed.

Also biopsy have confirmed cirrhosis secondary to fatty liver😪.

Oh the joys of joys.

Thanks again for you help.