2 years ago today I was on my way to A&E. Frustrated, end of my tether, tired, feeling incredibly ill and very uncomfortably swollen (I’ve told my very long story on previous posts 😂).
At the end of 10 hours spent in the hospital I was told that I could leave…..with a diagnosis of decompensated liver cirrhosis (alocohol related). I was just glad to have a diagnosis so that I could deal with things and perhaps get on with life.
i know that many of you are going through what I was going through back then. Perhaps you feel that there is something wrong and you’re worried. You’re awaiting tests. You’re awaiting test results. You’ve been given results and are confused. You’ve received a diagnosis and it’s hard to process that.
I just wanted to say that there IS hope and no matter how you may be feeling, you can do this!
This isn’t a ‘look at me’ post or me bragging as I know that there are many people struggling and may not be in the situation that I am in.
With continued abstinence, a healthy diet and lots of exercise I am now in a position (it was hard work to get here) to live a full and normal life.
I teach pretty much full time, conduct a choir, play in concerts, look after a large garden, go for long coastal walks, go on holiday…..all the things I love doing! I feel fat I have been given a second chance at life and I’m just going for it! The one thing that is really driving me forward is the realisation of how much living I lost out on due to alcohol 😞
Life can be difficult and we can lose ourselves in worry and stress, but believe me. If you put in the work to help yourself, you really can get your life back on track 😊
That’s enough from me as I don’t want to start sounding preachy 😂
Just wanted to share a bit of my story and offer some hope on what is a bit of a milestone day for me!
Take care all!
Mark
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WelshieM
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Mark. First congratulations. You have done brilliantly. My story is very similar to yours actually. My hepatic consultant still doesn't know how much Covid played a part in me being diagnosed with decompensated cihrossis which is now compensated. It will be 2 years next month without a drink on 20 July.
I thought your post was brilliant. Snap on what you wrote. For me, I also didn't realise how much of life I'd missed out on. I'm still tempted but it just isn't worth it. Life is so much better sober. I feel happier than I have ever been. I'm 60 now. No boyfriend .... yet, money worries, huge osteo issues too. Yet I feel better mentally than I have done in years. Looking back I wish I'd never ever touched alcohol and how different my life would have been if I had never had a drink. I no longer dwell in the past. I just enjoy to the fullest every day I have left. Just listening to the birds singing at 5 am makes me realise how lucky I am to be alive and how much better it is sober and with a clear head too. The huge rift with me and my son has passed and as he said to me "I've now got my mum back". And as my brother also said he now has his sister back too.
Im on this forum because my husband has just been diagnosed with liver cirrhosis and his story sounds similar to yours. They are currently doing lots of tests and throwing the words "transplant" around like it is a routine operation but giving us very little information about his actual condition. He's had no alcohol since early December, lost 6 stone, but everything feels very unknown and scary so posts like this are amazing because they show me there are good outcomes.
Well done you on turning everything around, you should be so proud of yourself.
Hey Rugby, there is hope for sure. It seems pretty standard that many of us with liver disease are in that “time out” of specialists seeming unsure of the diagnoses. I honestly think some of it has to do with having all the necessary tests, benchmarking liver function, removing the cause and then reassessing the liver function. I know I had to wait well over 6 months to find out my result. Prior to that I just knew my liver was damaged. Ensure he stays away from alcohol. The stuff is poison. Best wishes.
Hi Mark, congratulations.. tough journey isn't it to start with , i myself are coming up to my 15th year since diagnosis of decompensated cirrhosis, 22 June .. I was 47 yrs old I'm now 61 , single, happy , live by myself so I have the freedom to do as I please.. compensated now I may add after 2 yrs of alcohol counselling and cbt therapy as I was becoming agoraphobic due to mental health issues, but that's enough of me now .. I want to wish you continued happiness Mark 😊 and well done on a wondeful inspiring post for anyone who may be struggling. Linda
Hey Mark, a huge congrats to you my friend. My story is similiar and I agree with you 100% about wasting so much time in a boozed state. It was a huge waste and something I regret dearly but I can’t dwell on it. My next 6 month is Thursday and I’m praying for good news I’m hoping losing nearly 20lbs has improved liver function.
Wonderful story, there really is hope, I have been diagnosed 6 years now with cirrhosis, stopped drinking immediately, although strangley never a big drinker but it was the whiskey, doctor said just unlucky.Anyway just put my mind to getting better , usual diet, exercise, no alcohol which I gave up no bother. My main exercise has been ebiking, this has really turned my life upside down, absolutely brilliant, just completed a cycle tour from carlisle to cambridge, camping all the way, so just trying to show that there is hope, and to try and never give up
Hi Mark, First of all Well done on your briĺiant achievement . I myself have a similar story to yours. I had been diagnosed with decompensated cirrhosis in September 2021 (alcohol related ). I had CT scan and bloods done and got a call 3 weeks later from the Hospital asking me to go and see the Doctor.(Consultant). I have never been so terrified in my life when he told me my results. and feared the worst.
He told me that I should never drink alcohol again for life and also to cut out cigarettes and lose weight -18 and half stone at that point. Now 20 months later, completely alcohol and cigarette free, exercise, daily walks and healthy diet I'm just under 14 stone and feeling better than I have ever been in years and I too realise the things I missed out on in my life.
My 6 months routine scans and bloods all fine all with features of no concern and my liver function normal. Sorry for the long post but I totally agree that with determination and a lot of strong belief in yourself can help you live a normal, happy and healthy life.
Brilliant, well done, inspiring. Hubbie has done the same, 16 months sober and now compensated. 18 months to live to normal life expectancy if he continues a healthy life style. Consultant said last week, "I dont need to see you anymore, just US scans every 6 months" It's not easy but it can be done, it's definitely hard work but worth it to those who love and care about you and for yourself aswell. Love life x
Stories like this are so important. Gives hope for those embarking on a similar path
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Update! 
Back again!...Cirrhosis, DVT and those s**t days! I need to speak to my 'Liver Doctor' who has failed to make my last 2 previous calls.😶
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