Compensated or Decompensated?

[FlippinOut]

I’m confused about this. Does compensated cirrhosis mean no symptoms at all or just no HE, no ascites and no bleeding varices?

I had a CT scan in March that showed nodular liver contour which was diagnosed as cirrhosis. Then I had the FibroTest which came back at F3. I don’t have any of the above symptoms but I do have other symptoms: fatigue, stiffness and pain in upper abdomen, muscle cramps, nausea and loss of appetite. My recent bloodwork is completely normal though. My Fib-4 score based on this bloodwork is F1.

I went for the CT scan because I thought I had a kidney stone (pain on left side of abdomen and nausea). So since I have symptoms, do I have compensated or decompensated cirrhosis?

Thanks for your help. I’m so confused about all of this.

[AyrshireK]

You can absolutely have a whole raft of symptoms in compensated cirrhosis and even (sometimes) in earlier stages of liver disease - before it's reached cirrhosis stage. You are correct though in stating that ascites and bleeding varices are considered symptoms of decompensated cirrhosis. Hepatic Encephalopathy can also be present in compensated cirrhosis.

Compensated is when the liver is able to do it's most important (essential to life functions) but that's not to say it isn't struggling with many of the other 500 or so jobs the liver has to do. Decompensated is when it's struggling to even fulfill the most important to life functions.

britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

Katie

[Roy1955]

What your describing is compensated, although quite possibly you don't have cirrhosis!

[FlippinOut in reply to Roy1955]

Thanks Roy. Sometimes I think that too. But the CT scan said “nodular surface contour compatible with hepatic parenchymal disease”. My doctor wrote “likely cirrhosis “ in my record. That was before the FibroTest results came back at F3 though. I’m scheduled for endoscopy next month and then I’m going to insist on MRE which may show things better.

Do you think it’s possible the nodular contour is just from fibrosis? I thought nodules always meant cirrhosis.

[Roy1955 in reply to FlippinOut]

"compatible with hepatic parenchymal disease" is a description of what they see, it's not a diagnosis!They then do other tests to see how far your hepatic parenchymal disease has progressed and yours proved to be F3.

You dodged the cirrhosis bullet and with care you can keep it that way!

[FlippinOut in reply to Roy1955]

Thank you so much for your reply. I wish my doctor would have explained it that way. I just read through your posts on the forum. It sounds like you’re doing well. You have given me hope that I can improve my situation too. Continued good health to you!

Anita

[VeeWat in reply to FlippinOut]

Get that MRE and you will know the stage for sure. It looks at the entire liver.

[FlippinOut in reply to VeeWat]

Yes, I’m visiting family in NY for the summer but I’m going to get the MRE as soon as I get back home.

[Harriet-sarah]

I’ve been diagnosed with Decompensated and now I’m compensated, I asked what the difference was and my consultant said it’s basically I’m not any longer showing all the physical symptoms including HE. Although, my bloods are still crap and I get fatigued that he said I would never overcome that

[FlippinOut in reply to Harriet-sarah]

Fatigue is my worst symptom. I’m having a really hard time with it. Have you found anything that helps?

[Dionne19721318]

Fingers crossed you will be ok Mario

[FlippinOut]

Did your ultrasound show anything? Hope all is good on the CT.

[Harriet-sarah]

I have my ultra sound on the 29th September I see my consultant straight after with my results if you follow me I will post an update then