Liver cirrhosis and diabetes type 2

Hi.I was diagnosed with a enlarged liver in 2019..By 2020 I was diagnosed with fatty liver disease and in less than 3 years I now have liver cirrhosis.. Only found out 5 days ago and I've been in tears..

Had fibroscan and it came back as f4 and 23.5kpa.

My ggt blood test was raised

Haven't drank alcohol in 13 years due to my meds but to be told its cirrhosis of the liver my World came crashing down..scarring is bad and irreversible..Had no help or advice..I'm waiting on a ultrasound and then consultant wants to see me in 6 months and I have blood tests to be done 2 weeks before my appointment as he wants to monitor my blood tests for liver cancer..I'm going to lose weight and see what foods I can and can't have.

[AyrshireK]

Hi Ringlet, sorry about your diagnosis but all is not doom and gloom even with a diagnosis of cirrhosis. Your fibroscan may even be a little falsely on the high side in light of ongoing liver inflammation markers (GGT) - fibroscan is notorious for not being able to differentiate between inflamed liver markers and actual fibrous tissue so it could be giving a more elevated kPa figure due to that. Key thing is to try and make the lifestyle changes to give your liver the best chance of some recovery especially whilst your next appointment is so far away.

The BLT has some excellent guidance on NAFLD/NASH at :- britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

They also have a downloadable leaflet on treating NAFLD with diet and exercise (you have the added issue of the diabetes which is a common contributory factor for NAFLD but you can try to do whatever you can to help your liver going forward). britishlivertrust.org.uk/do...

It's always scary to hear word of a new diagnosis and get your head round about it, especially when they start saying tests for cancer monitoring etc. The 6 monthly screening by ultrasound and bloods (Alpha fetoprotein - tumour marker) are absolutely normal monitoring for all with a cirrhosis diagnosis just because there is an ever so slightly elevated risk of developing lumps and bumps in a cirrhotic liver. They do it 6 monthly so that any changes are picked up really quickly and followed up, treated and dealt with before they become a big issue.

There are people here who have been living with cirrhosis for many years (my hubby was diagnosed with auto immune related cirrhosis in April 2012) so it is possible to live fairly normally even with the diagnosis though I accept it is very upsetting / traumatic at the start.

Katie

[Hidden in reply to AyrshireK]

Thank you so much for responding.. you have helped alot as since the fibro scan my ggt has dropped lower by 9 but its still high at 57..I questioned my consultant about the fibroscan if its 100% and he said yes but I read elsewhere it can give false readings if your bmi is high..My mind has been in a mess and I keep crying as it was a shock to go to cirrhosis so quick.

I'm on alot of medications and I don't think that's helped but apparently it wouldn't cause damage to my liver

I'm seeing a diabetic nurse to discuss what foods I can and can't eat as I need advice about diabetes and food.

I hope your hubby is doing well..

Take care x

[AyrshireK in reply to Hidden]

My hubby has had cirrhosis since 2012, just this past fortnight he's also been diagnosed with diabetes (cirrhosis/steroid caused) and we have thankfully got an appointment with the liver specialist dietician at the Edinburgh Transplant Unit early in December to discuss hubbies particular dietary requirements to make sure we're doing the right thing for both cirrhosis and new diabetes diagnosis (local nurse has currently put him on just one Metformin tablet daily).

Hubby has done well for a few years (no where near 100% fit) - he was on transplant list in 2014-15 so he's done not to bad to now be 8 years further down the line with none of the more serious symptoms resuming.

[BritishLiverTrust11 Moderator]

Hello,

In addition to replies from forum members, if you would find it useful to talk things over, our nurse-led helpline is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm on 0800 652 7330 (excluding bank holidays)

Best wishes

British Liver Trust

[BritishLiverTrust11 Moderator]

Hello

We facilitate a range of virtual support groups for people living with a liver condition (and their families and carers).

If you [are in the UK and] would find it helpful to speak to others with shared experience, you can register to join a group here

britishlivertrust.org.uk/vi...

Best wishes

British Liver Trust

[19581979]

Hi. Getting information about your body you are not expecting is always difficult. It may feel useless and pointless at the minute but you are actually doing the right thing seeking guidance on what you can do to improve/ease difficulties. Katie have a lot of good advice.

Use the support of this network, both professionals and fellow experience of the issues colleagues. It is a bit of a shock to the system but carefully taking positive steps and telling yourself you are doing good each time you do something to help yourself is important.

Trying to ensure you have emotional support and still feeling as useful as possible are all important.

Good luck and keep everyone updated on your journey.

Gill

[Hidden]

Thank you all for the replies..To be honest I'm still feeling numb from the results as its only a week ago that I was diagnosed and its been a shock as I don't know how it changed to cirrhosis so quick Xx