end stage liver disease

[Meanies]

I’m wondering if any one can offer Advice I have decompasated liver disease due to alcohol I have not drank in 16 months I’m 38 and I have an appointment at the hepatology department next week. I’m wondering what happens at this appointment.

[BritishLiverTrust11 Moderator]

Hello

In addition to replies from forum members, here are the links to information about cirrhosis on our website, which you may find useful

britishlivertrust.org.uk/in... (including a suite of publications towards the bottom that are downloadable or can be posted)

britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

If you [are in the UK and] 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

[AyrshireK]

If this is your first appointment it's usually a history collecting exercise to chat over your current situation and what treatment options there are going forwards.

I suggest you get yourself a note pad purely for your medical appointments and for each one jot down any all medications you are on (including times and doses).

Make a note of all symptoms you are experiencing and anything that is causing you concern and then make a note of all the questions you want to ask - it's easy to go totally blank when faced with a doctor (white coat syndrome) so use your questions to make the most of YOUR appointment. Take a pen to jot down all answers. If you have someone who can support you at your appointment then involve them and take them along as two pairs of ears are always better than one.

The BLT has a page all about questions to ask your doctor and preparing for appointments, it might be handy if you have a read at the page on cirrhosis so you can understand some of the terminology.

You want to make sure you are getting the approprate level of monitoring and care - 6 monthly scans, 6 monthly bloods are the stated minimum levels under the NICE (National Institute for Care Excellence) guidelines.

Those useful BLT pages can be found at:- britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

All the best, Katie

[Oldbits]

Hi, I cant add any advice to the excellent advice that has been given but I would definitely suggest taking someone with you, if you can, for support. Sometimes it can be all a bit overwhelming and a second pair of ears to listen is helpful aswell as making notes. Go prepared with questions, there really isn't anything that they haven't been asked before. And a big well done on quitting the alcohol. Good luck.