Next Step (Addenbrookes) - TIPS operation unsuccessful

[WriterGirl79]

Hello all,

I posted on here a few months ago and received some really positive replies - thank you.

Long story short, my partner (70) was diagnosed with NAFLD (Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease) last year after tummy bleeds and generally being unwell. It was caused by long-term painkiller use prescribed (ongoing) for a work injury decades ago. He had a TIPS (stent) operation (general anaesthetic) six weeks ago, where they push the TIPS down through the neck to the liver. Due to him having 'wonky' veins in his neck, the specialists gave up after 3hrs as they were nervous to proceed. They were apparently very apologetic afterwards and determined to refer him to other specialists.

They've referred him to Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge as their specialists are happy to try to fit a TIPS (probably through his tummy and straight into his liver, which the original specialists doing the operation didn't want to attempt as they said he would have a 50/50 chance of a catastrophic bleed). We're now waiting for a letter from Addenbrookes.

I was just wondering if anybody out there has had (hopefully!) a good experience re. their liver at Addenbrookes? I'm trying to cheer my partner up as, understandably, he feels very unlucky to have NAFLD as well as now having had a failed op. He's frightened and depressed - our lives are on hold.

Thanks everyone!

[bagpuss7]

Hi there. I am here answering you only because of Addenbrookes. I owe them my life. The liver team there are unsurpassable. There is a Facebook group called Addenbrookes Liver Transplant Association. If you don't have Facebook join just for that group and ignore everything else on Facebook. It's full of information and supports on all kinds of liver disease. Addenbrookes deserve their world class reputation.

[WriterGirl79 in reply to bagpuss7]

That’s wonderful to know. I’m so glad they saved your life and that you replied to me. I am on Facebook so will try to find that group. Thank you!

[Readlots]

I haven’t had a TIPs procedure but Addenbrookes are my local specialist centre and they have an excellent reputation. A friend who visits lots of hospitals to work with MRI teams recently commented that he likes going to Addenbrookes because it’s the calmest hospital he’s ever been to. Cambridge is also a lovely city to visit. Good luck with the referral.

[WriterGirl79]

Thank you so much! That’s good to know.