portal hypertension gastropathy

[Plath1982]

I had an endoscopy a couple of weeks ago as I have been experiencing fullness which has stopped me from eating much. After the endoscopy the results showed that I have mild portal hypertension. No one at the hospital explained anything about what this means. My doctors won’t see me for three weeks and my consultant has been on holiday. For the past couple of years I’ve been unwell, as I’ve had severe constipation. As I feel full after a few crackers I have lost a stone since January. I keep getting periods where my heart rate feels elevated and I have bad headaches too. I don’t know if these symptoms are related.

[AyrshireK]

Hi there, it sounds like you are going to need further tests.

Portal hypertension can be non -cirrhosis related or as a side effect of liver cirrhosis. In effect portal hypertension happens when the blood which usually flows through the liver can't do so due to some sort of a blockage (in cirrhosis it's due to damaged liver tissue) and this causes the blood to back up in your system and it tries to find alternative routes often diverting into smaller blood vessels which were never intended to carry this increased level of flow. This portal hypertension can then cause issues in the gastro-intestinal tract including things like portal hypertensive gastropathy which is a change to the stomach lining or indeed in advanced P/H you can get varices (like varicose veins) within the oesophagus, stomach or bowel.

Obviously they are going to need to identify why you have portal hypertension and if indeed you have any sort of a liver issue going on so I would think you are in line for more tests going forwards.

There are treatments for portal hypertension - beta blockers like carvedilol, propanolol and if you are suffering GI issues they might also prescribe a proton pump inhibitor to reduce stomach acid - things like omeprazole or similar.

Did they take any biopsies during your endoscopy or check for signs of H. Pylori ? as it can cause some of the symptoms you've been experiencing.

You need to list all the symptoms you've been having and have a really good chat with your doctors/consultant when you get chance.

Best wishes,

Katie

[Plath1982 in reply to AyrshireK]

Thanks for explaining everything. At least I have more idea now what’s going on. I haven’t been well for sometime now, so hopefully this will lead to why I have felt so unwell.

[AyrshireK in reply to Plath1982]

Have you had any blood tests done? They are often the first pointer as to whether you have anything liver related going on.

[Plath1982 in reply to AyrshireK]

I’ve had some, but not sure if any of them have looked at my liver.

[Plath1982]

My liver was checked at the end of November and all in the normal values. My red blood count is elevated and my mean corpuscular volume is lower than it should be. Not sure if this is significant? I will ask when I see the GP. Thanks for replying.

[Kneesh]

Hi I have exactly the same problem amd symptoms as you. I was told I had portal hypertension gastropathy in September and wasn't told much about it. I've had ultrasound scan on my liver and fibroscan and bloods done and all came back as normal. I did test positive for h pylori and had treatment for that. I've felt slightly better since then but still have issues with food and constipation. Although my liver ultrasound was was normal they did say I had gallstones even though I had my gallbladder removed 2 year ago. I'm now been sent for an mri next week . I'm still no further forward of what is causing my problems or why I have gastropathy. Its been a very long and frustrating process so I understand how you feel.

[Plath1982 in reply to Kneesh]

It’s frustrating if you don’t know the cause. I am able to eat a little bit more than a couple of weeks ago. I just thought my GP may say let’s get your bloods checked again etc and find out the cause, but they refused to see for four weeks since my endoscopy. I think I will need to change GP. At least you know it’s not your liver, but i understand you need to know if something else has caused this. I’m seeing my consultant tomorrow, so fingers crossed they may at least refer me for some more tests.

[Greengal314]

to both of you, I had digestive issues as well and subsequent diagnosed portal gastropathy. Mine was liver related.

Regardless of the reason why you have it, I would think it is safe to say that adding probiotic and prebiotic food to the diet may help. I have been doing so (in addition to cutting out alcohol) and my digestion is better than ever now. It increases the good bacteria in the gut, which is protective. Maybe ask your doctor about it.? I am referring to food - not supplements I eat kefir yogurt and avocado on a regular basis

I haven’t had another endoscopy (I don’t have varices), but I don’t have significant portal hypertension, confirmed by a recent vascular ultrasound. All of my digestive issues are gone.

Hope this helps.

[Plath1982 in reply to Greengal314]

I will try to do this. It’s very difficult though as I cannot eat much food without feeling full, but I will ask about this tomorrow.

[Plath1982 in reply to Greengal314]

when I say my liver was checked I do mean just by bloods. I have had no scans etc. perhaps this is the next step.

[Greengal314 in reply to Plath1982]

A doctor will advise you what tests to get, once they evaluate your bloodwork. My gut biome was all messed up from drinking too much.

I’m not familiar with a low MCV and high RBC.

I would see what they recommend. It could be something completely different.