possibility of improvement with varices?

[DaveQ67]

Hi,

I am fairly new to this site, lots of good info and explanations of what I am experiencing.

I am currently waiting on my first US since diagnosis of decompensated cirrhosis 9 months ago. With 1 small varices. It came completely out the blue and I had been drinking extremely heavy for months leading up to it.

Not touched a drop since, been compensated since the 5 month mark.

Has anyone heard if with having 1 varix there has been an instance to when someone has almost reversed cirrhosis?

I’ve seen on here people have almost managed it but can’t recollect if I’ve read one with varices.

Many thanks

[Aotea2012]

Cirrhosis isn’t reversible. If the cause of the damage is removed then the liver can stabilise and improve from decompensated to compensated. The symptoms/complications can also be managed so that they have a minimum effect on your life. I have cirrhosis caused by alcohol. I was very unwell when first diagnosed and had two minor varices and had Portal Hypertensive Gastropathy as well. Both are caused by blood flow issues in the liver. I haven’t drunk anything since diagnosis 3 years ago. I have looked after my diet and health. At my last surveillance endoscopy which I had last summer, both the varices and PHG had gone. I take no medication and I feel really well. I have no symptoms. The cirrhosis shows up on my US scans but I feel better than I have in years. My liver is stable and has improved but the damage done will not completely resolve.

[Lulla in reply to Aotea2012]

That’s a good result! Glad to hear you have done so well. My husband had two bleeds at the start of this journey and the first at the gastroscopy, did not show varices.

The second bleed 10 days later showed 2 varices which were tied. Do you know if portal hypertensive gastroscopy can cause bleeding too? In case you know. As I’m still not clear what caused the first bleed in the absence of varices.

I hope my husband does as well as you.

[Aotea2012 in reply to Lulla]

Yes it can. It tends to ooze rather than heavily bleed like varices. The main symptom is anemia.

[looby24 in reply to Aotea2012]

Thanks - I did wonder whether that would be the case.

[DaveQ67 in reply to Aotea2012]

That’s great news and well done. Mind too was alcohol related.

I’ve read many positive stories similar to mine, yours seems to be the closest to my situation so far.

I read one yesterday where a couple of people although not reversed ( I know it can’t be undone) said they had no signs of scarring and sounded that were in worse shape than me when diagnosed. Although I have not seen one mention varices.

Thanks for your reply. Hearing this removes that sense of hopelessness on bad days.

[Lulla]

It’s true that the liver scarring of cirrhosis can’t be undone. Very few challenge that fact; but if the rest of the liver, the bit that works, can be supported and no more damage is done, no symptoms and little or no drugs, then we’ll take that.

( we also have portal vein thrombosis ( getting better) very mild ascites and an enlarged spleen to contend with but my husband is feeling well and the change of lifestyle and diet contributes to wellbeing - long may it last)

[Dogmom1968]

when I was diagnosed in January with cirrhosis (non alcohol) my endoscopy showed level 3 varices so I was scheduled for a banding procedure to prevent bleeding. When I went in for the banding, the endoscopy showed thot the varices were level 2, so they improved in one month and the banding didn’t need to be done. Also, my portal hypertension had improved. So you can improve, I believe by following the low sodium diet, taking prescribed medication and not drinking. I’m still very distraught and upset about my diagnosis though. I have extreme tiredness and nausea every day. My dad died of alcohol related cirrhosis 21 years ago so this diagnosis very hard for he to accept