Healthy liver to Cirrhosis

[DJK78]

Hello, approximately two years ago I was submitted to hospital with Jaundice after a binge drinking session. I was given an Ultrasound, and told that my results were “clear” and that my liver was normal sized and regular in outline. I was released the next day and given a prescription of Thymine . I have never been a daily drinker, however, have been a steady drinker for almost thirty years. On release from hospital, I continued (foolishly) to drink as normal, as I believed that my liver was healthy. A couple of days ago I noticed some slight swelling in my abdomen. I am able to suck in my protruding belly, however, I still fear that this could be Ascites. Is it common for the disease to progress so quickly?

Thanks

[Ilovedavid]

Ive had numerous blood tests and scans over the past four years, due to chronic acid reflux. All came back clear. However, last July got jaundice and edema in left leg. Sent to A&E, more scans, more blood tests. Told nothing to worry about, just high bilirubin and to cut down on my drinking. By August (the next month) was told I had full blown cirrhosis, even prior to having fibroscan, by my gastro consultant. Came out of nowhere. Am compensated and now completely abstinent from alcohol. Cirrhosis will remain forever but to what extent I have no idea. They don't tell you much other than you have cirrhosis and not drink ever again. I have asked to be referred to another consultant who maybe able to tell me more about my condition. Bloods and scans can, and do, miss cirrhosis.

[Yarkis in reply to Ilovedavid]

When you say prior, did you have the fibro scan before of after the diagnosis? Also, how did they ultimately diagnose you?

[Ilovedavid in reply to Yarkis]

Was diagnosed before fibroscan and then confirmed by fibroscan. Bloods are back to normal and I've insisted on having another fibroscan after one year of abstinence to see where I'm at, as my kpa reading was sky high, and am rather hoping most of this was due to chronic inflamation. Bottom line for me is this. Bloods and scans all OK in January. By August of same year diagnosed with cirrhosis, which I've clearly had for some time...Good luck going forward. Give up the booze completely. It's the only way to give yourself half a chance, whether you have some (as perhaps yet undiagnosed) damage or not.

[Livmar]

Hi, I would highly advise you to avail yourself of a good gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. The Hepatologist should be driving your liver disease.

Cirrhosis or even advanced fibrosis is extremely serious and should not be taken lightly. Alcohol should be avoided at all costs because it is a poison to your liver.

I hope you do the right thing and give your liver a break while there is still time.

Best of luck to you.

[AyrshireK]

A lot can happen in two years especially after continued drinking following a bout of what I assume was alcohol related hepatitis - with your previous jaundice and hospital admission.

Two years isn't a short time so it is possible your liver isn't happy or has become damaged.

Whether or not your current tummy swelling is ascites we can't tell - ascites can occur in alcohol related hepatitis even before the liver is cirrhotic or yes it can be a symptom of decompensated cirrhosis (as well as occuring in other non-liver related conditions).

Time to revisit your doctor for tests, possibly another scan and also time to re-evaluate your relationship with alcohol because your body obviously isn't liking it.

Katie

[DJK78 in reply to AyrshireK]

Thanks Katie, appreciate the reply.

[DaveQ67]

Hi,

I can tell you that it CAN come on that quick. I identified I had an issue with alcohol and cut back. I had many bumps in the road and after losing everything crumbled.

It took me about 3 months to go from my bloods being from not causing concern to cirrhosis. Decompensated and close to a blood transfusion.

I struggled to get my head round the news but was told the liver can get to a point and just give in.

It was only the last couple of weeks before my news I showed any signs of the disease.

The only thing which will help in anyway is to abstain from alcohol firstly. Straight away. Not any easy thing to do but if you are having symptoms identified with liver issues, it’s time to stop immediately.

[Grassroots112]

I can’t comment on how quickly or not cirrhosis or indeed liver disease can develop, but if you are noticing changes to your stomach and have previously had jaundice (jaundice and ascites are somehow linked I think) you need to go and see a GP and maybe cut down or stop all drinking for now, get some bloods done and maybe another scan.

I obtained my historical medical records last year and looking back there were many tell tail signs that I could if I sat down and poured over everything can kind of pin point just where my excessive drinking was starting to really damage my liver just off blood results alone.

And although I didn’t get my results back at the time saying hey stop, I knew I was a heavy drinker to start with and then went into drinking even heavier, becoming a fully blown alcoholic in the process which hospitalised me March last year with jaundice, ascites and various other complications. See a doctor please, good luck and take care.

[Segy in reply to Grassroots112]

What did you mean in ya post about stop drinking everything because ov asceties

[Grassroots112 in reply to Segy]

Sorry meant all alcohol, I’d also add any drinks high in sugar and store bought bottles of water can contain high levels of sodium so they need to be watched too when drinking if so.

[DJK78 in reply to Grassroots112]

Thank you.

[Oldbits]

Simple answer is 'yes it can'. Get it checked out with blood tests etc. You had a warning 2 years ago, so best to consider changing your life style before you cant repair the damage.