Follow up ultrasound for cirrhosis, sh... - British Liver Trust

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Follow up ultrasound for cirrhosis, shown polyp In gallbladder

DaveQ67 profile image
13 Replies

Hi, looking if anyone has experience/ info on this?

is it common, linked to cirrhosis ? It’s completely thrown me as I’ve been feeling healthy since diagnosis last year. This was my first US since.

I was hoping for news that my liver looked slightly better than original scan, as I’ve worked my backside off in the last 10 months.

there was no mention of my liver other than my consultant will discuss.

Done the usual error and checked google !!!

Any info would be gratefully appreciated.

dave

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DaveQ67
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13 Replies
SerenityFirefly profile image
SerenityFirefly

I had an ultrasound in September to check on the progress of my liver after I had inflammation and fatty liver almost two years prior. I also had gallstones which hadn’t caused me any problems. I was told by the doctors that it’s pretty common to have gallstones when you have liver issues. The ultrasound showed a possible rather large mass in my gallbladder but only on two of the many images. My liver was looking much better at that time with no more fat nor inflammation but they didn’t want to discuss that then as the gallbladder mass had become their focus. I was terrified about the mass they may have seen (especially after I had checked Google). I was told that a mass of that size would mean I would need my gallbladder removed immediately. I went for an MRI a week later to look at the possible gallbladder mass before going to speak with the surgeon about removal and there wasn’t a mass there at all…just the regular stones/sludge that had been there for almost two years. So, my suggestion would be to follow up with another imaging test on your gallbladder.

DaveQ67 profile image
DaveQ67 in reply to SerenityFirefly

Thankyou for your reply, yeah google not a wise option to look at.

That’s good that you have turned around your fatty liver, I only found out I had it 5 years ago but was never told about it. So…. Kept drinking!

I have cirrhosis, it was my first scan since diagnosis and due to my bloods and how I’m feeling I was hopeful of things looking slightly better than at my first scan.

Then it was highlighted about a polyp in my gallbladder. I didn’t get anymore info and will be contacted soon no doubt.

It has really ripped away the positive mind set I’ve had.

I’ll just have to see what the next step is, reading between the lines leaving it would present a possible issue with my current diagnosis and removal would also cause issues, so who knows!

Just need to regroup and hopefully not wait to long on hearing.

Thanks again for getting back, with a bit if luck another scan may show a more positive picture

bantam12 profile image
bantam12 in reply to DaveQ67

I had a polyp and it was treated as urgent for surgery, luckily it was benign but they don’t know until it’s out.

I wouldn’t say gallbladder surgery is easy, I had my op about 3 years ago and have ongoing digestive issues with bile acid malabsorption so have to take meds.

DaveQ67 profile image
DaveQ67 in reply to bantam12

Thanks, I’ve no idea what will happen especially with already having cirrhosis.

I suspect I’ll hear soon

Confused01 profile image
Confused01

Hi,

If I have read your post correctly, surely the Dr’s should be looking at gallbladder removal..a common, simple operation 🤔.

I had my gallbladder removed. Pre op said they could see a gallstone. After the op they actually showed me the huge gallstone removed and said one of the largest they had removed. This tells me scans may not be able to be extremely accurate as they were expecting such a large gallstone. Clear why it was causing me other abdominal area problems.

Any gallstone etc will automatically be biopsied afterwards.

Gallbladder issues can and likely impact on the other abdomen workings , including the liver AND abdomen issues can impact and actually cause gallstone issues.

With two different scan results I think I would want a third scan for opinion tbh.

DaveQ67 profile image
DaveQ67 in reply to Confused01

Hi,

My first US was to diagnose cirrhosis. On my check up US they found a polyp.

Not heard anything yet. I haven’t seen any comments on this situation so far as I’m fairly new to the site.

As far as I’m aware gallbladder removal can escalate cirrhosis so was seeking info on it from anyone in the a similar position.

Thanks for getting back to me

Confused01 profile image
Confused01 in reply to DaveQ67

😬 I’ve never heard of escalating cirrhosis due to gallbladder removal. Are you referring those who have cirrhosis pre gallbladder removal? I have had the op.

DaveQ67 profile image
DaveQ67 in reply to Confused01

Hi,

Yes. I was off the understanding that if already diagnosed with Cirrhosis ( which I am) that then removing the gallbladder increases pressure on the liver function due to an increased level of fatty liver build up.

I will state… this is purely what I have read hence why I posted seeking info of people in a similar position.

It is highly likely I’m misinformed. Hopefully I am ……

Confused01 profile image
Confused01 in reply to DaveQ67

Interesting…since having my gallbladder out I experience abdominal discomfort and have slight fatty liver.

I also suffer with on/of. bile malabsorption (uncontrolled bowel emptying). Consultant said this is an after surgery issue. Don’t tell us these things pre surgery eh.

If you do have a polyp does it need to come out. Ultimately anything showing in your gallbladder should be measured to see if surgery is necessary.

bantam12 profile image
bantam12 in reply to Confused01

Do you take a bile acid binder for the malabsorption, I was prescribed Colestyramine powder and it’s worked amazingly well for me.

Confused01 profile image
Confused01 in reply to bantam12

I have meds for when it kicks off, can’t remember the name of. I have another gastro issue so have to be careful with meds. I have found what foods I eat makes a big difference too generally it’s a morning thing, then subsides. Can be very restricting.

Hope yours isn’t too bad.

bantam12 profile image
bantam12 in reply to Confused01

I also have ulcerative colitis so can be difficult, I just take one sachet a day of the binder and that generally keeps everything quiet ! I steer clear of fibre, fatty, spicy, fruit and veg but I manage.

Annoying how the medics brush off gallbladder removal as simple with no problems afterwards, seems not quite true for a lot of us.

DaveQ67 profile image
DaveQ67 in reply to Confused01

I’ve no idea what the next step will be tbh! Sure I’ll soon find out. I feel fine but it’s added to what already felt like a mountain to climb.

Hopefully you find a solution to your issues after surgery.

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