Yet another question about cirrhosis.

[puddy68]

I'm so sorry to bother everyone again. I promise this will be my last post for quite some time [hopefully]. I'm taking some advice from a couple of lovely members from this forum who have advised me to try and not worry so much over every detail of my condition, and live each day to its fullest.

Just one question, though [sorry!]

How do you know if you've gone from decompensated to compensated? Is it more stabilised blood tests, or certain results from scans etc [or both?]

Thank you for putting up with my endless questions, everyone. God Bless.

[SirRobert]

I’m afraid I can’t give any insight to your question as very new to this myself and finding my feet, with a head full of questions!

Everyone is so helpful on here and nice to know not alone.

[puddy68 in reply to SirRobert]

Hi SirRobert - I totally agree, everyone is just lovely in this group.

[Aotea2012]

My bloods went from badly deranged in March 21 to normal by August 21. I had stopped the cause (alcohol) and was looking after myself. Eating at that stage a high calorie, high protein diet. I’d lost a lot of muscle mass and weight and my diet was aimed at getting both replaced. As my liver recovered I moved to a high protein, normal calorie diet as both muscle and weight returned! I have to watch my weight these days…so low calorie diet for me now. My child Pugh score is A5 now…the lowest it can be. I think things were stable by about Dec 21. I certainly felt very well by then, as now.

[puddy68]

Hi Aotea, that's fantastic that your bloods went back to normal. It just goes to show that it can be done, with hard work. And a child Pugh score of A5 is something I'm aiming for - thank you so much for sharing. God Bless.

[AyrshireK]

Improvements in bloods and less symptoms.

What symptoms do you have because decompensated usually refers to when you have ascites in tummy, oedema in legs and/or bleeding varices and I guess bad Hepatic Encephalopathy.

No one is telling you not to ask questions, that's what the forum is for especially like now when you are in a tailspin. But, don't let it and the cirrhosis totally dominate your life (I am a fine one to say that when i've plagued to forum with our story).

Much love, Katie ❤

[puddy68 in reply to AyrshireK]

Hi Katie....thanks for your reply! No oedema, no Hepatic Encephalopathy, I have "small varices' picked up on a cat scan [my endoscopy is tomorrow morning for possible banding]. As for ascites, my cat scan said "a tiny amount of pelvic free fluid is detected". Thank you so much again for all of your encouragement. God Bless you.

[Oldbits]

Dont worry about asking questions.... perfectly understandable. So to answer your question, bloods scans and symptoms. Usually 3-6 monthly blood tests, scans and endoscopy 6 -12 monthly again depending on your own personal journey. Hubbie now compensated but still occasional water on his legs (told to self monitor and take medication if needed) usually when he has over done things. Bloods mostly in range. Otherwise good. He had HE oedema ascites and jaundice. Took 18 months from stopping drink for major improvements, then he was reduced in medication for his AIH.

[puddy68 in reply to Oldbits]

Thank you so much again, Odbits. [Sorry, I still get the giggles over your name!] It's fantastic that your husband is now compensated, and that his bloods are mostly in range. I really appreciate the time you put into sharing with me. Thank you again so much. God Bless.