TIPS procedure

[Benwillfred]

Due to having ascites which is needing draining on a 10 day basis I have been put forward for the TIPS procedure. Any advice please ??

[Fides]

I don't have any experience with TIPS procedure, but do have lot of experience with Ascites drains, how much are you draining every 10 days?

[Benwillfred in reply to Fides]

Well usually 5 to 6 litres. But last week my body didn't want to cooperate and just 1.5 litres !!

[Fides in reply to Benwillfred]

TIPS sounds like such a big potentially risky procedure, but I can definitely see the upside, good luck making the decision.

I don't know why they never recommended it for me, but perhaps it is because my volume was a little higher, I averaged about 12-14 litres every 7 days, but now with transplant, no more Ascites (Hopefully)

It's always such a relief to be free of the fluid, however temporarily.

[Benwillfred in reply to Fides]

Unfortunately I had bowel cancer last year and they won't consider transplant for 5 years....I know the risks but let's face it getting to the hospital in the rush hour is probably riskier !!! I understand risk as I had a colonoscopy last Dec which resulted in a perforated bowel and the start of my ascites problem...I am prepared to take the risk as lying on my bed waiting for the next drain is not living !!!so glad to hear you're doing well..thanks for replying