info on cirrhosis

[Powley]

I see that some people post about kpa and meld scores

Can someone explain this please

My partner was cirrhosis and no one has mentioned any type of score

[AyrshireK]

A kPa (tissue density) score is obtained via a Fibroscan, however, if the diagnosis of cirrhosis is already firmly established then it is unlikely he'll need or have a fibroscan as it's a tool used in diagnosis. My hubby who was diagnosed with cirrhosis in 2012 never had a fibroscan as his cirrhosis was obvious based on ultrasound scan and symptoms.

MELD or in the UKELD refer to the Model for End Stage Liver Disease or United Kingdom Model for End Stage Liver Disease are calculations that doctors might use to assess severity of disease, establish an estimated life expectancy and/or need for transplant. Some doctors might share this information with you whilst others don't as it can lead to false fear about 'life expectancy' but it is only a guide.

MELD/UKELD is calculated using numbers from Serum Creatine, Serum Bilirubin, Serum Sodium and INR (blood clotting).

In 12 years we were never told hubbies UKELD score - a score of 49 used to be the minimum figure for transplant listing (other than in the case of liver cancer).

Katie

[Powley in reply to AyrshireK]

Thanks for the info Katie, that makes sense as the diagnosis was cirrhosis

Thank you

[darshaks in reply to AyrshireK]

i am really sorry to ask you if you dont mind can you tell me after your husband diagnoded with symptoms samge stage i am and i am also takinng antidepressants and sleeping pills for long so i m scared i will survive for max 1 year is still your husband live or ???? sorry to hurt you ... if he is live it will be great motivation for me that i can survice for 2 years may be

[AyrshireK in reply to darshaks]

My husband was diagnosed with decompensated cirrhosis after a massive variceal bleed in April 2012. His liver disease was due to an auto immune condition (perhaps two as we have recently found out). He eventually became compensated and after a period of 10 months on the transplant waiting list in 2014 he was able to be delisted as he was too well for transplant. Sadly at the end of last year his condition seriously declined once again with symptoms of Hepatic Encephalopathy and he was fortunate enough to receive a liver transplant in June this year and he is on the slow road to recovery but doing really well.

It is possible to live a long life even with cirrhosis - your kPa score doesn't seem very high from what you have previously written so you should hopefully be able to slow, stop or even reverse your degree of liver disease but you do need to live as healthily as possible and exercise where you can.

Katie

[darshaks in reply to AyrshireK]

thank you so much for your humble reply and all my wishes to your husband.

[Ewife]

My husband was only given MELD score at point of assesment for transplant. Even then, some Drs use it, some prefer not to.Atb

Ewife

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I have cirrhosis. Never been given a meld score or life expectancy. I've already got my affairs in order. According to Doctor Google should have been dead 2 years ago. Apart from 6 monthly scans and odd blood test that's all I do. Everything I'm asked. Any information I need I source from here which is a reputable site. Many aren't.

My attitude to this might seem a little laissez faire for some. Stick to the core rule. No alcohol regardless of the cause of the problem.

I basically get on with it. In a few minutes I will be strimming front and back gardens. After maybe a bit of painting.

I'm trying to adapt to the circumstances I caused myself to be in. I hold my hands up to it. But I cant punish myself forever.

Wish you all the best.

[Powley]

Thanks Dogfish12 and yes I agree that Dr Google (lol) is definitely to be avoided. It’s early days for my partner and his diagnosis I suppose but I’m forever hopeful his attitude will become a positive one.

Best wishes to you.