First Liver Consultant Appointment

[catmum2]

Hi

I have my first appointment with a consultant in Edinburgh to confirm my diagnosis of 'Probable Cirrhosis' on the 4th October. I was diagnosed via blood tests and scans, that I have alcohol related liver disease. I stopped drinking 5 months ago and have seen a great improvement in my general well being but I'm very nervous and just wanted to know what to expect at the appointment and any advice, I will be going alone. It'd be good to touch base here afterwards..

[AyrshireK]

This appointment will be a history gathering exercise. You'll get your weight and blood pressure taken, chat with the doctor then probably bloods taken.

Go prepared - get yourself a notebook purely for your medical appointments. For each clinic jot down any medications you currently take, any symptoms that are causing you concern and any/all questions you want to ask.

The doctors at Edinburgh are very good and with it being the transplant centre too they have loads of other speciality help if you feel you need it - dieticians are superb.

Well done on kicking the booze into touch.

Edinburgh team are great - my hubby has been treated there since 2013 and has had the best treatment - 12 weeks ago he underwent liver transplant and ee can't fault their care and dedication.

Best wishes,

Katie

[catmum2 in reply to AyrshireK]

Thank you so much for your reply., it really helps. That's a good idea to get a notebook for the medical appointments.

I hope your hubby is recovering well.

[BritishLiverTrust11 Moderator]

Hello

In addition to the suggestions from members of the forum, here is a link to some information on our website about preparing for appointments, including questions to ask your doctor, which you may find helpful.

britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

Best wishes,

British Liver Trust

[catmum2 in reply to BritishLiverTrust11]

Thank you.

[Readlots]

Katie and BLT have already given good advice. I would any add that you may have more questions after the appointment than you did before. As you learn more sbout your illness and your own body you tend to get more questions. They will probably give you contact details for a Liver Nurse - they are brilliant and you can phone them for advice between clinic appointments to answer any questions. Also ask for a copy of letter to your Gp. These are useful for tracking progress but also will hive you the medical secretaries number- also very useful to have! My consultants secretary is brilliant at chasing up tests and results.

Good luck with your first appointment. It will soon be old hat. And well done for getting off the booze.

[catmum2 in reply to Readlots]

Thanks so much, I really appreciate this.

[AyrshireK in reply to catmum2]

No access to liver nurses at Edinburgh. So make sure one of the questions you ask is about contact mechanisms between appointments.

[Readlots in reply to AyrshireK]

Really? I’m shocked. I guess it goes to show just how different the systems are between nations. Good to know though. I count myself extra lucky.

[catmum2 in reply to AyrshireK]

Wil do, thanks for letting me know.

[Crisp2023]

Think of all your questions and write them down before you go. Good luck.

[Orangutan_lover]

Hi I do have to agree being prepared for a consultation is a great idea, however I think it depends on the consultant you are seeing as I was prepared with all my questions, things I wanted to know about and did not get a chance to ask, but I’m not worried as I feel ok and doing well , so stay strong and ask your questions, i hope you get all the answers you are looking for, I wish you all the very best take care

[catmum2]

Thank you so much,

[AyrshireK in reply to catmum2]

Have never had any problem working down through our lists of questions at Edinburgh, doctors have always given us the time to do so (jotting down answers as we get them). I am famous for my notebook and folder. Even now post transplant we go prepared with our list of questions.

Katie