First real signs of Ascites

[Catfan1969]

I haven't posted on here for a while but I feel the need to today. My dearest friend has liver cirrhosis diagnosed almost 3 years ago. He went for a fibro scan yesterday and he now has fluid build up around his liver. His spleen is also enlarged. Once this starts to accumulate is it downhill from here?. I'm so worried and frightened for him.

[RugbyMama]

Ascites can be drained but is a very tell-tale sign that the liver is not performing all of its functions well and is beginning to decompensate, I.e. not able to perform all 500 of its' functions.

Is the cirrhosis caused by something (e.g. alcohol, autoimmune issues, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease)? If so, are they actively taking steps to reduce stresses on the liver, abstaining from alcohol etc?

[Catfan1969 in reply to RugbyMama]

Hi thankyou for taking the time to reply. Yes it's caused by fatty liver. He's lost 8 stone and walks, trains and eats well the majority of the time. He's left feeling totally numb. He's done so much to try and reduce the onset but, it obviously hasn't helped.

He also says he's been putting on weight, even though he's been strict in his diet. I'm guessing that's the fluid building up?. This is a terrible disease. I work on the wards as a phlebotomist, and I see regularly the discomfort people are in. And at times I see them when they only have days to live. I was just feeling so sad for him, here was the place to get some clarity from real people. That are experiencing the same.

Thankyou x

[Fabrica10 in reply to Catfan1969]

The advice we were given for controlling fluid buildup is increasing protein intake. There are protein supplements that can be prescribed to help with this. Your friend has done well to lose weight and stay active. That suggests a good, positive attitude. He has a good friend in you too - don’t despair.

[juneblue]

I have had severe ascites on and off for the past 3 years. Drained many times, on diuretics etc. within the last 4 months ascites ceased. I’m not on any medications and feel fine. So personally, I would say the onset of ascites is not the final stage. I think my liver just needed time to heal. I pray it’s the same for your friend.

[Catfan1969 in reply to juneblue]

Thankyou for replying it gives me a little but of hope x

[2024October]

hi, I had this fluid and they gave me water tablets in hospital and I lost first night 2 litres straight away