Recompensate?

[Thepuppylover]

hello,

This is my first post, and I’m afraid it’s a long one! I joined the group about a month ago and I’ve found it really interesting and helpful to read others treatment/tests align with my own.

I was diagnosed with decompensated cirrhosis (alcohol related) last June after being admitted to hospital with abnormal LFT’s I spent 4 nights in hospital on medical detox and have remained abstinent since. (Just over 7 months)

At the time I didn’t ask many questions about the diagnosis as I wasn’t in a fit state to process anything. I had a Hepatology appt in December and asked the consultant what my treatment is going to be, I was told I was decompensated at this stage and the plan was to work towards recompensating my liver, has anyone experienced this?

My scores have improved UKELD was 56 and is now 45, Child Pugh was C10 and is now A6. I had jaundice which has cleared and visible ascites that are no longer visible and I’m taking spironolactone diuretic which has been increased from 50mg to 100mg per day. I had an endoscopy last week and grade 1 oesophageal varicies were confirmed.

My next appointment at hepatology isn’t until June so I wondered if anyone has had experienced the same and if recompensation is possible?

I haven’t yet had the ‘guts’ to ask how long I’ve got, I’m 47!

Stopping drinking has changed my life for the better, I hope anyone struggling gets the support they need.

[AyrshireK]

From the improvement in your results and symptoms it would appear you are well on the way to if not already recompensated. Well done on your abstinence. No reason your liver can't improve in the absence of booze and give you a long life. IF further down the line your liver does deteriorate you have put yourself in a very good position should transplant be required.

My hubby was first diagnosed with decompensated cirrhosis (not alcohol related but autoimmune) back in 2012 - he was listed for t/p in 2014 but improved and was able to be delisted 10 months later. He had a good few years where although still poorly he was able to make the most of good days. It wasn't until late 2023 that his health plummetted again and he underwent transplant assessment January 2024 and had a successful t/p in June and is now doing really well.

Katie

[Thepuppylover in reply to AyrshireK]

thank you Katie, glad to hear your husband is doing well too! 😀

[taar in reply to AyrshireK]

Over a year already, isn't it marvellous. Well done to you and yours! Love

[AyrshireK in reply to taar]

7 months post t/p now, can't believe the improvement. It has been a miracle really. X

[2022minks]

Well done for quitting alcohol, this will really help to improve your livers health so keep looking after yourself and when you next go in I really hope you see an improvement xx

[Smegmer]

"UKELD Score (Now 45)"

The UKELD (UK Model for End-Stage Liver Disease) score helps determine liver transplant priority. A score below 49 suggests a lower urgency for transplant. Your significant drop is a great sign.

"Child-Pugh Score (Now A6)"

Moving from C10 (Severe Decompensation) to A6 (Compensated Cirrhosis) is a major improvement. This means your liver is regaining some function.

Your progress is incredibly positive, and many people live with compensated cirrhosis for many years. While it's important to stay vigilant, your continued improvements are a sign that recompensation is happening. Keep up the excellent work—you are giving yourself the best possible chance at a longer and healthier life.