Cirrhosis - Decompensated to Recompensated

[puddy68]

Hi Everyone [again!] I hope you're all doing well! I've struggled the last few months......I posted a while back that I relapsed [after not drinking/smoking for 4 months] after Mum died [such a way to honour her.........absolutely disgusting. Any excuse for a drink, and I take it.] Anyway, my relapse lasted for approximately 6 months. I've only stopped again now, and not had a drink for 3 days. Nothing great, I know, but onwards and upwards. Before my relapse, my blood results had all lowered from my previous blood test, except for the T Bil.

I also have Portal Hypertension [I'm on Carvedilol for this] and I have had one varice banded. I have no jaundice or fluid retention, although I need to lose a fair bit of weight. I'm due to see my liver specialist in a few weeks and I'm in a blind panic about what I may have done to myself due to pure stupidity.

I guess my question is - can my liver recompensate if my blood readings are worse [and I'm pretty certain they will be]? My other question is, when I stay away from the alcohol/eat well and exercise, if my liver goes back to compensated, can it suddenly get worse in the future, even if you're doing everything you can to help yourself? I also have moderate COPD and mild Pulmonary Hypertension, and I'm terrified that I won't be able to take the necessary medication for these conditions because of my liver? Any help would be greatly appreciated. xx Shelley.

[BritishLiverTrust6 Moderator British Liver Trust]

Hi Puddy68,

We have edited your post to remove your test results as in our community guidelines, we ask members not to post them on the forum. Test results vary according to both the individual’s whole health and the laboratory analysing the results and should always be interpreted by the user’s own health care professionals.

Best wishes

British Liver Trust

[Breakfastbabe]

I can't really answer your question but just to say congratulations on your 3 days sobriety. You have been through a hard time and have a lot to think about now. Every time I have asked doctors about my husband's medication and the impact on his liver they say the worst damage is done by alcohol. They also say the liver can stabilise once you give up. Have a chat with your GP but I wish you all the best with staying sober.

[puddy68 in reply to Breakfastbabe]

Thank you so much, Breakfastbabe..........you're words are so reassuring. Thank you so much again.

[JonBechstein]

Hi Puddy, Usually, I would say, do not reproach yourself for slipping and praise yourself for the achievements you gained!, but recognize, gently that you have fallen below your own standards! You have achieved once, you can achieve again! Alcoholism, is a terrible challenge, very unkind an very unfirgiving, but, you know this already! You mother was with you all of your life, we each express ourselves differently, be kinder to yourself! Myself, I am at stage four colerectal cancer and, I am told that I am so ill, they cannot treat me, apart from paliatively! Portal Hyper, and hypo tension is terrible, but, you have helped me, because I was told, no treatment! I have only ever lived w alcoholics and say, God bless you. It has not been easy for you! As you say "Onwards and Upwards" Kindest Regards, Jon.

[puddy68 in reply to JonBechstein]

Jon, thank you so much for your post. You have been so kind to respond to me when you are experiencing so many troubles of your own. You will be in my prayers every night....God Bless You. xx

[JonBechstein in reply to puddy68]

Puddy, you are very kind! Thank you! My main worry is that I have to tell my carer; he is my nephew, who came to study piano with me a few years ago, but I became v ill and, refused to leave; he continues his work w me, but this will crush him.I hate to think that my passing would cause such pain, but and will help strengthen him. I am resigned to die, but also to believe in miracles Thank you for your prayers, it does help! I pray you patience and strength and a long, meaningful life! Jon

[Roy1955]

Sounds like your diagnosis will remain as compensated cirrhosis.Well done on 3 days sober, now do just one more, you can drink tomorrow if you still need it, repeat often.