Stephen Silva, a story of a hopeful future. He refused to go silently into that dark night. An example for younger patients especially.

[nash2]

I was diagnosed with stage 4 alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver in May 2016 at age 32. At the time I was deep in alcoholism and weighed over 300 pounds. I had basically every symptom that comes along with cirrhosis; jaundice, ascites filled my belly, swollen legs, tender belly, brown urine, rarely urinating, very little energy, pain in my ride side etc. I was hospitalized for 8 days. There were times that the doctors weren't sure if I was going to make it.

Just like most of us with this disease I left the hospital sad, confused and defeated. I didn't think cirrhosis was a reality for me. I was faced with 2 choices. Keep living the way I had been living and maybe only be around for a few more months or follow doctors and fight. I choose the latter. I decided I didn't want to just hang in there; I wanted to fight like hell.

Once I returned home I followed ever order the doctor gave and also went above and beyond. As with many of us, I couldn't sleep all night and then could barely stay awake during the day. I took advantage of those late nights and spent hours upon hours in this group and other cirrhosis Facebook groups as well using many other online resources researching how to combat this illness.

Slowly but surely I began to get better one day at a time. I am going to skip A TON but for the sake of making a long story a little shorter, I'm going to fast forward to the after picture.

Last Sunday I ran my first half marathon. Yep, 2 hours of nonstop running. I was not able to do that even before cirrhosis. Heck, I was not able to do that when I was 20. My doctor told me that I probably wouldn't be able to accomplish that goal because the liver provides a lot of energy and because a low sodium diet is not always conducive to long distance running. I have an appointment this morning and I can't wait to tell him that not only did I do it. I finished with a pretty good time for a first timer.

I know all of our stories are different. We get diagnosed at different points, we have other conditions etc. but I share to give hope. God knows I was absolutely hopeless early in my diagnosis. My biggest advice would be don't touch alcohol, be VERY CAREFUL about anything you put into your body, follow doctors orders, do additional research, make your health your primary job because without it we have nothing.

[Millie09]

What an amazing young man!! hope he is doing just fine.

[Rammm]

What a spirit! I hope he is doing fine now..

[Cats2018]

So inspiring. I hope Stephan continues to improve and is doing well

[Miesquivel0015]

I follow him and he’s such an amazing person I just talked to him a few min ago and he just posted wonderful news…

He’s a water fountain that gives people hope….

[Bloomwithgrace]

My son is 38 years old and as his mother, I am so grateful for your story. I am so very happy for you too! What an amazing story to share of hope and inspiration! My son is trying very hard to wrap his heart, and mind around this. He weighs 317 pounds, diagnosed with the same stage and cirrhosis, and somedays he doesn't eat at all but he can't seem to lose any weight. Were you on diuretics, fluid restrictions, and what foods did you entirely avoid, or what did you find worked for you the most. I have purchased the Medical Medium Book on Healing your liver. Celery juice is mentioned as a way to heal. It's the congestion that I think makes it so hard. He has diastolic heart disease as well as enlarged spleen and sarcoidosis. But I do know in my heart that if he can get more motivated and feel hopeful this could turn around for him. I know you can't provide all the answers to me, but anything you can add to your story would be appreciated.I love your photo! I would give anything if my son could get back down to his normal weight. I never know just how much of that weight is the liver enlargement size or fluid or weight? thanking you in advance!

[Bloomwithgrace]

I just found you instagram account and will start following you! I want to show your photographs to my son! I think this is one of the most inspiring photos I have ever seen!

[Miesquivel0015 in reply to Bloomwithgrace]

Yes he is a wonderful person I have asked him many questions and always takes time to answer me back and yes seeing his hard work and dedication gives me so much hope also I wish you and your son well and let him know to keep on the fight I will keep him in my prayers.

[Bloomwithgrace in reply to Miesquivel0015]

thank you so very much! God Bless you! His name is Derek. He has 3 beautiful sons, 15,12 and 16 months, and a wonderful wife. We are all fighting for him too to survive and thrive!