66 and scared

[66yrscared]

I recently had a cat scan done and bloodwork done and was told I have cirrhosis of the liver. I am having a liver biopsy done in a few days. After reading and learning the symptoms I am scared because I have had the symptoms for quite a wild. I guess what I Trying to find out exactly what I can do to prolong my life, and if I am in stage III how long do I have. Is there any chances of reversing it!

[nash2 Partner]

Hi 66

That is a scary diagnosis. A lot of us are in that boat so you are among friends. There is a lot of information on the website, but a good place to start is here.

fattyliverfoundation.org/about

The best first thing to do is not panic. You do have some control over the course of the disease

Wayne

[utep99]

Stage III shows there is still some liver function going. I am stage IV and 56 and with the rate of advancement of this type of condition you are ok. Get a EGD done to see if there are any varcies there. If there are get them banded, My current GI Specialist tells me that if one of these burst it is likely you will not make it to a hospital. Other that that see if you need lactulose and Rifaximin or Propranolol. These help with brain fog and lower heart rate to lesson the chance of a burst varcies. It is far more likely something else will get you in the end. Exercise and go to a Mediterranean type diet. No fast food and cut down on salt. They are no transplanting livers into 70 year old patients. and older than that even. A little precaution and a good GI Specialist and you will live a normal life. I panicked at the beginning also but found after three years everything is gonna be fine. You will also. It is a shock but one that can be ok. The main thing is the odds are on your side. My MELD is 12 and I have had this since 2015. Have a Merry Christmas and although death is not likely treat each day as a gift. Because it is. Just get a GI Specialist who is good and as stated earlier you are among friends here who went through this also. But information from a site cannot replace a Doctors instructions. One more thing, Pass on all these products who promise to turn you liver disease around, Most of it you can fertilize the Sinai with.

[66yrscared in reply to utep99]

Dear utep99, I just went for my liver biopsy yesterday. Now I need to wait a couple of days to hear the results. Since my diagnosis Of cirrhosis of the liver a few weeks ago I have lost 13 pounds. It seemed to come off awfully quick and easy it’s almost like every day I get on the scale I am a pound lighter. I don’t know that it’s that I’m watching what I eat somewhat or of the disease itself. I feel sure that I have a advanced stage I have pf The cirrhosis. I have had an enlarged spleen, High liver enzyme’s, diverticulitis, diabetes, terrible hair loss, pain on my right side. Back in December my family doctor sent me for a CT scan because of the pain I was having on my right side that is how they found this cirrhosis. Since then I have been to a G.I. doctor that has sent me for bloodwork and now the liver biopsy yesterday. I am waiting for those results in a couple of days will keep you updated. I am so scared! Thanks for listening to me. I don’t have any support from here at home!

[Kitkatnash]

Hi 66, I was diagnosed in 2014 but as I learned about liver disease I understood I had symptoms even as a young person. My liver damage came from an eating disorder that I still struggle with but nothing like when I was young. I binged on sweets so overloaded my liver over and over. The initial diagnosis does shake you up. Just start right from where you are right now. Diet and doctor care first. Educate yourself and keep in touch. Good for you for finding this site!

[66yrscared in reply to Kitkatnash]

Thanks! I am trying very hard to watch what I am eating! I hope it helps!!!

[utep99]

The dive in weight is either a good or bad thing. Sadly I do not have a exact answer. Let your Doctor know about the weight issue mainly because it seems a little steep even for a dietary drop. You will ALWAYS HAVE FRIENDS AND EARS HERE THAT I GUARANTEE HERE, Have you gotten a CTP yet. The reason that I ask is something NASH2 (A VERY INTELLIGENT MAN) said to me. A MELD is for when you are hospitalized and they are trying to determine available life span info. A CTP is a test to see where your Liver Condition is right now. So I must ask do you know your MELD or a CTP let the site know and we will do our best to interpret. But as always a Medical Doctor (GI) is best suited to help you out. You need these numbers if for nothing else that peace of mind. There is a good news to the lining of the cloud. They now can transplant Livers with Hep C because Hep C is curable now. Do not worry as the transplant procedure is very much safer that 5 to 10 years ago. I do understand the issues with family. A lot of us go through this. I was actually called a liar by my wife's parents when we first informed them of my condition. You are not alone. If you have no objection and are on this side of the country or maybe even if you are not let me know if you are needing a transplant. If I can get there I will be there if for no other reason than to support, pray and be there for you.