Varices

[Spanishnan]

I have recently been diagnosed with PBC and have found this website to be very informative. I have read a lot of posts from people talking about varices but am unsure what it is and if you can have them outside the body. The reason I ask is that I have what I thought was piles but they don't seem to be getting any better with anasol cream. Could anyone give me more information please.

[7443jec]

Hi,I’m recently diagnosed too. I’m having an endoscopy soon to look for varices. I think they are enlarged veins that could bleed. I think the piles need more than anasol. I had external ones surgically removed years ago and am now suffering with internal ones. I’m seeing a consultant soon for that too. Oh what joy. Xxx

[butterflyEi]

Hi Spanishnan I recently had some anal bleeding so took lactulose to keep my movement soft and the bleed has rectified itself. I am however waiting for a colonoscopy. I have had an endoscopy and I believe that if you have varices they will band them during the endoscopy.

[Dinasmom]

I will be happy to answer this. I am a RN who also happens to have PBC. Varicies typically pop up in the esophagus and are enlarged veins caused by backed up portal veins in the liver. This is only a problem in later stages of the disease, when the liver is scarred and cirrhotic. The danger with varices is that they can rupture and cause a serious GI bleed.

[Spanishnan]

Thanks for your reply. I have been worried about this. My gastro Dr. thinks I am only on the early stages of PBC but it is always on my mind.

[dianemle]

Varices can only be detected by an endoscopy. They form in your esophagus and stomach lining. I have had many, one of which ruptured and caused internal bleeding. Fortunately it was treated but they can re appear. It only happens in advanced liver disease

[Pheebe in reply to dianemle]

Can you feel them at all ? is there any way for me to tell other than waiting for them to bleed ? any symptom they are there ? Biopsy 1 five years ago showed stage 1. Now biopsy 2 in May shows fibrosis, bile ducts not easily seen and late stage PBC. having a MRI July 3.

[Spanishnan]

Thanks you have put my mind at rest