Cirrhosis Support Group

I was told by my MD that losing weight takes some stress off the liver. She also always says no salt and to keep to a no fat diet. So far so good. Anything to slow down the progression. I care, MaryBobbe

You're not rambling Tarrent. You're scared, just like me. I haven't had a biopsy yet. My doctor keeps telling me fatty liver isn't worrying to him and my enzymes aren't really high enough to order a biopsy. When I told him I was having liver pain he looked at me like I was crazy. I am 41 and terrified that my kids are going to grow up without their mom. I think I might try the milk thistle I've read about here. I guess it can't hurt as long as it doesn't interfere with diabetes or heart medications. I've heard that some people live a long time with cirrhosis, as long as they take good care of themselves and don't drink, etc...

By losing weight and good diet and exercise is a big plus. I'm not sure how it affects the progression of cirrhosis, but I would think it would help...people that are overweight thier doc tells them to lose weight, that it's easier on the liver, so yes I would think a big plus...if you haven't had a biopsy how did the doc's know you have cirrhosis... I'm no doc but from all I have learned from that is the way to find out...Good Luck to you...Janet

Thanks for the replies, they mean a lot. I have had the biopsy and it did confirm I was in early stage cirrhosis. As far as drinking goes that is out for me from now on even though I did not develop the cirrhosis from drinking. Small price to pay to keep my liver as health as possible.

There doesn't seem to be a good reason for NASH. I went through years of Dr's appointments and leaving their office feeling worse then when I arrived. They treated me like I was crazy. What they didn't want to hear was that I always ate healthy and exercised until I started getting sick. My living room wall listened better. But trying to eat healthy and exercise will help. Take care! Suzes

I was diagnosed (Biopsy) with Cirrhosis about a year ago but my GI doc feels I have had this for some time. I am a non drinker and he feels I may have had an infection that hit my liver at some point. I have scaring on my liver and spleen called grandulomas and was tested twice for autoimmune issues, both were negative. My bloodwork has been normal all along and I have no symptoms. I agree that some people with cirrhosis can live a long time. Its up too us to take care our bodies. Read up Alpha Lipoic Acid which is helpful with reversing fatty liver. If you are diabetic and take Metformin, there could be a reaction between the two so ask your Doc as well. Best wishes to all......

Thanks to all that posted here for Tarrent. I learned a lot more ....as usual from you people:)

My sister had a GI Dr that always came back to her with the NASH thing and to just lose 25 lbs and your fatty liver will be fine, yada, yada, yada. This went on for a couple of years.

Dr never ordered a biopsy. She did finally do a CT when my sister was critical.

This is a VERY long story and I am not going to bore yall with it. But, I wanted to say that if you ever feel like your DR is not tuned into you and your concerns, its time to go to another one.

My sisters health is so bad now that she is not even eligible to be put on a transplant list. Had they caught this at least a year ago, she would not have near the complications she does now and would not be bedridden.

God bless all of you as you are very courageous and I want you to know that being a part of this group has given me a lot of support and strength that I would not have on my own.

Pick up a copy of the Liver Cleansing Diet by Dr. Sandra Cabot. I am stage 4 and it will still be some time down the road before I get on the transplant list. At stage one if you really take a proactive approach and change your diet,etc. you may never need a transplant.

Tarrent,
I have been led to believe that if you are early stage and do as your doc suggests you have every chance of your liver repairing itself - one of the few organs that will self mend.
I also believe cirrhosis is only irreversible once it has reached stage 3 or 4, and even then there may be no symptoms.
I'm sure the good people on this board will correct me if I have inadvertently given you incorrect advice.
You could read the post 'Stages???' that I responded to a few days ago and see if that helps.

Best of Luck,

Craig

I was never told what stage cirrhosis I have but again, all my bloodwork has been normal and I have no jaundice. I take milk thistle twice a day and I am going to three times a day. I have read that you have to be careful about taking too many supplements as its difficult for the liver to process them. I guess we have to live and eat healthy and hope for the best. Maybe down the road there will be a cure or a way to slow down the cirrhosis process. Hope all of you are doing well.

Coppa