Cirrhosis Support Group

Cirrhosis is a consequence of chronic liver disease, most commonly caused by alcoholism and hepatitis C. Ascites is the most common complication of cirrhosis and is associated with a poor quality of life, increased risk of infections, and a poor long term outcome. Liver damage from cirrhosis cannot be reversed, but treatment can stop or delay further progression and...

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Gastrointestinal System
/ Cirrhosis Support Group

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mwr59
mwr59
Hi, I was diagnosed with alcoholic cirrhosis last fall though they haven't done a biopsy. Looking back on it, the signs and symptoms have been there for years but nobody picked up on it until I started getting sicker. Had a bad winter, lived on the sofa, even slept there, no energy rarely got dressed and only left the house for MD appointments. Good thing for an understanding partner. Feeling better now but still lots of symptoms. Looking forward to spending the summer outside. Hoping I can learn and share with with the group.
Trissa01
Trissa01
Hello & welcome.
Its wonderful to have a diagnosis to explain the way you feel. I'm sorry no doctor recognized elevated liver enzymes or other blood work. Physical signs like swelling or jaundice don't always show themselves.
Biopsy is not necessary. The signs & symptoms & labs do a good job of indicating stage. There are non invasive tests, too.
What you can do, I'm sure you know, is cease all alcohol and follow a liver friendly diet & lifestyle. You'll simply have to rest when you can. You can & will get better, I believe!
fizzbaum
fizzbaum
sounds like we have much in common. i too have been ill for a very long time, undiagnosed. i just joined today. hope we both find, are able to give/get support here.
Trissa01
Trissa01
The fatigue is a drag. Its nice to have some energy, sometimes. I hope you both are in a situation where you can simply rest as needed.
Hi mwr, & welcome!
Trissa01
Trissa01
Ooops meant to welcome you fizz.
prayingforpaul
prayingforpaul
I will not give up hope....Paul was diagnosed with Cirrhosis 5 months ago...his girlfriend has done everything wrong in supposedly assisting him including exclude me...his ex wife...the mother of his 3 children....a Registered Nurse with any help to him. The day he went into the hospital with Low Sodium...was the day I said.....Don't let the hospital get their hooks into you...he was angry but unfortunately he walked into the hospital...low sodium...low platelets...thrombocytopenia and now he is in diapers....has an extremely swollen scrotum, is yellow, logical one minute...mean the next....pitting and horribly swollen ankles...has huge belly full of fluid called ascites..can't walk or barely move....lost all muscle mass, dry mouth, bleeds from nose, bleeds from anus, vomits blood, horrible bruises, can't sleep and I still have hope. He is being catheterized today because he pees into himself. He has had blood transfusions, Potassium IV and Platelet transfusions. He is nauseated and vomits constantly. I snuck in and asked the nurse to please give him Gravol IV so he could have some peace. The diapers are full all the time....he is always cold and I continue to pray and believe for his healing....his liver was at only 18%....the hospital food is literally poison....white bread, green jello, red fruit punch, microwaved shit food, margarine not even butter and gingerale. Yup...slow kill...that's Agenda 21....he won't take pain meds so they have to off him in their own way. He has signed a DNR...do not resusitate. Lord....keep the gf away from him...she brings him popsicles....coolers full of gingerale and Halls' (full of sugar cough candies) including popsicles with sugar alcohol in them. She has told the nursing station to not allow me in....I was bringing him....asparagus spinach broccoli smoothies....but I was not allowed to see him. I sneak in. It is like she wants him to die....why because she wants to. God please help him.
Isaiah 40:31
They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with Wings as Eagles.They shall run and not be weary...they shall walk and not Faint. Amen
Trissa01
Trissa01
Sorry PPPaul, sounds like a sad situation. Are his kids seeing him? Dealing with the gf, she's just feeling threatened, because you were his wife & have kids in common, you're a health prof & make her feel inadequate.
All I can suggest is let her know you are available to help if she would like & give her your number, ask if you can call her sometimes to see how he is doing. That puts her in the "power" seat.
I know its hard, when you know the medical routine, to let go. We want to tell them how to do it. If you're divorced - as you know - you don't have any say unless asked. Lets try to get them to invite you in.
If the kids are adults, they can see him, if they are not, you can bring them in to see their dad.
Please let us know how this is unfolding. He is a lucky man that you care so much.