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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Question?

rummi
rummi
Do stage 1 varices continue to grow even after someone stops drinking? Can varices be the only symptom related to diagnosis of cirrhosis? My bf had a variceal bleed 7 years ago and a mallory weiss tear 4 years ago. During his scope his doc told me he had stage 1 esophageal and gastric varices. At the time he was still drinking. He stopped drinking for 2 years due to an incarceration and now he is back home. He is under the impression that he is healed because he has no symptoms of the disease. Could it be possible that his liver is healed? I know varices form due to portal pressure caused by the obstruction of the portal vein into the liver. But is it possible with regeneration of liver tissue that the portal vein is able to reroute into the healthy tissue?
deleted_user
deleted_user
Not drinking is fundamental for the improvemente of his health, however the cause of his cirrhosis, if he indeed has cirrhosis, must be determined and treated.

Portal hypertension, which is the main cause of esophaseageal varices, can be caused by other ailments besides cirrhosis, which has other causes besides drinking. Some of them are still unknown, but the exact cause has to be determined and treated, WHEN possible.

Thus, if the cause of the portal hypertension is not attended to, the varices might burst anytime and he will bleed to death if he is not taken immediately to an emergency room.

What I mean is, he has to see a doctor.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Well you just scared the crap out me. I guess I need to keep that appointment for the endoscopy. Thanks sometimes I just need that kind of kick in butt.
rummi
rummi
Thanks wontquit, but how do i know if he has portal hypertension?
onedayanotherstep
onedayanotherstep
Unfortunately about the only way to check the current state of any varices with any certainty is to get another endoscopy. Definitely recommended if he is no longer taking the beta blockers.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Endoscopy to check for varices and an Ultrasound Doppler scan, usually are enough to determine evidence of portal hypertension.

The only sure-fire way, though, is measuring it through a special procedure which is not always recommended, due to its inherent risk.

PROBABLY his liver has improved, BUT HAS NOT BEEN CURED.
GO TO A DOCTOR.
deleted_user
deleted_user
If he goes back to drinking (i assume that's the plan) he will damage the liver even more this time. If his drinking caused the cirrhosis you can bet he will get it back again if he drinks. Especially if he is alcoholic. If he continues to maintain a clean and healthy lifestyle, chances are his liver will not be an issue again. Pray that he has learned his lesson and God has given him a gift. He now has his freedom and a healthy body, only an alcholic would jepordize this gift for a drink.

Maggie
deleted_user
deleted_user
LOL TzuWho....

yeah, I needed that kick in the butt too & the reminder to not mess around and put things off that I should be doing. Need to schedule my 6 mo.'s endo/colonoscopy on Monday. The doc sent me the letter 2 weeks ago. Guess I better get a move on to check on my Portal hypertension, etc. Thanks for the kick, WQ!! lol :)

*HUGS*
Josi