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...
I need your help again you guys! My fiance has gained about 20 lbs in the last 6 months. He had an ultrasound about 5 months ago that did not reveal any fluid in the belly or esophageal varices. His appetite is good and does generally well overrall with his health. The doc said the last time that his MELD score was a 6 about 5 months ago. My concern is that his belly is large and the rest of his body is well proportioned. However his belly does not look like the graphics i see on the internet of patients with ascites. His belly is soft to the touch and jiggely. It doesnt hurt when I press down on it and his umbilicus is intact. My only concern is that he is always complaining of gas and bloating lately. Could this be ascites or possibly just fat and poor diet? He does love to eat fatty fried foods and lots of cheese! He refuses to diet however he doesnt eat that type of food all the time. For the most part he eats pretty normal. thanks!
I am not a doctor but he should get it checked out just to be safe. When my DH had ascites, his belly was hard like a melon. His veins were even sticking out. He got big very fast too. 20 pounds in 6 months does sound a little high unless he has been really enjoying that cheese and fatty foods! He should be due for a check up anyway if it has been 5 months so call the doctor and set up an appointment. Dairy can give some people gas. Can he take Gas X?
(If it is ascites-- the first step in controlling it is a low sodium diet.)
(If the low sodium diet alone doesn't control it, the Dr. can also prescribe diuretics to help shed some of the excess fluid.)