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...
Good morning. I am a 48year old female diagnosed with ESLD in September2017. I am happy that I found this site to beable to read others' experiences with this disease and sad that I have to need this site.
My story. I was hospitalized in September for abd pain and swelling. That's when my hell began. Diagnosis was liver disease with ascitis. When discharged from hospital I was told to see a gastro Dr. Made an appointment asap. Was put on diurhetics and told I needed to see a hepatologist to discuss a liver transplant. Follow up app with GI indicated that I could not tolerate the diurhetics and was told not to take them.
Finally got my app with transplant team. At that time, MELD score was14. I was given a lower dose of diurhetics, given lots of information and a follow up app. Paper work indicated end stage liver disease.
In the meantime I am having paracentesis procedures about every 2weeks. But the diurhetics seemed to be helping a little.
Follow up app showed lft's were getting better. Things were looking up. Increase diuretics and follow up.
Next app MELD score down to 10. No longer a candidate for a transplant. No longer have the dx of ESLD!
Then with the increase in diuretics my kidneys did not like it so they were discharged in January. Follow up in March showed MELD is now at an 8! Great news but I'm still having paracentesis procedures every 2 weeks. They remove4 to 6 liters every time.
I am on a very strict low sodium diet. I average 700 mg of sodium a day. Everything I eat is fresh, home made...I even make my own bread and stocks.
I have not had alcohol since August. Even though I did drink everyday, I also had gastric bypass surgery in the past and fatty liver disease when I was overweight. I believe this accelerated my disease.
At this point I have an appointment with my transplant team to discuss the TIPS procedure since my body can not tolerate the diurhetics. I'm hoping for more information before I make the decision to go fwd with it. I trust my Dr.
This is very long winded and I apologize. Thank you for reading my story. I find it difficult sometime s to talk to my family because I do not want to make them sad or upset them even though they have been truly supportive.
Thank you for listening.
I am from upstate New York.
Very nice to meet you.
Have you been diagnosed with cirrhosis?
I had gastric bypass around 2009.
Currently I'm having lab work every month. Labs have been stable but I'm still having issues with fluid in my abdomen. (ascitis).
Hopefully that will get better.
How are you feeling?