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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123hd123 04/10/2018

New member to the club. Stage 4 cirrhosis. Meld 12. Have had Tips. Followed all the protocols. Clean and sober 14 months. Changed diet. Can't get on the list yet because my Meld is not high enough? One other thing. 60 straight AA meetings? Wouldn't some type of counsellig be more appropriate? I assume you need to be really ill to be considered. Depressing.

cricket1970 04/10/2018

Hi Mike.
I was told by my transplant team that AA was good but I needed to go to an actual outpatient rehab center. There is no proof that the AA meetings have been attended. In an outpatient rehab, there is proof and they also do urine testing to test for alcohol intake.
Hope this helps.

cricket1970 04/14/2018

Hi Mike. I was just wondering if the TIPS procedure was helpful? It was mentioned to me as a possible treatment for my ascitis so I've been doing the research on it. It would be nice to get an opinion from someone that actually had it.
Thank you in advance for your time.

123hd123 04/17/2018

Definitely. Before I had it done I was up to 9-12 liters of acities drained off every two weeks. Since I had that procedure i haven't had a drain in months.

cricket1970 04/18/2018

Thank you. That's promising
Great to hear that it was beneficial for you. I am discussing with my transplant team next month. Trying to get as much information as I can.
Do you still have to watch your diet as close as you had to prior to the procedure?
Thank you in advance for any information you can give me.

123hd123 04/18/2018

To be quite honest with you the only time I followed my diet religiously was while I was in the hospital. Probably not a good idea. I liked all the food but it's so hard to cook for one. Drink plenty of water. Fpllow up with your Dr. Get your labs done. Take your meds and do what your Dr. asks of you.

cricket1970 04/18/2018

Thank you Mike. I would love to not have to worry about those paracentesis procedures Anymore.

paulwilkerson 04/22/2018

Hey mister Mike. That's a hell of a name to live up to. Just stay sober and do whats right, and let it roll.

123hd123 04/22/2018

Cricket 1970.. There's no worries. No pain.. Just a shot of local. After that they do the drain.. The whole process takes about an hour..God bless.

cricket1970 04/23/2018

Hello 123.
Thank you for your info. I have had plenty of those procedures. I was actually talking about the TIPS procedure. Have you ever had that procedure?

Trissa01 05/09/2018

60? 90 meetings in 90 days, then determine to beat that. The constant repetition pays off. Then keep going, because you can't even hear what is being said for a couple of years. But sure, if you can get private counselling, Go For It! AA is free. There is value in sharing in front of other people. The program has worked for millions. Not everyone.
You can turn this around Mike Take good care of your health, positive attitude, we're here for you but face to face is best. Wishing you absolute best, my friend

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