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...
My MRI showed that my liver lesion grew to 2.1 cm. I go in Tuesday for a myriad of tests to make sure the cancer has not spread and meet with the Int. radiologists on how they want to treat it. If all goes well, my meld will be increased to 22 on Tuesday.
Last week I spent 4 days in Indy to start the evaluation process there for transplant. By August, I should be approved. I have been on the list at Northwestern for almost 3 years.
Last week I spent 4 days in Indy to start the evaluation process there for transplant. By August, I should be approved. I have been on the list at Northwestern for almost 3 years.
There is no way to tell how much damage has been done short of having special diagnostic tests. Until then, it is only a speculation game. The doctor you will be referred to will be able to get the necessary first testing done to see where you mom is with the disease. They will compile what is called a MELD (measure of endstage liver disease which is what it is called once the liver is cirrhotic to see if she is anywhere close to transplant stage. If she isn't, she will be put through a battery of tests at a good hospital with special unit for gastrointerology and hepatic function. Then, she will be followed at regular intervals to see how the disease is progressing. If the MELD score raises as time goes on it will bring her closer to the urgent transplant list. They try to obtain donor organs from areas's close to where the patient is but sometimes, it is unavoidable and has to be from longer distances away. That is nothing to worry about now, though, as you really just need to get the first steps out of the way.
I do wish you well and want you to know you have come to a good place where others here on this forum have much experience. Many people live full, rather normal lives with liver disease but with care and lifestyle changes that will need to be made and adhered to.
There is another site that I am not really all that familiar with but many here on this forum are regular contributors and I am sure someone will fill you in on the web address for that group as well.........Hugs and prayers AND lots of luck to you and your mom.........CarolLentz