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 have just attended my 6 monthly Hospital visit ,ultrasound and consultation.
I mentioned that my blood sugar were in the diabetic range, and was told "oh yes this is entirely what we would expect due to the insulin resistance as the pancreatic function deteriorate's".
I asked about any new research going on and she said one of the things we still do not know, is why some people become Cirrhotic and other not and I suppose a prevention will not be found until this question is answered.
The one thing she was sure about is that had I not quit drinking when I did is that I would have been dead long ago.
On the departing handshake she remarked "It looks likely your liver will see you out for the rest of your days"!
Now this seemed very reassuring at the time, but mulling it over on the way home had the remark been made at the start The next obvious reply would be "well how many days is that likely to be!
It just sounded like a politician's parting shot Keep em guessing eh!
Just some ramblings but no news is good news as I see it.
Regards
I mentioned that my blood sugar were in the diabetic range, and was told "oh yes this is entirely what we would expect due to the insulin resistance as the pancreatic function deteriorate's".
I asked about any new research going on and she said one of the things we still do not know, is why some people become Cirrhotic and other not and I suppose a prevention will not be found until this question is answered.
The one thing she was sure about is that had I not quit drinking when I did is that I would have been dead long ago.
On the departing handshake she remarked "It looks likely your liver will see you out for the rest of your days"!
Now this seemed very reassuring at the time, but mulling it over on the way home had the remark been made at the start The next obvious reply would be "well how many days is that likely to be!
It just sounded like a politician's parting shot Keep em guessing eh!
Just some ramblings but no news is good news as I see it.
Regards
A positive mental outlook is key along with some dietary changes and by all means no alcohol. If you are stage four you should ask for a Meld score test (bloodwork) which is the Model for End Stage Liver disease. It helps determine future eligibility for a transplant, etc.
It is entirely possible to lead a fairly productive life with cirrhosis but be very proactive in your treatment and ask a lot of questions.
Craig
Congrats mate!!!
Lou.
I decided not to put the prognosis to the test!
Hi Craig Yea I have the Cirrhosis & now am Diabetic so they say things come in 3's so I thought depression might be a next!
As I understand it the liver damage affects the production of insulin
by the pancreas If you are over 50's and have liver disease high blood glucose seems inevitable
I am controlling it with diet and exercise . If I need to take medication for diabetes this can have a detrimental effect on the liver
In the UK the liver blood tests do not check for diabetes I only found out by asking for a fasting blood glucose check because I was so tired all the time
people talk about treatment for liver cirrhosis but all I have been told is not to drink and lets hope your liver function can recover some.
The doctor told me that I should stick to a diabetic diet but that her concern was the liver so I need to seek advice about the diabetes
from my GP.
Since being diagnosed with Cirrhosis I had done a fair amount of research into it but missed the diabetic connection
also doctors don't seem to give much dietary advice about anything much. Despite my complaint I feel quite well as I can still get about and go swimming and keep active still do things I guess the depression can set in if some becomes inactive and housebound
I spoke to a doctor at the hospital who mentioned that the cut off age for heart transplants was 60 but they still transplant livers to patients on their 70s.
I wonder if the age of the liver donor has any effect on the potential life of liver as I understand it the normal live is renewing itself all the time so why should a healthy 20 yr old liver be much different from a 60s old
I guess I'm showing my ignorance all these things seem so interconnected especially diabetes, personally I think that there will be more good news about drugs to control blood sugar in the near future.
Regards
Sorry about tat, but there is a connection between cirrhosis and Kindey problems. One of the tests tat is done is to measure creatinine, which indicates kidney function.
I 'found' this on LLD...
Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Cirrhosis causes resistance to insulina hormone produced by the pancreas that enables the body to use glucose as energy. With insulin resistance, the bodys muscle, fat, and liver cells do not use insulin properly. The pancreas tries to keep up with the demand for insulin by producing more, but excess glucose builds up in the bloodstream causing type 2 diabetes.
Oh, the comment about 'treatment' for cirrhosis - there isn't one!
Don't drink is the only treatment.
I'm sure if you google 'diabetes diet' for example you will find plenty of good stuff on what to no/not to do as far as diet goes.
Good Luck,
Craig
I remember you mentioned you work in IT. I was able to see my blood measure read out of various indices over the last 4 yr
Any measure of concern is flagged up in red fonts It was interesting to see certain tests return to normal levels over the years.
Now that more and more info is being correlated by computer programs maybe the magic bullet will be found as to what make different people vulnerable
The lady who carried out the ultra sound scan (I forgot the title) Says that she has seen an explosion of fatty liver scans in recent years, due mainly to bad diet, and all the binge drinking going on
I remember reading about it being possible if rejection problems are overcome that pigs organs could be transplanted into humans
How about a heart lung liver kidney combo, Yea and pigs might fly!
Regards
Sad but true!
My doctor figures that around 25% of the entire US population is well on the way to cirrhosis caused by obesity.
Not that all are going to get it, but he thinks the statistics about the disease are about to suffer a huge change.
Coping with the physical aspects of the cirrhosis is bad enough; the pain, fatigue, sleeplessness, ascites, variceal bleeding, encephalopathy, and other manifestations of the disease makes life unbearable at times. For me, the mental anguish is the most difficult. A positive mental attitude is paramount in coping with any health disorder. Convincing words from a experienced source does much to sooth the soul and lift ones spirits.
To paraphrase the current US Presidents campaign slogan, Change we can believe in. Change always occurs; its positive change that we all aspire, especially when fighting a deadly illness. Unfortunately, asking questions isnt the issue; receiving Str8shtr answers is.
Savor the good news and try not to analyze any pessimistic meaning.
It's strange how all this knowledge about illness seem's to go around in selective flavour of the week type stories.
For instance obesity and fast food junk diet warnings have been around since the eighties. but all the media stories were about heart disease, everywhere you looked were joggers stopping a heart attack
Up until now I had never ever heard someone say they were jogging to prevent a fatty liver or cirrhosis brought on by a bad diet It was all heart related and all those books on cholesterol levels if it was over 7 % it was good night Vienna .
We have had the great depression and SSRI 's I'm expecting a big Kidney disease scare being cooked up for the coming Xmas period, Maybe along the lines of Christmas pudding implicated in prostate enlargement !
Regards