Jaro... Can you get a copy of your endoscopy report? There are different types of endoscopies. One type will actually do a visual inspection of the liver (and other organs) and can detect cirrhosis by visual inspection. So, find out what type of endoscopy you had such as an ERCP or an EGD, etc. The actual report might give you more information about the cirrhosis.

http://www.imaginis.com/endoscopy

And, as others have said, I disagree with what your doc said about avoiding the internet. As long as you are reading from trusted sources, you should learn as much as you can...in my opinion.

Reminder... I've never heard of the kind of endoscopy you're talking about; only the kind where they put the camera down your throat. I've had about 4 of them (for barretts esophagus).
@jaro, I asked my GI what percent of her practice was in treating hcv, she said 10%. I also asked the cure rate...don't even remember the answer because I already made my mind up to go to another dr. I went to an infectious disease dr for treatment. Also, you are correct in thinking there are stages to full blown cirrhosis. Stage 4 is cirrhosis, but it goes from 1-4. I have - maybe had since I'm cured of hcv - evolving stage 3/4 cirrhosis. That's what they said after my biopsy. There re other ways to look at the liver too.

Keep gathering information and don't panic about not understanding or remembering it all. Keep notes & questions, as Mr Oso said, and if possible, take someone with you next dr apt to be another set of ears.

Like Dilly said, stay positive & talk to Our Creater & lover of our souls.

Reminder and KaryMelly., The endoscope I had was a EGD. It went down my throat. I did not have any "cuts" for a camera to go straight to my liver. That's why I'm wondering how he saw the actual liver and on my paperwork, it only shows the esophagus. I had Grade lll varices in the lower third of the esophagus (I think that is why his conclusion is that I have cirrhosis) and a biopsy of the stomach to due to Gastritis. There is NO mention of my liver on my report. No cirrhosis diagnosis or anything. I am going to get a second opinion after my appointment in two weeks and get copies of all my paperwork. Thank you all for your opinions and experiences. It truly is helping me.

I was in the hospital overnight. Two small incision under the ribcage like 8-10 inch apart . maybe a half wide the most. KaryMelly know it right away what i am talking about. No stitches , no pain at all.They go in with a mini cam and go all around the liver, mini light on the end so they have a complete visual of the damage no guess work.They can tell the grade of/if damage occurred . This is a specialty field, means this doctor was a UM professor and he only do this line of work (diagnosis) , he wont treat anyone. Works with an intern on his side who actually did all the talk and explanation later on.. They do their report , what goes to the specialist who is the actual clinical DR..and the DR kicks the case to a nurse practitioner who was actually did all the care what was involved...what a chain.....

Endoscopic biopsy of the liver cat

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yaoU0BcbBI

Reminder, I get what you're talking about. The term endoscopy just refers to inspection with a tiny camera. It can be used for many parts of the body, and is very commonly used in colon exams.

But since Jaro mentioned grade lll varices in the lower third of the esophagus, I think the doctor was looking down her throat.

You can read about that procedure here under the heading - Other Tests Used to Detect Complications of Cirrhosis

http://umm.edu/health/medical/reports/articles/cirrhosis

MrOSO, I did only have the "down the throat kind." Nothing on the report mentions my liver. I think he came to the conclusion that I have Cirrhosis due to the varices. When I asked him what stage, he said, you have cirrhosis. There's no little cirrhosis, like you're not a little pregnant. Also, he said I should stay off Google and my husband didn't like the fact that he never even introduced himself to him. With all that and his refusal to do a LIVER biopsy, I am going to go to a different doctor. I am trying to find a liver specialist in my area.

I am still wondering about the varices. Did he give any other information about them? If they are bad they usually band them while they are doing the procedure.
Can you call his nurse and ask about what they found?

I don't think they were bad enough for banding ( I wasn't having any problems with bleeding) He was suppose to give me a prescription for Propranolol but he left and didn't leave one. I called his office before I left but he was not there yet and I haven't received any call backs. I called the office today but they must have closed early due to bad weather. I'm guessing I get the prescription when I go back in two weeks? I'm going to find another doctor, though because I'm not getting a vibe from this one.

I think you are right. If you don't feel like your doctor communicates well it is time to find one who does.

Endoscopy. Some doctors recommend endoscopy for patients newly diagnosed with mild-to-moderate cirrhosis in order to screen for esophageal varices. (These are enlarged veins in the esophagus that increase the risk for bleeding). In this test, a fiber-optic tube is inserted down the throat. The tube contains tiny cameras to view the inside of the esophagus, where varices are most likely to develop.

Cirrhosis mild to moderate...you need an MRI or an endoscopy what is a visual check to see the extent of the damage. .Who diagnosed her with any stages ? What she had done is supposed to come after the first part...liver biopsy is not reliable.

Jaro, I agree that you should see a second opinion. Your doctor sounds, at best, to be brash and uncaring.

Jaro...thanks for the clarification that your endoscopy was just a look at your throat for varices. MrOSO picked up on it right away that that was the kind you probably had had but I'm a bit slower...lol.

I wholeheartedly agree with getting a 2nd opinion. I think that you would always have doubts if you didn't.

Keep us posted.

I made an appointment today with a different doctor. After a small melt down last night because I couldn't find a LIVER doctor in my area, I finally found one I think knows what he is doing and will do a liver biopsy. I'm going to my old one just one more time to get all test results then the next day I see this new doctor. I'm hopeful he will be better. I live in suburban Houston and I know I could find a really great doctor in the Medical Center but I live about an hour and a half away and I do not do well driving the Houston area freeways. But if down the road I get worse, I definitely will just do it. I will keep you all updated. Thanks again for everything!

Confidence in your Dr. is super important so I hope the new one gives your the guidance & time you need as you move ahead toward tx & SVR. Thinking of you.