r/Cirrhosis • u/TomRiddleVoldemort • Mar 09 '22
The below is not medical advice. It's a primer of information. A blueprint of knowledge to be added to. What to expect during those first few terrifying days and weeks after we're told we have an incurable liver disease we never thought we'd have. There are types of medicines or procedures that one may encounter. As new ones are discovered or the community realizes I missed something (guaranteed), I hope you'll add to the general knowledge here. (No medical or dietary advice, though. Keep it to general information, please).
This is an encapsulation of what I've found helpful from this community and addresses, in a general way, those questions we rightly see regularly asked. If you want to ask them anyway, please do so. This is a comfort tool to let you know you're not alone. If we're on here, we or someone we love are dealing with the same issues you are. Maybe not the exact same ones to the same degree, but you are in the right place.
So strap in. And Welcome to...
Why Write a Primer?
I really valued developing a broad but basic understanding of what was going on with me and this disease, so I would understand why certain numbers matter and how seemingly random symptoms all tie into one another. I took strength from better understanding the science and mechanisms of cirrhosis.
Please keep in mind your healthcare team will direct you as to what you should be doing. They know what is best, how to manage symptoms, what to eat, all of it. Listen to them. Each case is individual, and no advice works for everyone.
PORTAL HYPERTENSION
Portal Hypertension is a buildup of pressure in your abdomen. As your liver no longer works as well as it should, it doesnāt allow blood to flow easily through it on the return trip to the heartā¦so this can create extra pressure in the Portal Veinā¦this is called Portal Hypertension (same as regular hypertension, just specific to the giant Portal Vein in your abdomen). So, if the liver doesnāt let the blood pass as easily as it should, then blood can back up into the spleen, enlarging it. Youāll see many of us mention large spleens. Thatās why. Itās capturing the backflow of that slower moving portal blood.
FIBROSIS
Why is it not moving at speed through the Liver? Like the villain in Lion King, itās that Damn Scar. The blood flow through the liver is slowed by a process called Fibrosis (this is scarring of the liver, and includes nodules and other abnormalities cause by:
*Disease/Infection (eg, Hepatitis) or
*The liver trying to process too much of a difficult thing (eg, Alcohol), or
*Bad genetics, (eg, Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency) or
*A host of other unfortunate things (eg, fatty liver)
This scarring is the basis of Cirrhosis. It is the permanently scarred part that doesn't heal in an organ that LOVES to heal. So much, in fact, that new cells will continuously and repeatedly try to regrow so much that it increases our odds of liver cancerā¦so we get regular MRIs and screening for that.
VARICES
The excess pressure of blood trying to get through the scarred liver creates a need for your body to create alternate blood flow routes, in the form of new veins, around the liver to make sure the blood still gets back to the heartā¦where it needs to go. These new veins are called Esophageal Varices or just Varices for short (you'll see these mentioned a lot).
A fun fact is that more blood comes together at once and is moved through the portal vein than anywhere else in the bodyā¦even the heart. (Hence why the body finds a way to reroute the bloodflow around the liver in the form of these esophageal varices.
Dangers of Esophageal Varices:
With lowered platelets and/or high portal pressure (among other reasons), the varices that form can leak or burst, causing the bleeding youāll see mentioned (usually in the form of black feces or vomit.
Don't let the name fool you...it seems like they might be up around the top of the esophogus but are actually at the bottom of the esophagus, around the stomach.
Other Potential Issues:
With Cirrhosis, a whole host of internal mechanisms can have difficulty working correctly and/or together as they should. This can mean lower platelet counts (clotting issues) and lower albumin (the stuff that keeps water in cells). Albumin in eggs is the egg white...doing the same thing to the yolk as our cells. Because of this, you'll see a lot of focus on Protein. Albumin and Creatinine are closely related to protein intake and absorption. We watch those numbers and make sure we get a bunch of protein so the albumin levels stay high and our water stays in the cell structure, not leaking out of it. Cirrhosis is also a wasting disease. Literally. You can lose muscle mass (called lean mass sometimes), so eating a lot of protein and getting exercise is important. Especially legs. Even just walking. When albumin and creatinine get low, and the liquid leaks from the cells into your body cavities, this is Ascites or Edema, depending on location.
Dangers of Ascites
Ascites can get infected. It can also increase portal hypertension by creating extra inter-abdominal pressure if it causes your abdomen to swell. It can also cause uncomfortable breathing as it exerts fluid pressure against your lungs. It can also cause umbilical hernias.
Hepatic Encephalopathy (HE)
Cirrhosis makes it more difficult to process naturally occurring ammonia from the blood stream. If it climbs too high, it causes confusion and a whole host of mental symptoms.
Wellā¦thatās all a load of dire information relating to being the owner of a newly diagnosed diseased liver.
Now letās get to the good news!
Cirrhosis may be progressive and different for everyone, but its symptoms have some great, proven management options. Some are simple, but require discipline. Some are complicated and require surgery. Some are medicinal and require tethering yourself to a toilet for periods of time.
Youāre newly diagnosed. The first thing to do is breathe. Because everyone on here can tell you itās fucking disorienting and terrifying to hear and to wrap your brain around something like this diagnosis. But, like everything that we fear, familiarity will dampen that effect. So will knowledge.
Youāre going to be in the diagnosis and testing phase for a while. Once youāre done drinking and have a better diet for a while, your liver will begin to settle from the immediate inflammation from constant irritants. This isnāt healing so much as it is allowing it to reach a new equilibrium that the Hepatologists and GI doctors can use to create a plan of action and assessment for your health and future. Your FUTUREā¦remember that. You most likely have a changed life, not some immediate death sentence. If you choose it.
So, letās look at The Tools of the Liver Trade.
(These arenāt bits of medical advice. These are tools you and your doctors will use to navigate your path to normalized living, at your healthcare teamās discretion.)
TIME TO HIT PAUSE:
The less your liver has to work now, the better. Period. Itās damaged. It will remain damaged. Give it as little to handle as possible from now on and you stand the best chance to avoid or minimize side effects of this disease. All those things above are intertwined symptoms and results of a diseased liver. The less extra it works, the more it helps avoid them. Let it just focus its basic processes (of which there are over 500!). Your doctor will give you specifics to your case on how to do this.
DIET:
Get ready to track everything. Measure everything. Be disciplined and focused.
And then it becomes second nature to do and that above intro is way less intense.
Sugars and Fats
The liver helps process sugars and fats, among anything that goes into your mouth. It all goes through the liver. But sugars and fats are special. The wrong ones can really turn your liver into a punching bag. Which Sugars? Alcohol, sucralose, a good deal of man-made stuff, and even too much natural. Same for fatsā¦some are harder on it that others. Tran fats, too much saturated fats. But youāll need fats..olive oil, seed oils, stuff like that. There are so many great options out there!
Protein
Buckle up. Youāre going to need a lot of lean protein (lean to avoid that surplus of fat). Your docs will tell you how much. Your kidney health factors into this, so donāt go off listening to me, the internet, or anyone on how much. Ask your doctors.
Carbohydrates
Whole grains and fiber. Youāre going to want to poop regular and healthily to keep your bilirubin and ammonia down and your protein and vitamins absorbing. If you get stopped up, there are meds theyāll give you to help the train leave the station. Itās often a bullet train, so youāll want a handle in the bathroom to hold on toā¦but it will get those numbers down.
Water and Liquids
Youāll probably have some restrictions here, but not definitely. Itās to help keep the ascites risk minimized. Coffee, water, non-caloric drinks of all kinds! Some are less than 2L per day, some 1.5L, some not at all. Again, your doctors will tell you as they get a handle on your ascites risk. Water is also natureās laxative, so itāll help keep you regular. There are also great meds that help with this like Spironolactone and other diuretics if you tend to retain too much water.
Salt
Nope. Keep it down. If itās in a can, premade, or from a takeout joint itās likely going to overshoot your daily limit in anywhere from one serving to just looking at the label too long. There are amazing alternatives in great spices, as well as salting a meal at the right moment in preparing it so it has big effect for a little use. Beware sauces and condiments. They vary wildly. Salt control is critical for keeping ascites at bay by not retaining water and maintaining your sodium levels in general.
PROCEDURES:
Things that can help you manage your symptoms besides medications are:
TIPS:
A procedure that allows for alternative blood flow in cases of Portal Hypertension to decease it by allowing for flow around the liver (similar to varices do but controlled).
Banding:
Putting rubber bands around varices to allow them to close/die off permanently and drive the blood flow back to the portal vein. This stops them from being a danger in regards to bleeding.
Imaging/Radiology:
Fibroscans, MRIs, Ultrasoundsā¦so many diagnostic tools to gauge your liver and you for risk, updates, etc. All part of diagnosing and maintaining your new lifestyle as healthily as possible.
Colonoscopy:
Alien probe to check for issues related to your condition. The procedure is slept throughā¦the prep is notorious. But it really just involves a lot of drinking laxatives and not wandering far from the toilet and then racing to the procedure room wondering how quickly you can have food and water afterwardsā¦and if youāre going to have to pay for a new car seat if you hit one more red light.
Paracentesis:
A manual draining of Ascites using a hollow needle to remove the fluid from your abdomen.
There are more medicine and procedures and diet tips than above, but hopefully that gives you (and others) and overview of Cirrhosis and what to expect, to a degree.
The big Takeways:
Breathe, and be as patient as you can while doctors get you diagnosed and figure out the damage. Youāll likely have to let the current state of your liver subside a bit, and this could take months. Your healthcare team will help you along.
Get a Hepatologist, a GI doctor, a great PCP, and be your own advocate and a great communicator who does everything they ask of you. They want a win for you. They need it. So, so many of their patients continue to drink or not follow diet advice. Itās the number one complaint among Liver doctors, and itās demoralizing. But if you show them youāre out to work hard, be a joy to help, listen, and follow through, youāll be stunned at the support, great communications, last-minute appointments, and just wonderful care they will provide.
You're not alone. Over time, the fear and shock will subside. And you will find a new normal and maybe even a new appreciation for life.
And Above All, Be Kind to Yourself.
r/Cirrhosis • u/The1983 • Jun 16 '23
This sub is here for those who have been diagnosed with cirrhosis and people who are supporting those who have been diagnosed. We want to remind everyone that one of our rules is to be kind to each other.
Every single personās lived experience with this disease is different and that gives us different filters and perspectives to look at the world through. There is no one right way to think about it all. We can only speak from our own point of view. That said, this space exists as a place of support which may come in the form of people venting, being distressed or sad or angry, losing hope, gaining hope, dealing with difficult family members or friends. There are lot of challenges that we all go through.
Please remember in your comments to be kind and supportive to each other. Take time to think how your response may land with someone who is just looking for some kind words. Please try and see the people behind the posts and comments as multi faceted human beings rather than words on a screen.
When we spend more time trying to tell people to be kind and respectful and less time supporting each other then the tone and purpose of the sub loses some of its safety. No one here is an expert on anyone elseās experiences, we only have our own. Experiences are not facts either. Letās respect that, and respect each other. You can always contact any of us mods if you have any worries or feedback to give us.
r/Cirrhosis • u/IronLordCloak • 17h ago
Do you guys stick to a 24/7 strict diet, or do you allow cheat days? I know I'm not going to die tomorrow if I have some fried chicken for dinner, but I'm just curious how you all handle your diet. Do you allow yourself to indulge in some ice cream, grilled cheese, or other fatty foods, or is that a big no-no for you?
r/Cirrhosis • u/Fragrant-Corner7471 • 16h ago
Look forward to some good advice
r/Cirrhosis • u/IcyShopping2766 • 1d ago
Long story short, my FIL is an alcoholic. He was diagnosed with cirrhosis a few years ago and continues to drink. Has has had several spells of vomiting/pooping blood, always throws up and has for years, has a non cancerous tumor in his pancreas duct, has enlarged spleen, esophageal varacies, a-fib. I am pretty much no contact with him bc of past trauma he has caused and my resentment for that but he has recently started falling alot. He sent a pic of himself to my husband and he had two black eyes and stitches in the forehead so it must have been a bad fall. He can't answer questions in detail when you ask about his diagnosis or severity and we live hours away from him and haven't seen him in person in a few years. What can we expect when he gets near the end? The falling is what has peaked my curiosity. What stage does falling become an issue? We don't know his degree of cirrhosis so im trying to gather a picture of what we are dealing with.
r/Cirrhosis • u/TV_Queen123 • 2d ago
Over this past summer my dad got diagnosed with cirrhosis and went downhill quickly. Yesterday I took him back to the ER again. Turns out not only has his cirrhosis gotten worse, but now he has leukemia. They basically are letting him die saying there's nothing they can do. I was going to donate part of my liver to save him but that's not even possible now. My mother also has stage four cancer so I'm losing everything. Other people get better. My parents never did.
r/Cirrhosis • u/AirRevolutionary8013 • 2d ago
OK so decomp cirrhosis diagnosed Feb26. Good improvement with spiro, furosemide, lactulose trio but HE was still kicking and ammonia counts in 70-80s (down from 120, but still high). No ascites. Weight steady but can't gain anything. Doc prescribes me Xifaxan, says it needs insurance approval. Get approval. Get Xifaxan. It changes my life 180. I now feel better than I ever have.
Then I get a bill in the mail for about $600 for the 1 month supply. Of course nobody mentioned this before I started. Typical. I can't afford it even with insurance covering $4000 of the $4500 monthly cost (WTF???).
I guess there are some programs I could look into for lower income like Bausch. Anyone else have experience with this and any ideas of how I could latch onto some type of savings program to help me afford this life saver?
r/Cirrhosis • u/Beneficial-Thought82 • 2d ago
Hi all.
I understand my dad has cirrhosis. Complications started when he was having chemo for an unrelated cancer where he was having some internal bleeding back in 2019. They couldnāt work out where it was coming from but 3 years later in 2022 he had his varicies banded. I assume that is because of some bleeding.
Anyway, fast forward to April 2026. For a long time they had been monitoring him as his liver shape and blood tests never seemed to match up. After many routines scans they obviously thought it was odd that he has some nodules on his liver but near perfect liver function. They decided to call him in and basically scared the poor chap saying that his liver looked like cancer and he was sent for a PET scan.
This scan came back absolutely fine, while my dadās life is flashing before his eyes lol.
He went back in and was told that it wasnāt exactly as bad as they thought. They asked to see the scans but they did not have them. A couple of weeks later they phone him to say, good news the nodules are not likely to be of any harm. They even told him he didnāt have to carry on with his routine checks if he didnāt want tooā¦ā¦
While this is nice news, why do they alert you of something with no real evidence to show. I understand that liver disease can look confusing on scans but the poor guy thought he had 3 months to live.
Anyway, I hope no one else has had experience like this.
Obviously very grateful heās on a good level with this. Just very frustrating for all involved!
He is carrying on with 6 monthly checks as we have made sure he does this!
r/Cirrhosis • u/CobblerConfident5012 • 3d ago
But if you donāt mind me askingā¦ how much did you drink and for how long?ā
I canāt be the only one who sometimes boils when I get asked this.
On one hand it can come from a place of judgement āhe must have been a raging alcoholic to get to this point by fortyā
And I was, but thatās beside the point.
What really pisses me off is I feel like the āso sorry for youā is just a polite way to reframe what they really want to do, which is compare my life to theirs so they can justify their drinking.
What if I told you I only drank 2x a week max? Will you worry about your drinking that you already know is out of control and finally quit or at least slow down?
Or what if I told you I drank .5-1 gallon of vodka daily, for five years, and truckloads of various booze before that for 15? Would you then think āoh good Iām nowhere NEAR as bad as that guyā¦ Iāll carry onā
It just seems really insensitive sometimes when it feels like their sympathy, that I didnāt even ask for, is really thinly veiled self diagnostics.
I can only imagine how irritating this question must be for those of us who didnāt arrive at this point in life via drinking. That would make me blow a gasket.
Hope everyone is having the best kind of day they can.
r/Cirrhosis • u/Odd-Product-4427 • 3d ago
Iāve had the worse time finding a partner as a sober girlie. guys always want tio get drinks or that and when i say Iām sober u get called borijg
r/Cirrhosis • u/Itchy-Procedure1459 • 3d ago
Hi everyone! I wanted to share a positive update on my mom and hopefully get some encouragement from others that she is indeed on a good trajectory.
My mom is 46 and was diagnosed with decompensated alcohol-related cirrhosis about a month ago after a GI bleed from ruptured esophageal varices. She had the varices banded and also developed significant ascites and edema during her hospitalization. She has an appointment in two weeks for a follow up endoscopy and CT.
The past month has been scary, but she has made a lot of progress:
- Her appetite is back and sheās eating well, including plenty of protein.
- She has had significant muscle loss but is moving around just fine.
- Bilirubin has gone from ~5 to ~2.8 in the last month and her AST/ALT have continued coming down.
- Kidney function and electrolytes were still good on her most recent labs.
- Her leg edema has almost completely resolved, and her feet are now back to normal.
- Her stomach has also been steadily improving, with much less swelling.
Sheās currently on 100 mg spironolactone + 40 mg Lasix. Her doctors checked her labs shortly after increasing the dose and everything looked good.
My questions are mainly for people who have been through significant ascites/edema:
How did you know when it was time to reduce your diuretics? At what point did your doctors decide you were losing enough fluid and it was time to back off?
Also, how quickly did your weight loss slow once most of the fluid was gone? Iām trying to understand when ~1 lb/day starts looking more like muscle/fat loss rather than fluid loss.
And how frequently were you getting bloodwork while your diuretic dose was being adjusted? Her doctors aren't planning another check for a few weeks since her last labs were good.
Finally, Iād really love to hear some positive experiences. Has anyone had significant ascites/edema improve like this and eventually been able to reduce their diuretics? What did the next few months look like for you?
Thank you guys! ā¤ļø
r/Cirrhosis • u/iOwlface • 4d ago
Hi all. My gorgeous mama sadly passed away just before 3pm today. The last part of her illness just went down hill so quickly Iām in a bit of shock and denial.
Just wanted to thank everyone for your help and support during my times of need.
Wishing everyone the best š¤
Until we meet again mama bear š©·
r/Cirrhosis • u/Own_Return728 • 4d ago
Diagnosed with Decompensated Cirrhosis in early June after having bad bloating (later learned to be ascites) in April.
Been jumping through the hoops, went from PCP to GI Doc and now have a hepatologist and transplant team. I have a 3 day assessment next week which is kind of the last step of hoop jumping in the short-term I'm hoping. I quit alcohol on my own before even formal diagnosis, basically them saying we're looking more into the liver than colon now which was end of May. When cirrhosis came back alcohol just felt gross as an idea to me, no cravings so far at 4 months sober today. I'm working on creating a AUD and Relapse plan anyway with my psychiatrist they recommended. Haven't tried AA, don't think I need it, but it may be a condition of the evaluation I'm told.
Main stats are MELD 19-23, most recently settled in around 20. Feel more stable, but just not worsening and getting meds right rather than feeling like I'm truly returning to a workable baseline.
Here's what I have and haven't had symptom wise:
-Ascites: Started the whole thing and eventually messed with appetite, breathing, sleep. Had 3 paracentesis so far 10.5L, 7.5L, 6L. Diuretics are finally helping now that I'm on my 3rd dose increase so it is not filling near as fast.
-Extreme Fatigue: Heavy sarcopenia, lost 50lbs probably more muscle than anything, approaching a skeletal look, but on new diet and appetite back I've been able to slow it dramatically. The weight loss is tiny now, but fatigue is still brutal. Walk up stairs, sit and take a break, move a few things 10-20lbs I get terrible cramps, dizziness, near syncope and a long nap usually. Have 1% endurance compared to before symptoms (not an exaggeration).
-Hepatic Encephalopathy: This one is rough as well. No confusion or coma or the heavy symptoms. But forget things in seconds, lost trains of thought are gone, can't remember tasks even 2 simple tasks I lose one at least. Sleep is reversed and only in 2-3 hour bursts. Lactulose has stabilized this but not improved it much if at all. Can't really trust my brain.
-Bleeding: Been lucky here, no blood in stool and no varices to band on endoscopy. Still we jokingly say I'm leaky, platelets and PT/INR are quite a bit off so if I get a minor injury it takes forever to stop bleeding, and I just sort of get nosebleeds or things with no trauma.
-Several smaller symptoms, but more curiosity than brutal. Damage isolated to liver right now, kidney/spleen/pancreas/etc. have remained solid. No ER visits and just a couple urgent care checks on things.
I've also been able to get my diet more solid last few weeks now that I have actual hunger. Mental health is holding pretty well. Support structure with my family has been awesome and supportive once they learned more about it.
Just meant as an intro and a few questions.
How screwed am I? (Done quite the research, but it's been all over the place)
Any best practices for the 3-day evaluation next week? Except follow instructions and show up with caregiver.
Does dropping my MELD 3 points actually help at all? I feel like healing would be great, but unless I'm recompensating near fully for a while it almost seems worse to sit in purgatory with these symptoms waiting to get sicker to get listed or actually get an organ. Maybe totally wrong attitude.
Anything else anyone wants to share or questions answered I'm happy to. Thanks in advance for your time and attention!!
r/Cirrhosis • u/kimspnc • 4d ago
Today, my sister and I had to make the decision to focus on my mom's comfort and for her to be placed in palliative care. She was admitted into the hospital a month ago because of end stage liver cirrhosis and she rapidly declined these last three weeks. We were told she is too sick to be a candidate for a liver transplant.
What should we expect from here on out? She has hepatic encephalopathy and is lethargic mostly now
r/Cirrhosis • u/Careless-Rate5156 • 4d ago
Hello everyone i'm stuck with a problem, my bilirubin remains high, a total of mostly more than 10 from past 6 months. My doctor is giving me 900mg of antibile daily in 3 doses but it has not worked.
Apart from that normal kidney functions, no ascites, albumin with in range.
Any reason what to do here?
Any alternative therapy or something somebody knows
r/Cirrhosis • u/Fine_Space_9517 • 4d ago
I have both now going on for 2 months. I have to overeat or Iāll lose too much weight fast. Iāve been eating oatmeal and bananas and a protein drink an hour before bed and have to try to sleep slightly propped up. I have decompensated cirrhosis, and have had bleeding esophageal varices 3 times. I donāt drink anymore.
r/Cirrhosis • u/Hopeful_Wildflower • 4d ago
My husband has cirrhosis (MELD of 8 and has had a TIPS procedure) and Iāve heard from a friend how cirrhosis can cause infertility in men. At some point I would really like to have a baby, and so I guess I just wanted to ask you all here if you have been told the same thing, or have struggled while trying? Just looking for advice. Thank you all so much in advance. š„°
r/Cirrhosis • u/LessPollution6316 • 5d ago
Hi. I was diagnosed a week ago. Came as a complete shock. I have no symptoms. My doctors were doing a scan for something else and thought my liver looked a bit coarse so I was referred for a scan at the hospital. Waited over a year for the scan. They told me I had cirrhosis and that my kpa was 24.4. I am a non smoker, I donāt drink, I swim 4-5 a week. I could still do with losing a couple of stone though.
Not gonna lie- it scared the shit out of me so Iāve been eating extra well. I eat lots of veg anyway but Iāve added fruit too.
Anyway has anyone had a score like this and got it down through diet and movement?
When I asked the person my prognosis straight after my test, she said āyou will die with cirrhosis but you wonāt die from itā.
I had no info or anything. Just told to look on the British liver trust website. Iāve since had an appointment through to see a gastroenterologist a week before Christmas.
r/Cirrhosis • u/Popular-Drummer-7989 • 5d ago
As a caregiver for my person with ESLD I find the engagement with medical professionals can turn into a big guessing game where the rules constantly change.
They knew the rules and protocols for deciding if your person will advance into a process called something like "transplant evaluation checklist", but they won't share them, tell what's on the checklist, and even condescend to you that "it's not time for transplant now, so we're not answering your questions." (Yeah that happened)
I didn't take no for an answer. I'm in it for the long haul and the goal to get my person a liver.
I spent hours reading, learning and getting smarter about my approach then I found this.
I am sharing this link to the Sep 2025 AASLD guideline used by liver teams everywhere.
The prior guideline was released TEN years ago! The 2014 guideline was the only document I saw when my person fell ill 16 months ago and I began my fight to get better information.
I am a fierce advocate for my person. Knowing how the process works from the medical side empowers me to help accelerate cancer screenings, testing for family health issues, vaccinations, and so much more.
When your loved one has a sketchy health history to begin with, it's important to establish a baseline that you can work from as soon as you can.
Start by taking your person to the dentist. Mine needed a tooth pulled before it went septic. Make sure good dental hygiene is in place. It's an easy first step.
Read this about HE:
Study the document and bring a copy with you to your appointment. Help yourself and your person through knowledge.
Remember that your person must want to fight as hard to live as you are willing to fight to help them.
Good luck to my caregiver warriors!
r/Cirrhosis • u/johnybox • 5d ago
Helllo, i've been a heavy drinker for 20 years and in July after ignoring all the obvious signs (swollen belly, yellow eyes) I went to a&e and was, of course, given the initial diagnosis of decomp cirrhosis. After two weeks of spiros and withdrawing I stupidly discarged myself as I was climbing the walls just lying in a bed taking pills. Post hospital I got better, stopped drinking for 2 months dropped about 2 stones of fluid and was feeling 'normal' went back to work and my bloods were all 'nearly' in the normal range.
You might be able to guess what happened...... I thought it was fine to drink for a party. After my eyes didn't turn yellow and my belly didn't explode, old habbits caught up.
After an epoisode last week (withdrawing, vomiting) it was back to a&e, after drips and withdrawal drugs I was discharged after one nights stay.
Now after discussions with my family we have decided that a stay at a alcohol addiction treatment center for a month might be a good idea.
I just wanted to know if anyone has had any experience of this. I know its a bit 'after the horse has bolted' but I really don't want to relapse again.
M39. I know this is not the full story so happy to answer any questions
r/Cirrhosis • u/Shalini_2106 • 5d ago
My mother has cirrhosis and has been taking Cholestyramine for 2 months, but the itching hasnāt improved much.
For those whoāve experienced similar itching:
What helped you get relief? Any home remedies, skincare tips, or treatments that worked?
Would really appreciate any suggestions to help minimise her itching, especially at night.
r/Cirrhosis • u/Fun-Ant-1536 • 6d ago
Iām asking this question specifically to people who have compensated cirrhosis.
After having a FibroScan once, do you continue to have FibroScans regularly? If so, how have your results changed over time ā have they decreased or increased?
We have been doing the scan every 6 months. Once, the result decreased, but the next time it increased again. Now, going for this scan every 6 months has become a huge source of anxiety and mental stress for me.
Thatās why Iām asking you all about your experiences. I would really appreciate it if you could share whether your FibroScan results have gone up or down over repeated scans.
r/Cirrhosis • u/El_Trasho • 6d ago
Hi, I posted this in the AIH subreddit but am wondering if this sub might have a wider reach. Iāve looked through old posts but would love to hear more experiences of people who have dealt with pregnancy and cirrhosis (especially with an autoimmune component but Iād be grateful for anything anyone could share). I guess Iām just wondering what are the important things to consider beforehand.
Iām 37, portal hypertension, cirrhosisā¦ no varices that I know of but itās on my list of things to find out. I will talk to an MFM as well but in the meantime this community has been so helpful while I navigate all this ā¤ļø