Cirrhosis Support Group

Hi all,

Had a follow up with my GP yesterday regarding my Cirrhosis worry. We went through my latest blood test results which show all levels normal including PT time and also Albumin 47. I believe UK normal measurements for Albumin are around 35 - 55.

Is it possible to be in advanced stages of Cirrhosis and still have normal Albumin and clotting time?

I have itchy skin all over , tiny scattered petechie , 2mm spider angioma although my GP is uncertain whether they are spider angioma or not ? Also as I menationed in my previous discussion I have Ultrasound result of 'Slight' course echotexcture of liver but normal size and normal splene. No ascites detected.

It's all getting a little confusing as I have no idea to this point just how much trouble I am in and my GP seems to know very little.

Seing the specialist GI in a couple of weeks so I guess he should be better placed to recognise if something is wrong. Couldn't get my AST levels as apparently they do not test for this unless there are other abnormal blood results. Anyone any ideas?

Hello Guitar. If I was you I would be asking for a referral to a hepatologist or a GI doctor with a liver specialty. The abnormal US alone warrants further investigation and most GP docs don't have much knowledge when it comes to liver disease. I would think at a minimum you should get a full lab workup with Complete Blood Count(CBC), and Comprehensive Metabolic Panel(CMP), a liver(hepatic) panel, and possibly iron and ferritin levels. Hormone levels would probably be a good idea as well. This will give you a better idea of how well your liver is actually working.

I had developed a few petichia right after I quit drinking, but my blood pressure shot up pretty high for a few months. Petichia due to liver disease is caused by thrombocytopenia (low platelets). If your platelet count is in the normal range then it's likely yours are due to anxiety and the high blood pressure that usually results. I only have maybe a half dozen. Also, it is normal to develop a few here and there over the course of your life. Also, itchy skin can be caused by alcohol withdrawal and anxiety. I experience little random pinpricks all over my body along with crawly skin and burning skin sensations. These come and go and are symptoms of anxiety disorders as well, but like you I always wonder whether it is the anxiety or undetected liver disease.

Congratulations on quitting the alcohol, it's the best thing you can do. Eating healthy and getting excercise will be very beneficial going forward.

Hi dwing,

I have had CBC done twice and all normal. Going to see Gastro specialist in a couple of weeks and planning on asking for Hormone test to get to the bottom of the Spider markings.

Anxiety without doubt is a dominant factor in some of my symptoms but like you say the Ultrasound report warrants further investigation in my book. Doc says they see 'Slight Coarse Echotexture' frequently but if you add the whole list of symptoms then it gives reason for doubt.

I have heard of itchy skin being a sign of alcohol withdrawel but it didn't start until about 5 weeks after I stopped drinking and has continued for nearly 4 months.like someone pricking me randomly with pins. It is not exactly severe but doesn't help the anxiety as it reminds me something is not right.

My GP says that PT and albumin are true measures of liver function and if I was in advanced stages of liver dissease then these would most likely abnormal. I wish I could take comfort from that but my anxious mind will not allow it. I do read alot of people living long lives even with cirrhosis and future stem cell research does give a little hope that maybe I have caught this on time. I had read an interesting article about Russian Scientist having developed a cure for Cirrhosis that actually works. They believe that the only drug of it's kind could be available withing the next 5 years. Sounds too good to be true but when you feel like you are facing a possible Death Sentence you will cling to any amount of hope!