Cirrhosis Support Group

I'm very scared right now. I had some blood tests done a few weeks ago, and my liver enzymes were significantly elevated. In a very matter of fact sort of way, my doctor simply said "you've got cirrhosis." I was too dumbfounded to ask any questions, and I don't see him again for another week. I'm having additional tests done tomorrow to check my iron levels. I have a history of alcohol abuse, so I shouldn't be surprised (obviously, I've stopped drinking once I got this horrible news).

My symptoms in the last few months are as follows... occasional fatigue, insomnia, and sometimes slightly puffy feet. I'm 42 years old (male), and in otherwise good health.

I could go on, but I don't want to write a novel right now. Is anyone out there in the same boat as me? Did I just receive my death sentence? Or with obvious life changes is cirrhosis something I can manage?

I'm going crazy here with worry that I'll soon be dead. Can anyone offer advice?

Thanks

He can't tell from your liver enzymes. My enzymes were first very elevated in 1989, after six months or so I was referred to a gastroenterologist. When he did a biopsy he found non-specific triaditis. In other words inflammation. A couple years later it was fibrosis. So, you see, the blood tests are an indication of liver problems, but they are not a complete diagnosis.

I'm glad you are feeling relatively healthy. There's some good news. Cirrhosis can be halted if the cause is removed. You can feel as good as you do now AND BETTER for many years.

If you are an alcoholic with an addiction to alcohol, you might need help to stop but STOPPING can save your life!

There are many causes of cirrhosis but there are some here with alcohol cause as well as most of the other causes.

Post your concerns and look around. You can learn a lot!

Thank you for the replies. I'm clinging to hope right now. When I see my doc next week I'll be going with a written list of questions. Maybe, just maybe, I'll get through this.

Your doctor cannot make an official diagnosis just from blood work alone. See a GI or a hepatologist. They specialize in the liver area. In the meantime, remove alcohol from your life completely. If alcohol is the main reason for your liver enzymes being high, then stopping it can halt any further damage. There are all kinds of liver disease. Once you officially have cirrhosis, it is cirrhosis. No going back. You can have decompensated cirrhosis which means cirrhosis with the bad symptoms to go with it. You treat the symptoms and maintain the healthiest lifestyle possible. And there is compensated cirrhosis which is cirrhosis without the symptoms. You still maintain the heathiest lifestyle possible. Eat fresh foods, exercise, cut out the sodium, cut out processed foods, don't take alcohol, nicotine, or drugs that are harmful to the liver. There is a long list of drugs that can be harmful to the liver.

Good luck! Get a second opionion, an MRI or CT scan, and a biopsy.

Aaron01 I LOVE your statement: (obviously, I've stopped drinking once I got this horrible news). It is obvious to most of us on here, but it is apparent that it is not that obvious to a lot of people out there. You have the right attitude.

Aaron01,

The others gave you good advice. Elevated enzymes can be caused by many things including alcoholic Hepatitis (Liver Inflammation caused by alcohol), Alcoholic fatty Liver,Pancreatitis , Certain Medications. Viruses.

Do you know how your other labs were? Especially your Bilirubin,Albumin, INR, Platelets, Creatinine, Sodium , BUN, Amylase , Lipase , Protease

Many Cirrhosis patients do not have elevated enzymes by the time they are diagnosed.

Cirrhosis does not have to be a death sentence I work with several patients that have alcohol induced Cirrhosis Most of the ones that stopped drinking are doing well some improved enough to be removed from the transplant list.It happens more often than you would believe.

I would advise you to keep copies of all test results. It help to follow your progress. Below is a link for general information on Cirrhosis.

http://livingwithcirrhosis.weebly.com/

Thanks again for your continued advice and support in this thread. With your help, and the wealth of info I discovered here on CSG, I've already compiled 2 pages worth of questions which I will insist my doctor answers when I see him next Monday. He's always in a rush. Not this time Doc. I need professional help, and it's his job to provide it. I've waited in the waiting room for him as long as 2 and a half hrs, just to get rushed through my appointment, like cattle. We'll, this is my life, and as sad as it might sound, 3 weeks ago I didn't value it anything close to how I do today. Fear is a powerful motivator. I've already adjusted my diet in the last 3 days to low sodium, no red meat, and lots of fresh veg.

Thanks for the help so far. I truly appreciate it, and feel I far less alone now than I did this morning.

p.s. I've also been experiencing minor occasional heartburn (lasts for about a minute, then it's gone, then 3 to 4 hours later I'll get it again for a minute or so. In your experience, did you get this as well?

Post edited by: Aaron01, at: 10/11/2011 01:11 AM

Post edited by: Aaron01, at: 10/11/2011 01:24 AM

Aaron: You should think about making a consultatopn appointment with your doc,he'll schedule more time for you and let him know ahead of time that you have a million questions, if he has an internet link for patients or E-mail you could send him your list in advance.

Peace and Joy to you

Paul

I am so sorry to hear about your diganosis. I also hate to be on here asking a question too. But i have been trying to join something for months to ask questions about my mothers condition and i found this website and i dont know how to make my own discussion. So here it is. My mother is 40 years old and has been drinking about a 12 pack or more a day for the past 10 years. She recently has went completely jaundice. her eyes, arms, face, whole entire body is yellow. all she does is sleep and she can barely eat due to her throwing up all the time. She was recently admitted to the hospital and they are saying she has acoholic hepatitis and they are reviewing her lab work and ultrasounds and etc and saying she more than likely has cirrhosis, but need to do a biopsy to confirm it. I am just really worried that she may be on her death bed. Or maybe does she have a chance to survive?? I wont know anymore probably until tomorrow they are transferring her to a bigger hospital......PLEASE HELP.