Ascites as first symptom, Dr. Appt tomorrow

[beastface]

Hi everyone,

I have never had any symptoms of Cirrhosis until very recently. I know I have gained weight recently due to not excessing and eating poorly but started working out and noticed I wasn't losing any weight or belly size. Then my belly seemed to be getting bigger. Finally this last week I started thinking that I had a hernia behind my belly button because I saw some puffiness there. Since then it seems to be picking up steam and I keep thinking how much bigger can I go. I looked up some stuff online and found out what Ascites was and it really sounds like a match to what is happening to me. I feel so bloated and I don't want to eat because every time I do I feel even worse and feverish...it really feels better not to eat. Also, despite not eating much...my weight is staying the same which seems to suggest accumulation of fluids.

I seem to be experiencing many of the classic symptoms of Cirrhosis other than the Ascities, although I don't feel like eating due to how full I feel and how I know I will feel afterwards.

Additionally, I have been treated for high blood pressure and just changed medications recently but the belly button expansion thing had begun prior to that change so I don't think it is related. My doctor wanted me to wait 5 days to make sure it didn't get better after I was used to the new medicine but I don't feel like I could make 5 more days expanding so I urged him to let me come in tomorrow.

In the end, I am showing a couple symptoms of Cirrhosis and a couple for Cogestive Heart Failure on the right side.

I guess I am wondering if this sounds familiar to anyone in their beginning stages. Any responses are appreciated.

[beastface]

Thanks everyone. I am still awaiting extra test results and then I imagine I might get a scan delay done.

I totally agree with the idea of eating and living well. I have been doing the mean green juice recipe which consists of apples, cucumbers, celery, ginger, kale and lemon. I am having two of these a day and any meal I am having is non-processed foods, lean meats and all kinds of things with antioxidants. I looked up a bunch of power foods for the liver and have been making sure to eat those. Garlic, green tea, leafy veggies, olive oil, etc.

Also, while eating like this and working out...I should be losing weight also which I am told is a good strategy too.

[andyhawaii123]

I agree with LiveLife. Probiotics are an important step in the puzzle as the whole GI system is greatly effected by Liver problems.  What happens is your immune system is being taxed in a dozen different directions and the Nasty Flora are very opportunistic. The only reason I didn't list it is I had just finished a 90 day 20billion flora per day Probiotic treatment in Sept. and my Dr. said give it a rest for a while Andy., so I took time off in that treatment.  And for those out there taking Lactulose...Nasty Flora can dig in, so I would recommend a High Count Course of Probiotics for a reasonable amount of time. You can follow up with 1-3 Billion count thereafter if your Dr. agrees.  Never forget to tell the Doc about all over the counter drugs and Proprietary Blends.  I was taking Calcium for my anemia, only to find out it blocks the absorption of Iron, boy did I feel Dumb! Best Wishes,  Andy

[Livelife777]

So happy that you are following thru on this situation.
I am in 100% total agreement with andyhawaii. I also take Milk Thistle and a good multi-vitamin.  The B 12s are included in my regimen as well.  I do have early cirrhosis and feel that probiotics are essential for digestion and they have curative effects for most diseases.  Vitamin D is known to help the immune system and is often found to be low in alcoholics.  A little sunshine a day can also protect Vitamin D deficiencies.
Keep us posted on your next set of labs.  Between Andyhawaii and myself we can give you a good idea of where your at in regards to your liver health.
Stay well
.....Kim

[andyhawaii123]

Hello Again,
I promise I won't write another book.  Liver Enzymes have a funny way of jumping up and down, and you are correct in that it can be a temporary raised level.  The are normally looked at over time for just that reason.  If you nip things in the bud, you will most likely be pleased to see how resilient and rejuvenating the liver is.  I take Milk Thistle, and other than a good mega multi vitamin and B12 - those are the only off the shelf meds I take.  I have been pleased with the Milk Thistle. And I swear by a very healthy diet (Something that was totally new to me).  I hope you're feeling better, and wish you the best.
Andy

[beastface]

Thanks Kim. I did hear back about my liver tests and they were elevated. I am getting additional tests today. I am hoping that this is just a case of the heavy drinking as a temporary problem and not a indication of a permanent issue.

I believe that said my AST was about 300 and the other was 100 which sounds pretty bad.

I am going to keep staying away from alcohol and eating very clean. I am considering milk thistle and some other supplement. What do people think about these?

[pugdaddy]

Andy, no doubt your hands became tired from typing...however that was a brilliant and MOST helpful summary...Many, many thanks!!
PD