Alone

[Denene7000]

Just got diagnosed. Confused. What's next?

[flyinlynn]

Here is some info from the NIH

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002441.htm

In general I have heard a heart smart diet is a liver smart diet

Lynn

[Denene7000]

Hello, again. Still waiting for financial medical help so I can see liver guy. Do you know a good site to guide me about my diet?

[Dee1956]

Really good answer Randy

Everyone's answer was good

Denene, please let us know how you are doing.
Take Care
Dee

[Dee1956]

Hello, I am so sorry, I know what a shock it is to be told you have HCV and then to be told you have cirrhosis.

When were you denied insurance? They can't deny you for pre existing conditions under the new laws.

I know how it feels, hang in there.  With more information others can direct you to where to go what to do.  Most would say you need to go to a hepatologist that is connected to a transplant center.

Take Care
Dee

[rexx73]

Beeing cirrhotic I would only take what my hepatologist is o.k with,especially with cannabis wich could you exclude from getting a transplant in some tp centers.

[Denene7000]

Waiting is so hard!! I wish I knew if cannabis oil would cure this like it does Cancer!  And I Know for a fact that it does cure cancer so don't even think about telling me it doesn't . I have seen the proof in real life.. But I don't  know if it will help this condition. People say it will but I need proof first.

[Denene7000]

Yes, filed for disability so I am just on hold waiting to hear something. Yes, I have been working since I was 15. I am now 61. So I should have plenty of work credits.
I appreciate all of y'all.

[nan535]

"He wants to know how I will pay him because I have been denied insurance"

What was the reason for your denial?
You may want to try applying  for Social Security disability if you have enough work credits.  Do you qualify for Medicaid?

I agree with the advice already given. You should be seeing a hepatologist at a transplant center.  They will do a full evaluation.

Don't panic. Learn as much as you can about your medical condition. Know that we all have a lot of personal experience with Hep C and Cirrhosis and are here to answer your questions. You are not alone.
Nan

[Denene7000]

Thank you. They say it is from Long term HepC. Yes, I am new to this. Have always been very healthy. I am 61 and until this "water pill" they prescribed for me, I have delighted in knowing I didn't even have to take a blood pressure pill! I was told this disease has been there for 40 years but I have never had any symptoms. i went to doctor to find out why I was suddenly swelling from waist down to feet. I worked retail and was Always on my feet so was shocked when I got diagnosed! I am waiting to see a liver doctor. He wants to know how I will pay him because I have been denied insurance. So here I am..

[Livelife777]

Hi and welcome
As everyone has stated cirrhosis is NOT the end of the line.  Many of us on this site have cirrhosis and are living happy productive lives, including me.
We would really like to help you to understand this disease and what you can do to stay healthy.
You mentioned that you were alone, and just wanted you to know that I was also alone until I found this group.  Not sure if you are newly diagnosed or have been living with cirrhosis.
Can you please tell us a bit about your situation?   I do remember when I was told I had cirrhosis is was a very scary time in my life.  You may have those feelings as well and be somewhat overwhelmed.
Just know that we are here for you should you have any questions or concerns.   Just know that you are not alone anymore.
Take care
....Kim

[rpooo]

Denene sometimes thing aren't always what they seem. Many of us have been told a transplant will be needed but depending on your doctors qualifications, the actions you make from this point on and how well your body responds in many cases transplant can be avoided or prolonged for years. Unfortunately this is not the case for everyone but most transplant centers in the US have a success rate better than 90%.

There are very educated people in this community that have been in your shoes. A diagnosis of cirrhosis does not always mean transplant or death. It is possible to survive with cirrhosis, learn all you can and this is a great place to start. Educating yourself about your condition will greatly increase your chances for as much recovery as possible. We are glad to share our experiences and what we have learned. Choosing to do nothing is likely to cause your condition to advance. Advocate for yourself, don’t just leave it up to your doctor.

It’s been nearly 5 years since I was diagnosed and told the same thing, my last blood labs have never looked better. I’m so thankful for every day and have never been more motivated.
------------------------------------------------------
“What’s Next?”

If you have not already done so it is critical you register with a transplant center so you may be seen by a Hepatologist (liver specialist). This does not mean you will need a transplant only that you will begin receiving the best treatment available. In the event that a transplant becomes required for your survival the TP Center will already have your medical records and you will have developed a good professional relationship with a doctor you have come to trust. This is the most important thing you can do for yourself.

A general doctor or gastroenterologist despite their good intentions just is not qualified to manage your condition.

This is also a good page to learn what you could possibly expect and how to manage your condition:
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/Cirrhosis/index.aspx

Communicate with this community and we will be glad to help you along the way. I wish you the best!

Take care,

Randy

[fntn]

Denene - You're certainly in the right forum. But we'll need much more information if you'd like us to help you with something. As Rubye_Jack indicated, some medical history, what's the cause of your liver dsease, etc ...

[Denene7000]

Yes. Told I needed a transplant..no one to talk to about this.

[Sarah1949]

Hi Denene, What were you diagnosed with? Cirrhosis?