cchrosis of the Liver

[jules95]

I just got diagnosed with Cchrosis of the liver, I was shocked on Monday to find out that I had this. For the last six months been dealing with low platelets and brusied real easy. I also the last two weeks have really been really tired, I just felt different biopsy done and this what came back. I have never drink, but had fatty liver for years so I guess that is what it is from. I was checked for hepitatis, etc. I am scared we meet with the doctor on Monday to find out what stage etc. I am so scared can anyone tell me can I live with this and can I get ahold of it and stop its progression. Please anyone I need all the help I can get and what questions should I ask when I go in. Thanks a lot Jules

[mikesimon]

I want to add my well wishes and prayers.
I always hear my Mom saying "Son, don't borrow trouble" so I choose to believe the best and look forward to hearing some good news from you soon.

Good luck,
Mike

[ceanothus]

Jules, I am so sorry to hear this news of your masses. I will be thinking of you and hoping they are benign. Best wishes!

[jules95]

thank you shelly and u are in mine. Keep prayers coming on the 29th Monday for having surgery to remove two large masses off of the ovaries. The oncologist is not for sure if cancer or not but don't like the signs said for us to be prepared. Hugs Jules

[jules95]

Thanks Dee and I pray for each and every one of you, please keep me in your prayers surgery on the 29th Monday for two large masses off ovaries, he is on line if cancer or not but said to be prepared. Hugs Jules

[jules95]

way to go!!! I love my smoothies. I have not lossed but have a lot of fluid now they thing this is due to two large masses they have found off my ovaries. I have surgery on the 29th Monday please keep me in your prayers as I will u. Hugs Jules

[jules95]

Prayers for you, and a big hug. We can do this with the Lords help. Jules

[jules95]

Sorry I have not been on here in awhile, I told you all about my kidney being smaller than the other so they thought. Well had catscan and before I got to far down the road the urologist was call me and said he was sending me to a geo oncologist I have two large masses one the size of a grapefruit and the other size of a saucer off the ovaries. So kidney was not small afther all the masses shadowed them. So I will be going in on Monday the 29th and we will see if it is cancer are not. He is on the line with it due to it is mobile which he did not like. And my markers are elevated but this could be because of the liver so we are just not sure. He said to be prepared and possible debulking etc. I have been on a rollercoaster since june and I am ready for this ride to stop. So please keep me in your prayers for good results. I hope each and every one of you are doing well and I keep you all in my prayers I just pray lord for my Med Help friends to have peace, rest, and good reports. Hugs sent out to u all and will try to check in before surgery on Monday. Jules

[crossroadsec]

Sry it took so long. I was end stage when diagnosed, just like you. I successfully treated for hepatitis c after a year on diuretics n a ton of meds. I treated through a transplant hospital.
I had portal hypertension and varices when I was diagnosed. It was the frightening. I go back to the transplant doc this week. I also see a gastroenterologist.
I guess your endo went well with no varices? That is awesome news for you! It's been almost 3 years. I wasn't expected to make it. With this group, doctors, and a lot of support - all things are possible!
love and prayers,
Karen:)

[rivll]

That's great news.
Cutting out bread and pasta has helped me with a lot of digestive issues too.

[bleubird02]

3 weeks ago I was diagnosed with Stage 2 with cirrhosis of the liver.  The doctor has stared me on steroids and anti rejection meds. I also started to follow the Mayo Clinic Diet and took out meat, pasta and bread. I also drink smoothies from the Eat to Live book.  I don't know if it is the meds or the diet but I feel better and loss 4 pounds..

[Advocate1955]

What kind of specialist Jules? I hope it's a hepatologist and not a gastroenterologist.
Adv

[Sevetts]

Hi Jules, I just wanted to say that you are in my thoughts and prayers also.  I hope that you are feeling better and getting through all of your appointments ok and getting all of your questions answered.  Please keep us posted.

Shelley

[Dee1956]

Hi Jules, I have been thinking about you, keep in touch :)

[rivll]

I will keep you in my prayers, Jules.
Please keep us updated.

[jules95]

So sorry have not been feeling well, the endoscopy went good. I however feel like a beach ball and I am just so tired. I have been meeting with someone in my town on natural stuff and the used a Rife Machine on me today. Just a shot although it has not been proven to help any. I went to regular family practice and she gave me a number for a second opinion just to make my husband and I feel better. I go to specialist tomorrow on my right kidney on the size of it. So will check in with you all tomorrow. Jules

[Advocate1955]

How did the endoscopy go?  What were the results?
Advocate1955

[Dee1956]

Hello I found this in my book referenced below:

Bifidobacterium Bifidum has proved useful in the treatment of cirrhosis of the liver by improving digestion, it reduces the strain on the liver.  . By promoting the proper digestion of food, the friendly bacteria  aid in preventing digestive disorders such as constipation and gas, as well as food allergies.  If digestion is poor it can lead to excessive production of the body chemical histamine, which triggers allergic reactions as well as ammonia in the blood stream can cause nausea vomiting other toxic reactions.  It works where some times acidolphilus doesn't. Many experts consider b bifidum to be preferable for people with liver disorder.

I have a book called Prescription for Nutritional Healing by Phyllis A Balch
and have taken a few lines from her book

I hope this helps

[Dee1956]

p.s. yes you can live with this, try to follow everyone's advice above.  Drink lots of water, try to eat low salt, no meat, the least amount of medications.
Everything you eat or put on your skin, in your eyes is processed by your liver.
I was shocked when my doctor wanted to know what eye drops I was using.

[Dee1956]

Dear Jules I can imagine how you feel.  I found out I had diabetes, Hepc and cirrhosis all in a matter of months.  My blood work did not indicated how damaged the liver was so it was good to get the biopsy.
I was just beginning to transition into cirrhosis, my first symptom was low platelets.
Like you I was terrified, thought it was a death sentence, thank God I found this site back then, 2007.  It took me 3 months before I could even discuss it with anyone but my husband.  I cried all the time.

I am now free of the Hep C virus but still have cirrhosis.
I did not like my first Hepatologist, he was more of a research doctor than a patient doctor.  After my first relapse.  I refereed myself to the hospitals hepatologist..  I wanted a second opinion and I wanted someone I felt comfortable with.  I have never regretted it for one second.  My current doctor saved my life and he has a personality :)  I don't know if your insurance requires a referral but your GP could give you one.
I agree with everyone above.  To me you would want to start a relationship with a hepatologist vs waiting and going in cold.
All my best to you
Hang in there, the brain does adjust to the horrifying news, you can do a lot of research, just click on the magnifying glas at the top of the screen and search for anything you might want to know about.  Hector has given you excellent advice as has everyon else.  You are doing a wonderful job.
Dee

[jules95]

Thank you all so much for all the info. I talked it over with my husband and my family doctor, and I am going in for the endoscopy tomorrow. Once this gets back I have a appt. with my family doctor and we are going to talk about getting a hep doctor. I am really bloating a lot, I changed to smaller meals to try and stop the bloating. It worked some but had just a half sandwich tonight at 5.00pm and within minutes I was like I was nine months pregnant. It is now 10.00 pm and finally getting a little more comfortable. Wish me luck with endo and will let u know what turns up with it. I am going to tell gastro doctor about bloating and see what he says. I hope u all have a blessed day tomorrow; Sending u all hugs u make me feel like I got a second family. Jules

[rivll]

Hi Bluebird, Below is the Mayo Clinics list of symptoms. I have cirrhosis and when I had hep. C I had many of these symptoms. Now that I no longer have the virus I no longer have the symptoms but I do still have cirrhosis.
Since my liver is no longer under attack it is functioning better.

Please see a Hepatologist at a transplant hospital. At this point, a liver specialist is the only one who can help you deal with this.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cirrhosis often has no signs or symptoms until liver damage is extensive. When signs and symptoms do occur, they may include:

    Fatigue
    Bleeding easily
    Bruising easily
    Itchy skin
    Yellow discoloration in the skin and eyes (jaundice)
    Fluid accumulation in your abdomen (ascites)
    Loss of appetite
    Nausea
    Swelling in your legs
    Weight loss

[orphanedhawk]

I was just as shocked as you when first diagnosed.

If you are swelling up with fluid, then you are not in the beginning stages of cirrhosis, but further advanced. Yes, see as experienced a hepatologist as you can find.
One of the best things I did was change from my GI to a hepatologist.

Perhaps you can call the transplant center yourself and not have to deal with your GI at all.
Please remember, it is YOUR health and YOUR life. The doctors are there to serve you.
If it would help, have your husband help make the appointment for you.

BTW: Like mikesimon, I too have had a transplant, so I know what having cirrhosis is like.

Best of luck.
OH

[bluebird305]

Just today I have learned a lot.  It is hard for me as I have a few mental and emotional problems, to process an retain all this info.  I know I've repeated myself a lot about severe cirrhosis but I still don't know what symtoms I should be feeling.  The only things I am showing are, very tired ( more than I ever been in my life)  a lot of bloating  and dizziness.  ( also have thyroid problems ).  It also seems my speech is worse than it ever was, although I was told it has something to do with my mental status,  it has gotten worse.  Are there more, or did I cover it all.  I just need to know.

[FrancineMA]

Yes Jules this is scary to find out.And yes you can live with this as long as you take care of yourself and eat very healthy.my name is Francine i am 26 yrs old and i am going to college to become a medical assistant to eventually become an RN.I just found out on sunday june 2,2013 that my dad,age 51,has hep c and cirrhosis of the liver.I thought this was the end for my dad after seeing him in the hospital.After being there for two days he didnt even know who I was.That just broke my heart,but he was discharged on thursday and he is home and fine.I've had three members of my family pass away of cirrhosis of the liver at a young age because they were alcoholics n continued to drink and do drugs after being diagnosed.I know we are strangers and I've shared alot of information with you but I just thought I'd share with you my story.So,just watch your food intake,eat healthy,and drink plenty of water.Lookup,on google,cirrhosis diet,and you should see a general idea of what foods to eat and whichfoods to stay away from.Oh and lots of fruits and veggies.

sincerely,
Francine

email:***@****

P.S.
my prayers go out to you and your family,I wish you all the best of luck and health.