Can cirrhosis go away?

My dh had a major bleed last month, where he was diagnosed with hep c. We saw a hepetologist, who says that she treated someone with only 15% liver function, and after following her advice for a year, this persons liver showed NO signs of cirrhosis. I didn't think this was possible. This doctor has recommended another hepetologist for us (not sure why), but we don't go see him for another 45 days. Has anyone heard of this happening? And why would they recommend a transplant specialist, when they haven't even done abiopsy yet?

[HectorSF]

"she treated someone with only 15% liver function, and after following her advice for a year, this persons liver showed NO signs of cirrhosis". You are correct that is BS. That doctor is a quack or you misunderstood what they said. Go see another hepatologist in 45 days.

Meanwhile make sure this person takes all their meds to manage their cirrhosis and should they bleed again or pass out call 911 ASAP. Bleeding and other complications of cirrhosis can be life threatening.

This person"dh" has decompensated cirrhosis from what you indicate. There is no need for a biopsy. Their symptoms, blood tests and physical appearance indicate advanced cirrhosis.

Bleeding varices is a common complication of decompensated cirrhosis. Unfortunately their disease has progressed to the point where they will need a liver transplant in the near future to continue living. At this point you want to help them get on a transplant list at a transplant center ASAP so they have a chance of getting a new liver.

For those who want to understand more about cirrhosis, what it means, and current treatments, some helpful and detailed explanations can be found here:

http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/185856-overview

Best of luck to you both!
Hectorsf

[eureka254]

I certainly would ask the hepatologist more about the patient she spoke of with 15% liver function -- it's certainly possible, but like you, I would have some curiosity about that, and would certainly ask the specifics of what she brought up, the condition of that patient compared against your dh, and what she used to treat that patient.  Furthermore, it brings into question that if she's been that successful in the past, why she wouldn't (or couldn't) do the same for your husband.  It's quite likely that what she's speaking of has nothing to do with hep-c induced cirrhosis.

If your husband had a major bleed, he may have enough symptoms for doctors to diagnose obvious cirrhosis without need for biopsy. Esophageal or GI bleeds in the setting of long term hep c is likely an indication of decompensating cirrhosis.   It's likely the previous doctor referred your husband to a transplant specialist if transplant medicine is outside the scope of her practice.

The treatment and management of hep c and cirrhosis is indeed a lot of 'hurry up and wait.'  It's unfortunate that your experiencing this turn of events, but a referral to a transplantation center is the logical next step with your dh's current condition.  Hope that helps, welcome to the forum, and don't hesitate to ask more questions if we can help.  Best wishes. ~eureka

[eureka254]

"dh" is women's shorthand for 'dear husband.'  

[Smilesweetie]

That's one thing I'm confused about, he hadn't technically been diagnosed with cirrhosis yet. From the research I've done, I'd say it's probably more likely than not. The only question in my mind is how severe is it now, and can we treat it. I'm really very worried about him. We have four beautiful young children, the baby just turned two, ewho adore there Daddy. I'm strong enough to help him fight this with everything I have, but how it will affect the kids worries me.

[eureka254]

Knowledge is power, and you'll find that the research and learning will help you a great deal on the road ahead.  One thing to start, though, is to get copies of all your husband's test results:  blood work, ultrasounds, procedure notes, etc.  Get in the habit of asking for a copy of whatever is discussed at every visit before you leave the doctor's office.  Having the information at hand will be invaluable for future reference, both for yourself and in circumstances when your husband is being referred to other providers.  Nothing worse than getting to the new doctor only to find out that the old doctor didn't send records and testing has to be repeated.

It's natural to worry about your husband and your kids, but you'll have to make an effort to replace that worrying with a positive frame of mind.  No doubt this situation will be a necessitate some changes in the months ahead for you and your children, but the young are resilient -- and it's important that you keep focused on the good possibilities.  Hopefully you have other family and/or a good support system to help you and  face the challenges ahead.  

Btw, if you want a crash courses on diagnosis of cirrhosis (and you seem inclined to research), you might find some helpful information here:
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/185856-overview

Stay strong and keep positive. ~eureka

[Smilesweetie]

I live on research, I guess my dorkiness is finally paying off,lol. I try very hard to stay perpetually perky and irritatingly optimistic. A smile can brighten someones day, and it really annoys angry people :)  Its just me, my dh, and the kids unfortunately. We have no family close by.i an going to check that link out, thank you so much!

[can-do-man]

Great stuff from eureka, Wishing you and your family the very best..... Things will work out.

cando

[eureka254]

"...I try very hard to stay perpetually perky and irritatingly optimistic...it really annoys angry people :) "
------
I know what you mean, I've made it a habit too... the added bonus to annoying angry people is it also confounds pessimists! :)

[HectorSF]

Thanks for the dh.
All I knew was in baseball it means designated hitter. DOH!

Hectorsf ;)