Stage Four Cirrhosis - Mortality

[Aubrey40]

Hello!  I am a 58 year old female that was just diagnosed with stage four cirrhosis after a liver biopsy, numerous tests, being sick since having pneumonia in September, 2014, and being in and out of the hospital several times, the last time two weeks of sheer hell, kidney and liver failure.  Long time wine drinker.  Mainly they tell me what I don't have, but confirmed ITP platelet disorder and stage four cirrhosis I do have.  My liver specialist and hematologist visits after leaving the hospital were bleak.  This will continue to occur and I will die.  I have completely changed my lifestyle, eat a natural diet and lean protein, no alcohol, counseling and PT for strength and endurance.  Because of my platelet disorder, I am on 20 mg of prednisone, lowering slowly to be off in one to two months. I am also on Lasix, 80 AM, 40 PM.  I am having weekly labs and my labs, other than my platelets, have all been in the normal range the past four weeks.  Liver and kidney functions, AST and ALT billiruben, creatine, albumin, etc., all normal.  I feel great.  Never did have any pain.  I have lost 70 pounds.  My PCP is very encouraging and my cheerleader.  My question, can I get better or stop the progress of this if I continue my current lifestyle?  How can all my readings be normal if  I am at end stage liver disease?  My liver specialist said I have an idiopathic problem, when I get an infection, either my extreme sensitivity to antibiotics or the infection itself causes my organs to shut down.  This hasn't happened since I quit drinking completely, so I think alcohol intake may have been a cause.  Any guidance anyone can give me would be greatly appreciated.  I want to hope, but want to be honest with myself too.  Thank you.

[Livelife777]

Sarah when I had my endoscopy they saw varacies but did not band them at that time.  In my case they felt like beta blockers would be the better alternative and that's what we did.  Talk to your Dr before the procedure and find out his typical protocol.  You should get the scope as bleeding varacies can be life threatening.
Good Luck
.....Kim

[Sarah1949]

When you had your endoscopy, did they do the banding at the same time. My doctor wants to do the procedure the first time to only check things out and then if I should need banding they would do a second procedure. This is one of the reasons I've yet to have an endoscopy. I know it's 50/50 but worry about infection, pain, and anesthesia. They won't use propanol, only urgh I forget the name of the other one that's cheaper. It's a bad week for memory. :)

[flyinlynn]

Hi

I am not totally sure for me I think it was 4 each time but it could have been more I am of smaller stature so maybe my throat is smaller too.

Only problem I had was it was real hard to swollow for several days especially the first 2. Felt kinda like I had a big piece of meat stuuck in my throat like in the upper center of my chest. Made the mistake ot trying to eat a bagel real tough time going down.

Maybe macaroni or soup for a couple of days soft foods anyway

Good luck

[promise0210]

Lynn that's so good to hear you've been able to manage your varicies. Gives me hope that my husband can do the same. Do you remember an average number they banded each time?  My husband has had as many as 8 at one time but usually it's 6-7

[flyinlynn]

http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/endoscopic-treatment-for-variceal-bleeding-caused-by-cirrhosis-topic

Endoscopic variceal banding (or ligation)

During variceal banding, a doctor uses an endoscope to place an elastic ring that looks like a rubber band around an enlarged vein. Banding the vein in this manner will cut off blood flow through the vein. It may be difficult to use this procedure while someone is actively bleeding, because the device used to place the bands obscures the doctor's vision.

Variceal banding is often done several times to control the varices and prevent bleeding. For example, banding might be repeated every 2 to 4 weeks for 3 to 4 sessions. Your doctor will monitor (check) the varices every 3 to 12 months after that for the rest of your life.


I had banding done I had an upper EGD once a month for 4 months to eradicate all the varicies.

I was checked again at 6 months and now every year so far no reoccurance since 2012

Good luck
Lynn

[Aubrey40]

Wow, so sorry to hear about your husband.   That is scary.  Do they do the banding at the same time as the endoscopy?  What exactly is banding?  What does it entail?  I just tend to prepare for the worst and work myself up into a full blown anxiety attack....    :(.   Thanks so much for your response.