cirrosis

[bluebird305]

here are some numbers and abbrevians I do not know what they mean.  I am stage 6 ( my doc does not explain anthing to me.  gonna get a new one.platlet count 109 out of range-  tumor marker 28.7   ast  123 h  alt128h  creatinin 1.5h  gfr51l biltrubin total o.9  alkaline phosphatase98  afp/kp high  Plus what does melb mean?  I'm just asking anyone. I was going to ask hector but he not feeling well.  I didn't know that hep c came in stages.  I also have cirrhosis.  maybe that what he means any way he is mentioning hep c clinic.  Kinda under his breath   I don't trust him.  I am getting another opinion  Any help is greatly appreciated.  thanx a bunch

[bluebird305]

Thank you so much for responding.  I went for an MRI today, and I guess I gotta wait a few days. and when I do, I making an appointment with my new doctor.  All I need is my records .  I am trying to hang in there but I have to remember that are also other people who are in worst condition then I am at the moment.  You are right Hector is awesome, I learned a lot from him.   bb

[Dee1956]

here it is
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Cirrhosis-of-the-Liver/show/1390

[Dee1956]

Good morning Blue, Hector gives the absolute best advice.  I am just chiming in to say that there is a cirrhosis forum on here which is very helpful. I will get the address and come back

[HectorSF]

There are different systems for evaluating what is found in a liver biopsy sample. The Ishak system is a modification of Knodell's system but separates histologic grade from stage. Ishak's fibrosis scores range from 0 to 6 (1 or 2, portal fibrotic expansion; 3 or 4, bridging fibrosis; 5 or 6, cirrhosis).
You have cirrhosis (stage 6).

* Your platelet count indicates early cirrhosis with an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) and some portal hypertension.
* AFP could be caused by inflammation of the liver caused be hepatitis C. You should be on HCC surveillance every 6 months.
* Creatintine level is at the high level of normal on most lab tests. Nothing to worry about unless you have kidney disease.
All else is normal.

Do you mean MELD? Model for End-Stage Liver Disease?

It is liver disease not hep C that develops in stages (fibrosis than cirrhosis) over usually decades that you need to be concerned about. You need to treat and cure your hepatitis C as soon as you can to prevent the need in future years for a transplant.

You should be seeing a hepatologist for expert care. You can find them at liver transplant centers. The best thing you can do for yourself is to be seen at a liver transplant center to have your total health evaluated. No single doctor, even a gastroenterologist can help you now that you have cirrhosis. You need to learn how to manage your cirrhosis now before it advances and becomes decompensated. At that point you will never a liver transplant in time to survive.

Please get in touch with a transplant center’s liver disease department soon. Wasting time is not a good idea when a person has cirrhosis. Cirrhosis only gets worse if not managed properly.

Broward General Medical Center - Ft. Lauderdale , FL
Jackson Memorial Hospital - Miami, FL
Tampa General Hospital - Tampa, FL
St. Lukes Hospital (Mayo Clinic) - Jacksonville, FL

Good luck!
Hector