cirrohsis of the liver

[ann1237]

I have cirrohsis of the liver (stage 4).  I would like to know if I will need a liver transplant.  I am currenty not on any type of medication.  Has a new medicine become available?

[IAmTheWalrus]

I should have added that there are no medicines "to the best of my knowledge" that will restore liver tissue. It is good that Robo pointed out that there are some drugs that will reverse liver fibrossis, but that is different than truly scarred or necrotic tissue that can be the result of cirrhosis.

For certain, if you can reverse some of the damage and keep your own liver, that is the best option in my opinion. Like Eureka says, you really need to be seeing a hepatologist for the best answers.

[eureka254]

Cirrhosis progression is not easily predictable.  Being Stage 4 does not necessarily mean you will need immediate transplant; in fact, many people with cirrhosis have it for years, even a decade, without complications.  However, it's a very individual thing, much of it depending on the stage of your cirrhosis and the severity and/or management of the underlying causes.

If you are newly diagnosed with Stage 4, it may be wise to follow up with additional testing to check for complications of cirrhosis, such as having ultrasound, endoscopy, and routine blood testing.  I hope you are being seen by a hepatologist (liver specialist), as sometimes general physicians are not very knowledgeable about the management of cirrhosis.  Hopefully you will find a doctor who can advise you on any recommended treatments or medications that might help slow down further liver damage.  ~eureka

[IAmTheWalrus]

Have you been diagnosed with HCV? Have you previously been treated for HCV?

[robo229]

cirrhosis too.
There are some antifibrotic drugs that can partially reverse the fibrosis, Losartan for one.  I'm sure this is also an avenue to be explkored as there just aren't enough livers out there.
Vit D also.

Robo

[IAmTheWalrus]

Ann,

Welcome to the forum!

No medicine cures cirrhosis of the liver. The main thing is to stop whatever has been causing the deterioration of the liver (hepatitis, alcohol, medications, etc.) and hope that there is enough liver function remaining to sustain you. If not, then a transplant is the only option.

There are new medicines for Hep C, but they will not restore lost (dead) liver tissue.