what does stage 4 cirrhosis mean

[confused56s]

In my previous question, I asked the same question with no answers. I should have been more specific.  I was diagnosed with stage 4 cirrhosis, and I am not a drinker. Nor have I ever been diagnosed with Hep.  My father, brother, sister and several nephews had cirrhosis from alcaholism.  My grandmother, another brother and sister had cirrhosis from medications due to heart conditions.  What could be causing me to have this?  I don't take meds. very often, and I eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegs.  I'm very confused and somewhat scared after seeing what my family went through. Any comments would be helpful, thank you.

[ArtieChoke]

Helen,
You need to get a Hep C antibody test to see if you have Hep C if you have not already done so. If you want to know how far your cirrhosis has progressed, you need to get a Fibrosure test. (Your liver enzyme scores are not a reliable indicator of the state of your liver.) You might also want to be tested for Autoimmune Hepatitis. I don't know what test they use to determine if you have Hep A and B, or, why you would have cirrhosis if you don't have hepatitis and don't drink, but there is a whole list of possibilities, including Diabetes, Wilson's Disease (hereditary: too much copper), various blood flow or bile duct obstructions and/or disturbances, hemochromatosis (iron overload) or enzyme deficiency. Hope this helps.

Barbara

[confused56s]

thank you so much for answering me,  this has all been like a nightmare to me.  I have seen first hand what alcahol does to the liver, which is why I don't drink.  As for the hep. screen,  I was a continuous blood donor until a few years ago. since then I have not had a screen.  Unless they did this when I was in the hospital a little over a week ago.  I have an appointment on the 16th with the specialist, hopefully he will shed some light on all this.  Once again I  thank you.  Helen  asa confused56s                                                                                                                

[KjFlicka]

I am personally only familiar with cirrhosis caused by alcohol abuse, but there are obviously many other ways to achieve this diagnosis. Other than alcohol, Hep C, obesity and autoimmune disorders, I do not know. The folks here will chime in soon, I'm sure, so be patient. Have you ever had a Hep Screen? Many people don't even know they have it until a chance screening or symptoms arise. I've heard of heriditary factors being involved, too. At least you've learned not to drink yourself to this, so good job on that! Take care and check back soon.

Nicole