end stage of cirrhosis of the liver

[whitegrilpr]

hi am asking if any one know what the last stages of liver failure is? how can u tell and is it painful.

[Thomas D Schiano, MD]

patients would have jaundice, weight loss, encephalopathy, clotting abnormalities and fluid build-up in the abdominal cavity

[Dayzdreamer]

I have end stage liver disease. The only symptom I don't have that Dr. Schiano mentions is jaundice. Why? Not even a Doctor can say why. I have the acites(fluid in abdominal cavity, and edema ( fluid in legs) I have not had a biopsy due the danger and the symptoms plus a CT Scan tells my GI enough. I am thankful that my amonia level is ok and I do not have the encephalophy yet.

I get a paracentesis about once a month. ( draining the abdominal area fluid). It sometimes hurts the last week before I get it done because of the swelling and at times makes it hard to get a good rest. My left leg gets numbness and sharp pains like burning in it. This is worse when the edema is there. The drainage helps the edema. I am not on pain killers but take tylenol on occasion for leg or arm aches. Another symptom is portal hypertention in the esophagus or abdomen area. These symptoms are all due to the liver not performing properly. I wouldn't call it that painful most of the time. Like I said it isn't bad enough to be on prescription pain killers for me. Watching what you eat helps a lot. Low sodium helps with the fluid not building up. I do believe each individual is different so I am just sharing my experience in how end stage liver disease makes me feel. I have a friend on a board that gets the encephalopathy but not the acites. Go figure why he gets one and I get the other.... I hope this is helpful.

[whitegrilpr]

thank you you have helped, i am glade my husband fells good for now.but for how long know one knows.he has not had his abdominal drained yet he says he has no pain but who knows? there is so meany outher thing going on with him .that will be next. i wish u well add me as a fiend if u would like