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END STAGE CIRRHOSIS OF THE LIVER

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Posted 10/2/2008 8:40 AM (GMT 0)
My partner has just received the devastating news that she has end stage cirrhosis of the liver following a biopsy.There has never been any evidence of this until the recent biopsy which was taken as a precautionary measure for another complaint,The reason is non apparent as she has never taken alcohol.Her physician has indicated that he will review her condition in a years time but has not given her any medication.

I am extremely worried,how quickly does this progress,what is the life expectancy?

I have searched the internet but cannot find any hard facts on the subject,just a kind of 'wait & see' attitude.

Any information would surely be welcome.

Posted 10/2/2008 2:07 PM (GMT 0)

Generation-

Welcome to the forum!! I think you will find this forum to be very informative. In reading your post....first of all, has the doctor run tests to find out what liver disease she has??? Is this a regular primary care doc??? I think you need to see that she gets in with a GI doc or more importantly a hepatologist....there is no reason she should have to wait a year to get any other follow up!!! depending on what liver disease she has, there may be some treatments out there, or possibly a candidate for transplant...but, she needs to see a liver specialist, no a regular doctor. There are several threads that are very educational on end stage disease....and I would encourage you to read them. Also, with regard to some of the symptoms, there are medications that can help......my husband has stage 4 cirrhosis and hepC, and is on a transplant waiting list waiting for a new liver, and he is on Lactulose to help w/ high ammonia levels (which causes confusion, etc) and also diuretics to help with fluid retention.  Know that we are here to help you.....do ask lots of questions and get educated, educated, educated!!!

Mary

Posted 10/2/2008 2:30 PM (GMT 0)

Hello Generation and welcome to HealingWell.   Mary gave you excellent advice.  Please do go over some of our old posts.  You should find out many of the answers to your questions.

Take care......

Posted 10/2/2008 5:40 PM (GMT 0)
smilewinkgrin   Welcome Pink,

    When I was diagnosed with chronic liver disease, I found out that it was very hard for the doctors to get a hand on too. As it turned out I have Auto-Immune Hep. Has his doctor done tests for Auto-Immune diseases? That might be something to look at. And as for medications, my doctors have NOT put me on any meds due to the fact that they can, in some cases, do more harm than good. I am doing good for the most part contrlling it with diet. I wish you both the best. Take care of yourselves. And if you need anything just ask.

                         LilMissKathy

Posted 10/2/2008 5:42 PM (GMT 0)
OOPS, I am sorry generation, I called you wrong name, please forgive my error, I am very sorry.
Posted 10/3/2008 3:58 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome to the forum Generation. I know that the diagnosis of cirrhosis can be very scary. I was very afraid when my husband was diagnosed 2 years ago. To be honest I am still afraid. But coming here has helped with some of the fears. There are very many caring, knowledgable people here that understand just what you and your partner are going through. It really helps to get educated. You can be in control a little if you know what to expect. I have learned alot over the past two years and am still learning from the internet and also this forum. I hope you come back. You will be in my prayers.
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