MELD score 4 years later

For those who don't know I was diagnosed with end stage liver disease and Hep C four years ago , The Hep C was later found to be a misdiagnosis . I was sent to the emergency room after test results for severe liver damage and renal failure came back , I later found out my MELD was 32 . Delirious , Unable to walk or put a simple sentence together . I went from seemingly healthy to this condition in less than a week .

I can't remember much about the first few weeks of hospitalization but subsequently found myself in another hospital than where I checked in at . In a ICU unit about a hour away from the original hospital . G.I doctors had given me three months at best for survivability . In the mean time I started seeing a Hepatoligist at UNC Chapel Hill . One year passed by slowly with weekly visits to hospital to have Paracentesis done , Emergency hernia operation and regular check-ups . I managed to complete my sobriety evaluation and medical pretransplant evaluation during that first year with all else that was going on .

I requested that TIPS surgery be done to re-leave me of ongoing Paracentesis now at 2 times a week with removal of average 8 to 10 liters of fluid each visit . The surgery was performed and within 3 months muscle tissue , Appetite returned with no need for weekly Paracentesis , I haven't had one done in 3 years now . This was a turning point in my battle with alcoholic cirrhosis .

I am told I have very little liver function but whats left seems to be in working order , I take medications and vitamins along with moderate exercise daily . I watch what I eat carefully and still follow up with medical appointments and have been sober since the diagnosis . I got the news this morning that my MELD was at 7 and my liver and kidneys are functioning properly with no signs of cancer , The TIPS is flowing as it should . I thought this update might give others hope in the face of challenges they are facing today with liver disease , Diagnosis doesn't mean a death sentence if you choose to fight .



A. Ziffle

Congrats, Ziffle. You are our poster child for recovery from alcoholic liver disease (ALD.) The key in your case was that you stopped drinking and stayed sober. I hope others will take heed and see that they can recover from ALD if they stop drinking once and for all...one day at a time.

Hugs,
Connie

Good going Arnold. I'm going to have to wait for my pork rinds a little longer.

What great news

Great News!!!! Sandia

Great work Ziffle!

Jeff

Congratulations Ziffle! For a moment I got a little worried not knowing what you would post. But it's great news keep up the good work!

Monica

Yeah I suppose I had a few people reluctantly clicking on this post just to see what I was gonna write next . Heee , Heheee You know I have to stir the pot on occasion Monica . It keeps you rookies thinking cap on . Glad you guys chimed in to wish me well .

David you been here awhile and so has Carol , You both know the ends and outs of this disease . It does take a lot to keep fighting when the odds are against you . There aint enough room in cyberspace to house the fight in a few of you , sure wish we could rub some that off on others . I made a decision awhile back to quit with this forum , Not that I don't enjoy helping but the toll of feeling like my words are getting nowhere got the best of me . I know I've seen my fair share of people dying or heard the cries of loved ones locked into the downward spiral with them . I know we can't save everybody and some just don't want a savior . Just a voice maybe ? Hell I know I did , and some of you listened to me rant like a loon ( Still do ) . I can't tell you how many times I pictured Connie strangling me over the years . Anyhow I cut the fool a bit and sometimes things get taken a bit overboard , To those I offended please , please , pleeeeassse kiss my curly big fat pig tail .


P.S : You know I love you guys .

A. Ziffle
( Rick )

We love you, too, Rick. I always think of you when alkies or loved ones of alkies post. You are such a great example of someone who kicked the poison to the curb and fought your way back to sanity and better health.

Hugs,
Connie

Love you too Mr. Ziffle. I have always appreciated your wisdom, kind words, encouragement, and humor. You have helped me (and Dougie) tremendously.

Emma

Congratulations on your IMPROVED status and being able to maintain it.  I find your input invaluable and intelligent.

Deb from Canada 

Thanks again and Jules it's always a pleasure to see a son or daughter be so involved in the parents time of need . He must have instilled alot of good in you .



A. Ziffle

Tinabeanna, welcome to the forum. It would be best for you to start your own thread to introduce yourself to other members and your situation. In this way, you will get more responses. Just click on New Topic instead of Reply and give it a topic. You can copy and paste your old post into the new one, if you like. Or just start from scratch.

In answer to your question, ESLD and advanced liver disease are basically the same.

I recommend that you read the info in the folder at the top of the page, entitled Hepatitis Resources. There is a lot of good info there about liver disease, not just viral hepatitis.

Hugs,
Connie