Stage Four Cirrhosis - Mortality

[Aubrey40]

Hello!  I am a 58 year old female that was just diagnosed with stage four cirrhosis after a liver biopsy, numerous tests, being sick since having pneumonia in September, 2014, and being in and out of the hospital several times, the last time two weeks of sheer hell, kidney and liver failure.  Long time wine drinker.  Mainly they tell me what I don't have, but confirmed ITP platelet disorder and stage four cirrhosis I do have.  My liver specialist and hematologist visits after leaving the hospital were bleak.  This will continue to occur and I will die.  I have completely changed my lifestyle, eat a natural diet and lean protein, no alcohol, counseling and PT for strength and endurance.  Because of my platelet disorder, I am on 20 mg of prednisone, lowering slowly to be off in one to two months. I am also on Lasix, 80 AM, 40 PM.  I am having weekly labs and my labs, other than my platelets, have all been in the normal range the past four weeks.  Liver and kidney functions, AST and ALT billiruben, creatine, albumin, etc., all normal.  I feel great.  Never did have any pain.  I have lost 70 pounds.  My PCP is very encouraging and my cheerleader.  My question, can I get better or stop the progress of this if I continue my current lifestyle?  How can all my readings be normal if  I am at end stage liver disease?  My liver specialist said I have an idiopathic problem, when I get an infection, either my extreme sensitivity to antibiotics or the infection itself causes my organs to shut down.  This hasn't happened since I quit drinking completely, so I think alcohol intake may have been a cause.  Any guidance anyone can give me would be greatly appreciated.  I want to hope, but want to be honest with myself too.  Thank you.

[flyinlynn]

Hi Aubrey

I am not Hector obviously but I did find this I though twould be helpful

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/772507_7

The Reversibility of Cirrhosis

Conclusion

Here, we reviewed the available evidence for the potential reversibility of cirrhosis in various types of liver disorders. In summary, we emphasise the following points:

    Currently, the most reliable strategy for reversal of cirrhosis is the treatment of the underlying aetiology. However, treatment of the underlying cause is not feasible in all the patients with cirrhosis.

    Reversal of human cirrhosis is probably a slow process and may take several years.

    Not all patients with cirrhosis have a reversible disease. Patients with cirrhosis can be categorised into different stages. Patients in the earlier stages of cirrhosis are more likely to witness the reversal of cirrhosis. Although the point at which cirrhosis is irreversible is not established, it appears that cirrhosis becomes irreversible once septal neovascularisation happens and portal pressure increases significantly.

and also from the same article

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/772507_5
Clinical Evidence of Reversibility

Regarding alcoholic cirrhosis, achieving and maintaining abstinence has led to significant regression of fibrosis and possibly early cirrhosis.[76] In a retrospective French study, complete abstinence from alcohol for at least 6 months was associated with regression of cirrhosis in 8% of patients.


I also have cirrhosis diagnosed in Jan 2008 mine is from Hep c I recentk\ly treated an tomorrow will be tested at 12 week after I finished treatment to see if I am hep C free and also have an oportunity for my liver to possibly heal with time

There is hope believe it
Good Luck
Lynn

[Aubrey40]

Thank you so much Lynn!   I have to stay positive.  Even when I am told there is no chance, I can't have a negative outlook.  Thearticles look very helpful.  I really feel great, mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually.  I want to stay this way as long as possible.  It feels so good right now.  I read your quotes from the articles and will look them up to read the whole thing now.  I am very lucky, my husband is a great supporter of my newly adopted health, alcohol free lifestyle.  He has joined me in my lifestyle changes.  We are trying to live every day with gusto!  I will post back after this week's doctor apoointments.  Thank you again!

[Livelife777]

Aubrey.   Just want say Congragulations for deciding to change your life.  Only good things can happen from here on out.
.....Kim
Please keep us posted

[Aubrey40]

Hello! Mi had a good week.  My labs are still great, platelets almost normal.  Visit with gastro liver specialist was encouraging.  They all commented how much better I look form six weeks ago.  I have a copy of my liver biopsy.  Pretty straight forward.  I asked about my meld score.  Six weeks ago it was 16.  Tuesday they recalculated it at 11.  The PA talked to me forquite awhile.   She said everything was going in the right direction and if I continue alcohol free and keep a natural, low sodium diet I should be able to stabilize my cirrhosis, if not begin to reverse it.

I do have a question for the forum.  The liver doc wants to do an endoscopy to check on PHT and varices soon.  He explained using a beta blocker or banding if worrisome varices are present.  My cardiologist feels I should wait three months and just switch from the current beta blocker I am on to one preferred for PHT.  I am feeling great and still have ITP and an idiopathic condition where when I have an infection, my kidneys fail, my labs go nuts, etc.  She felt it wasn't a good time to take the possible risk of infection an upper GI poses.   I saw the hematologist yesterday.  She agreed my recovery is strong right now.  Cut the prednisone to 10 for the next week.  Said barring  complications, I should be off steroids for my platelet condition in six weeks.  She agreed that I could avoid the endoscopy for six weeks and then we could reevaluate depending on if my great labs hold up.

I understand how serious varices are.  I just feel an upper GI is a risk and I feel like I am going looking for a problem when I appear to be healthy, feeling great and problem free right now.  Or maybe I am just afraid of what the scope will reveal?  I would love thoughts from fellow cirrhosis sufferers.

Thanks!

[Aubrey40]

And continue PT and exercise as tolerated daily....

[Aubrey40]

What does banding entail Ralph?  What are the signs of a bleed out? Coughing up blood?  How does it happen?  Thanks!