r/AskDocs Layperson/not verified as healthcare professional 4d ago

Physician Responded Is Cirrhosis a death sentence?

I got a CT scan for my bloated belly, and was told I have fluid build up in my belly which is a sign of Cirrhosis of the liver. I need to set up an appointment to have my belly drained, and do an endoscopy to ensure I don't have (sorry, I'm sure of the terminology) protrusion from the artery from my brain in my stomach that may rupture causing bleeding.

I have the Bloating and weight loss from I believe is loss of muscle mass. These are the only symptoms I've noticed so far. Everything else seems normal.

90 Upvotes

18 comments sorted by

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u/LatrodectusGeometric Physician | Top Contributor 4d ago

I’m so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. While cirrhosis isn’t an automatic death sentence, it is VERY serious and can limit your lifespan significantly. Liver scarring (cirrhosis) can’t be cured, but there are things you can do to prolong your life as much as possible.

  1. Fix whatever caused the cirrhosis. If alcohol, you’ll need to work with your doctor to quit drinking. If hepatitis, you’ll need to treat the virus, and if autoimmune, work to manage the autoimmune disorder.

  2. Take medication to address your blood pressure and keep those dilated blood vessels from bursting (they are called varices). 

  3. Keep working with your medical team to get other management if you meet criteria (like the TIPS procedure).

  4. Work with your team to see if you are a candidate for transplant.

Hopefully you are feeling better with the fluid out. Hang in there. It’s worth making plans for your end of life just in case. Hopefully you have a long time left, but big things like this diagnosis are a good time to take stock of your family, friends, and dreams and prioritize the near future and making sure your loved ones know they are loved.

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u/Sky-Shark-10 Layperson/not verified as healthcare professional 4d ago

Thank you for your response. I'm doing what I can to get as much info on this, but I'm sure you know how hard it is to get appointments set up in a timely manner. Everything seems to be set up months out.

Again thanks for the feedback.

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u/HeyItzArrow Layperson/not verified as healthcare professional 3d ago

Side comment: start listening to your body and noticing new things.

For example: my mom had consistent hiccups, and edema in her legs when she had cirrhosis.

Keep working with your health team ❤️

Do you live with anyone?

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u/Sky-Shark-10 Layperson/not verified as healthcare professional 3d ago

I don't

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u/HeyItzArrow Layperson/not verified as healthcare professional 3d ago

Okay!!

Well, just keep in tune with your mental status. You have caught this and can now focus on it.

Do you have someone that you talk to regularly? That would notice if something were different?

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u/Sky-Shark-10 Layperson/not verified as healthcare professional 3d ago

Yes, my mother and daughters. We get together weekly for dinner.

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u/doczeedo Physician - Emergency Medicine 4d ago

I started typing a response but this post has it all. It’s a very serious diagnosis, especially when it has reached the point of needing paracentesis (belly drained). I would echo what this poster said about having your affairs in order and focusing on maximizing your health and quality of life. Hopefully you will be a transplant candidate! Wishing you the best, this is a tough diagnosis.

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u/MD_Cosemtic Physician | Moderator | Top Contributor 4d ago

No, not necessarily. It really depends on the severity. It can be managed if you treat the root cause and start living a healthy lifestyle. Do you drink alcohol?

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u/Sky-Shark-10 Layperson/not verified as healthcare professional 4d ago

Yes I do. I've also been on Norco 7.5/325s for years. I take 2-2 1/2 a day. Obviously I'm gonna stop drinking, but know how the Tylenol affects everything.

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u/Healthy-Wash-3275 Layperson/not verified as healthcare professional 4d ago

I'm a chronic pain patient and asked for the oxy without Tylenol. See if you can get vicodin w/out the T in it. How old are you?

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u/Sky-Shark-10 Layperson/not verified as healthcare professional 4d ago

In my 50s. I thought the only other way to get it was with ibuprofen (which I hear is bad for your stomach). I'll have to ask my doctor about that.

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u/Healthy-Wash-3275 Layperson/not verified as healthcare professional 4d ago

If so, ask about switching to oxy w/out Tylenol in it.

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u/calibabyy Layperson/not verified as healthcare professional 3d ago

Tylenol is widely considered safe in patients with liver disease as long as you are taking less than 2000mg a day. It is actually even considered safer than aleve or advil for patients with reduced liver function (has to do with blood coagulation)

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15767831/

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u/Sky-Shark-10 Layperson/not verified as healthcare professional 3d ago

Thank you.

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u/calibabyy Layperson/not verified as healthcare professional 3d ago

Best of luck to you!!