What's the prognosis of cirrhosis of someone who's had it for 5yrs?!
Question: A friend nearly died 5yrs ago from end stage cirrhosis & was operated on to stop bleeding from oesophagos. They have since not drunk a drop. What is their prognosis? Thank you
Answers: A friend nearly died 5yrs ago from end stage cirrhosis & was operated on to stop bleeding from oesophagos. They have since not drunk a drop. What is their prognosis? Thank you
The bleeding in the oesophagus is a common symptom of cirrhosis. They are called varices. Normally your blood passes through the liver arriving from the portal vein. Cirrhosis hardens the liver, and makes it harder for this blood to arrive, raising pressure, which is known as portal hypertension. This often causes the classic distended abdomen, filled with ascites, and these varices, which are effectively piles in the oesophagus, which used to, and still can be fatal if they bleed suddenly, and are unable to be banded in time.
In terms of prognosis, end stage liver disease is sadly, as i'm sure has been said, unrecoverable, although the length of time the liver can "hold out" varies on many factors. Even the hepatologist in charge of his/her care would be reluctant to make the call on that. If they have been dry for 5 yrs, and they are still alive, it could be they have quite some time remaining, but things can change quickly. Have they discussed transplantation with anyone. I know it is a contentious issue with many given the problem appears to be alcohol induced, and not via hepatitis or auto-immune conditions, but it is commonly performed, and should in theory have better long term results because it is not likely (one hopes) that the condition which caused the cirrhosis will return, unlike the hepatitis, auto-immune conditions etc..
With cirrhosis there is no way of knowing. It has to do with how well the patient takes care of them self and their response to treatment.
well, my dad sadly died from this after only being diagnosed 2 weeks previously...so i dunno, i know drinking is the main factor so if your friend stays off it maybe this will be enough, every case is different, my dad sadly couldnt be operated on, hopefully things will be ok, good luck to your friend from this terrible illness.