How long can you live with cirrhosis?

Answer 1

== == In many cases can live with Cirrhosis of the liver, if the person gets to the doctor right away. This is usually brought on by heavy drinking for many years (but some young people can get this disease as well if they drink heavier than most in their age bracket.) However other ways to have Cirrhosis of the liver is Hep B,C or D; autoimmune hep; some drugs, toxins and infections; blocked bile ducts and some inherited diseases such as Hemochromatosis (the body absorbs too much iron); Wilson's disease (buildup of too much copper in the liver); Protoporphyria (disorder that affects the skin, bone marrow and liver. Symptoms are: feel tired or weak; loss of appetite; feel sick to your stomach; lose weight; have nose bleeds, bruise or bleed easily. Any medication you may be on may affect you on the stronger side because your liver is not able to break it down. Waste materials from food may build up in the blood or brain and may cause confusion or difficulty thinking. Protein that you eat breaks down into chemicals like ammonia. A healthy liver removes these byproducts. Enlarged veins may develop in the esophagus and stomach. One could vomit blood or have signs of blood in a bowel movement. Kidneys may fail (unable to urinate after taking in fluids.) For more severe cases bloating (retaining water and not being able to urinate) to jaundice. If the person continues to drink alcohol then death will certainly occur quicker than later. Being treated for Cirrhosis depends on how long the patient has ignored the symptoms (or possibly not known what to look for in the early stages.) The scar tissue on the liver will never go away completely, but treating the cause will keep cirrhosis from getting worse. Cure: If you drink STOP!!!!! If it's from Hepatitis C there are medications. A simple blood test will help the doctor determine what type of Cirrhosis you have. KEEPING CIRRHOSIS FROM GETTING WORSE: Stop drinking completely! Drink plenty of water!!!! Don' take medications including those you buy without prescription such as vitamins and herbal supplements without discussing it with your doctor. If in doubt phone your pharmacist. Many people may take something for a cold so remember this simple rule if you have Cirrhosis .... IF YOU DON'T REALLY NEED AN OVER THE COUNTER MED, DON'T TAKE IT! IF YOU DO, THEN CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR OR YOUR PHARMACIST. REMEMBER .... YOUR LIVER IS A FILTER ORGAN, SO DON'T DAMAGE IT FURTHER! Get vaccinated against Hep A and Hep B. These forms of liver disease are preventable. Get a flu shot, but ask your doctor first. Your immune system is low if you have Cirrhosis of the liver. Avoid raw shellfish such as oysters. Many people don't realize they can live with a very little bit of their liver present (surgery) and also that the liver can rejuvenate itself. If a person wants to save their life then they should keep in good contact with their specialist, listen well, do as you are told and lead a healthy lifestyle. The choice is up to the individual.