Cirrhosis and Its Symptoms: A Personal Insight

This week I will have my first evaluation with MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute. I am anxious. I am terrified with where this path is going to lead me. I really have no idea if I will need a liver transplant. The unknown is always a touch terrifying.

Everyone tells me I am a fighter; they say I have the best positive outlook. I guess that is true when I think about it. Even though I don’t necessarily think of myself that way in daily life. I do feel confident that I will get through this. Still, there are times when I have to remind myself of that.

I have learned more than I ever thought I would about the liver and its role as things have unfolded for me. Much of this knowledge was new to me, even with the connections I have had in my life with cirrhosis. To this end, I thought I would share some terms, names, and procedure definitions I have learned so far. Hopefully, they will help those folks that are not familiar with some of them. These are terms I will use throughout my posts on this blog.

Terms & Definitions

Cirrhosis of the Liver: a condition where healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue, leading to irreversible liver damage. This scarring impairs the liver’s ability to work properly, which can result in a range of complications. It is a progressive condition, meaning it worsens over time if not addressed.

Compensated Cirrhosis: a stage of liver disease where the liver is still functioning well enough to carry out its essential tasks despite having scarring (cirrhosis). Individuals with compensated cirrhosis experience no noticeable symptoms. They can live for many years with the condition. Essentially, the liver’s healthy cells compensate for the damaged tissue, so symptoms are often absent. 

Decompensated Cirrhosis: a severe stage of liver cirrhosis where the liver’s ability to work is significantly impaired, leading to life-threatening complications; examples include ascites and jaundice. Other complications include hepatic encephalopathy, and variceal bleeding.

Ascites: is the abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdomen, often linked to liver disease. It can cause swelling, discomfort, and difficulty breathing. While Ascites itself isn’t a disease, it’s a symptom of various underlying conditions, most commonly cirrhosis.

Jaundice: a yellowing of the skin and eyes and is a common symptom of liver damage caused by cirrhosis. Cirrhosis can prevent the liver from effectively removing bilirubin from the blood, leading to jaundice. 

Hepatic Encephalopathy (HE): a brain disorder that can occur in people with cirrhosis. Cirrhosis impairs the liver’s ability to remove toxins from the blood, leading to a buildup, including ammonia, which can then affect brain function. This can cause a range of symptoms, from mild confusion and forgetfulness to more severe issues like coma. 

Variceal Bleeding: a serious complication arising from increased pressure in the portal vein, which is often caused by cirrhosis. This pressure forces blood to flow through smaller, fragile veins in the esophagus and stomach, which can rupture and bleed. This bleeding can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. 

Edema: also known as fluid retention, is the swelling of body tissues caused by excess fluid. It can occur in various parts of the body, but is most commonly seen in the legs, ankles, and feet. Edema can be a symptom of various underlying conditions or can be caused by lifestyle factors. 

Pleural Effusion: This condition is often called “water on the lungs.” It occurs when excess fluid accumulates in the pleural space. This space is the area between the lungs and the chest wall. This can cause breathing difficulties as well as other symptoms. 

Paracentesis: a medical procedure where fluid is removed from the abdominal cavity, usually to diagnose or treat ascites. It’s performed by inserting a needle or catheter into the abdomen, often guided by ultrasound, to drain the fluid. 

Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) Score: a numerical scale is used to assess the severity of chronic liver disease. It predicts short-term mortality in adults. It’s primarily used to rank patients on the liver transplant waiting list. The MELD score ranges from 6 to 40. A higher score indicates more severe liver disease. It also signals a greater need for transplantation. 

More Later

These are a few of the terms and procedures I have learned so far in this crazy journey of cirrhosis and potential organ transplant. I hope they help.

More to follow later in the week after the evaluation appointment. Much love to all!

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