Thank you for sharing your like. I found it very informative. I was kind of in shock when I got my diagnosis and she did explain some but I was not aware of the appropriate questions to ask. I know there are stages and I don't know what stage I am in, however, the doctor thinks that I do have cirrhosis due to the fact that I have portal hypertension, gastric varices, fundal polyps and, of course, I am a type 2 diabetic which I am having trouble controlling. Please tell me more of what you have experienced and how you have coped with it. Thank you so much, Rosemary. I appreciate the dialogue.

Yes, I remember feeling shocked at my diagnosis. My mind raced everywhere too. I am not familiar with the staging labels. How did I cope? Well, I cried a lot,; I tried to read all I could about my disease; I had to defend myself to friends who said I looked too healthy/couldn't have a liver disease; I prayed a lot and I asked for prayers;; I learned to reach out to others for help and to accept help from others; I took extra good care of me. I know this doesn't come close to the kind of information you seek. But I'll continue to chat with you. For now, take it one step at a time. Stay positive. Eat healthy. Exercise. Develop a good communication between you and your doctor. When do you see doctor again? I know you said that doctor thinks you have cirrhosis, but do you know if that is going to be further investigated? Is the uncontrolled type 2 diabetes play a part in this? And sometimes, NASH can reversed: Ask your doctor about that, too. Our liver is an amazing organ! Rosemary

I see the doctor in October. I will start making a list of things I need to know. Thank you again for your help. This means a lot to me.

I feel confident that you will learn more when you return to your October appointment. . And it is not easy to wait and wonder. I am happy that this chat has helped you. I remember me and my husband feeling completely alone and frightened because no one was available at the beginning to talk to outside of the doctor office. I look forward to ongoing conversation with you. Rosemary

@mollyb1968, I have been away, hiking (can you believe it!!!) in Utah. And I have had very sparse internet connection. I am wondering if you have had your October appointment yet. I hope that you have had the opportunity to discuss all your concerns with your doctor.
Prayers that you are feeling well. Rosemary

Hi Rosemary. I am so glad you felt up to hiking and I hope you had a good time. I did have my October appointment and asked a lot of questions. She sent me for an ammonia level test, which was only slightly elevated at 38 and an ultrasound. The ultrasound showed enlarged liver at 19.4 cm. It did not show anything else, so do I really have cirrhosis? She said that I was stage IV fibrosis but my meld scorer of 6 was great. Still a lot of unanswered questions. She said it may take 20 years or six months? What does that mean anyway? I go back in three months and have another EGD in March to check for the portal hypertension and gastric varices. How often does one have to go back to see the progress? Any info you can give will be greatly appreciated. I do know that I am in the early stages. Thanks for lending an ear and I am glad to see you back on here. My children does not think this is serious? Is it or isn't it?

@mollyb1968, You sound like you are going to be a proactive patient; the best kind!
Awesome that you are early stage and being treated. Everyone is not so fortunate.

Every three months sounds like the routine schedule for appointments. This will allow the doctor to do the labs, physical exam, and scans/scopes/whatever, to keep tabs on your liver. It is important for you to keep on whatever schedule that is recommended for you; don't let yourself become complacent about this.
It is extremely frustrating be told the span of 6 months to 20 years. Unfortunately that is how it is. And by these regular visits, your doctor can know if there is any sign of complications. Better to detect and treat early than to face unexpected consequences.

Keep your question list handy and add to it as necessary. Call your doctor if any significant symptoms or changes to your health.
Stay positive. Focus on taking care of you everyday.

Hugs and a hand to hold,
Rosemary

@mollyb1968 I'm not surprised that your children do not think this is serious. First, mom's don't get sick. And second, if you don't look sick and you don't act sick (whatever that is), then you must not be sick!
I used to say that I had a liver condition that needed to be monitored. And so, because I did not look or act sick people assumed I was ok. Ultimately you and your doctor are the ones who will deal with this. Maybe one of your kids would accompany you to one of your appointments. It really does help to have someone who is aware of your condition for some emotional support..
Rosemary