Hi Mike, honestly, I’d suggest a new gastroenterologist. I was in stage 3 liver cirrhosis due to PBC when I was diagnosed at 60. I had a liver transplant a year later. Have you been on the UNOS website? There are good resources on it. A good gastroenterologist will work to keep you healthy and if your meld score rises close to the point of becoming eligible to be on the transplant list they will work with you to be referred for a transplant.

You’re doing the right thing to stop drinking, watch your diet, and stay as fit as possible.

Are you being regularly monitored for varices since you’ve had them? This is important, as they can burst…happened to me twice. Be sure to have a plan for this. My friends and office mates knew the signs and what to do. Other issues can include ascites…gaining a lot of water. Again, try to find a doctor who will work with you. I went to a teaching hospital. My gastroenterologist was a resident, she was excellent.

I took Gabapentin for pain, it’s processed through the kidneys, so not as hard on the liver.

Many of us have been where you are…lots of questions, concerns with the unknown. Let us know how you progress with finding a different provider.

Athena