Hello @marinab,

I was diagnosed with stage 3 liver disease in June 2019. I saw my liver doctor in September and she immediately sent me to get an endoscopy. The doctor found five varices and tied them off. About a week later they burst. The same doctor couldn’t control the bleeding, so I was helicoptered up to the regional hospital. I was a week in the ICU and sent home. The next day, the varices burst again, and once again helicoptered up to the hospital.

The bleeding couldn’t be stopped, so I was given the TIPS procedure. I spent a couple more weeks in ICU and was sent home. I had no ill effects from the procedure and no more varices.

I returned to work full time. Of course, it didn’t slow the progression of my liver disease, but not having to worry about varices again was indeed a blessing.

My best wishes for you and your husband. Thank you for being his caregiver!