Cirrhosis of the Liver: What to expect when waiting for a transplant?

@jazzmanfla, Let's cross our fingers for light traffic and no rain for your driving. I'm 2 years older than you, and I don't like traffic or rain, especially on a long drive or in an unknown area.
So, were your test results ordered by your local doctor? Will he/she be the one to explain what the results mean for you?

Had video appointment with Mayo Hepatologist who reviewed previous test results ordered by local doctor.

@jazzmanfla, I have been wondering about how your travel and test procedures went. I hope that everything went in a routine fashion with no discomfort or surprises. When will you do a follow-up with your local doctor?

Everything went ok. Biopsy not as painful as I expected given that they basically stick a fishing pole down your jugular vein. Although blood tests and imaging done in my town indicated that I had Stage 4 Cirrhosis, the liver biopsy at Mayo said I had Stage 2 Fibrosis. Fibrosis is scarring of the liver. Stage 0 is no scarring, 1 is mild scarring, 2 is moderate scarring. 3 is advanced scarring and 4 is cirrhosis. So I am better than I expected to be. I have an appointment with Hepatologist 12/7 to discuss the diagnosis and what I can do to stop the progression to cirrhosis. There are no medications available to eliminate the scarring and once scarring has occurred the liver cannot regenerate the scars away. So I will see what he says. Thanks for asking.

@jazzmanfla I agree with @ken82. I apprecaite it is dificult but try to focus on any positive aspect of your life. My husband is an accute cirrhosis patient - alcohol induced. We've been through a very dificult 4 years of him developing large volume ascites, HE, seiure, varices, some malignancy in his liver which thankfully seems to have subsided after one radiation therapy. He also deeloped both umbilical and inguinal heria. teh latter which is very uncomfortable and cannot be repaired until he gets a new liver becaue of his ascites. He used to be a very active and physically fit person but the hernia stops him from even basic walking exercises. However we try to stay positive and focus every day on the good things we do have in our lives - family, a roof over our heads, food on the table, easy access to nature and medical treatment available to us. It's tough living alone but try to find comfort in music which today is wonderfully aviailable to us as no cost through Spotify, Soundcloud, MixDJ, Youtube etc. so many music Apps! We are in our 70's and when I feel down, music is a huge help. My husband ops for a good movie or education documentary which again are so easily available. I see your post is from November (I have just joined this group), but hope that you have been able to find comfort through something which you love.

Maria, I love your message to @jazzmanfla. Judging from your username, JazzmanFLA, it sounds like you, too, like music. Are you a listener? A player? Both?

@marinab, there is a great discussion on Connect and the healing help of music that you both may appreciate.

- Music helps me https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/music-helps-me/

What’s your favorite genre of music?

@colleenyoung thank you for the link - will check that out too! Music is a great healer! I personally like most music genres, from deep house, soul and the dance genres to, jazz, classical and opera. Unti recently I was in the club business. The only exception which comes to mind is country music - a bit too depressing LOL!! Although I do like KD Lang.

I just found out yesterday a scan I had in June showed I’m know at stage 4 cihorosdis of liver . I’m scared and want to go to
Mayo Clinic for second opion , can anyone guide me in first steps to take ? I’m so stressed I can’t think straight about what to do next . Arkansas girl

Good morning, @darrindaeddins1981, anytime we get an unexpected diagnosis it throws us into a tailspin!
Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect where you’ll find other members who also have cirrhosis of the liver in the Digestive Health group.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/cirrhosis-of-the-liver-1/
Getting a second opinion is always a good idea and Mayo Clinic is a great choice.
This link will take you to the Mayo Clinic home page where you can select the Mayo Clinic nearest you. There are campuses in Jacksonville FL, Rochester MN and Phoenix AZ. http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63
Call the number for the campus you’d prefer and the coordinator who answers will help you get started.

Also, there is a Mayo Clinic Network medical facility in Arkansas who meets the standards of Mayo to become one of their affiliated families. I posted a link to that clinic.
https://www.unity-health.org/
I know this is a very frightening time for you. But knowledge is power so take your time, ask questions of your doctors. What treatment has been discussed for you?

Hello, I am glad you found us - liver failure is indeed serious, and I understand you feeling scared. There are many helpful people here who can share your journey with this diagnosis.
As for seeking an appointment, here is a link that will take you to the screen for requesting an appointment: http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63
There is also a little blue icon in the lower right of the screen that you can click to get to the same screen.

You will need to enter some information about yourself, your condition and insurance. Then Mayo will contact you to consult by telephone, and offer you an appointment in the appropriate department and location if it is determined that they can offer a good care option for you. You can also request that your primary doctor, or whoever informed you of your condition, make a referral for you.

Do you have an idea which location would be best for you?

Sue