Liver Cirrhosis: Want to connect with others

Is there anyone who can help me with symptoms of cirrhosis? I had fatty liver for a while but having new symptoms now and im so scared

You are going to think I’m crazy, but my first response when told I had fatty liver disease was,”Why should my liver be any different from the rest of my body?” No one told me what it was, the progression to cirrhosis, nothing! (Not at Mayo). That was about 20 yrs ago.
Then about 3 yrs ago I was diagnosed with cirrhosis. No symptoms. Feel great. Continued living in the same nonchalant manner, not really paying attention to my health. Now diagnosed with liver cancer April 2025. Funny how the “C” word suddenly changed my attitude.
My advice? Keep all your dr and scan appointments. No alcohol, no smoking. Low sodium healthy diet with plenty of fruits, veggies and protein.
Cirrhosis doesn’t have a lot of symptoms in the early stages, even if it continues to progress. Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes) is one of the first visible symptoms. Could involve bleeding in esophagus, swelling in abdomen , nausea, vomiting pain in upper right quadrant of abdomen.
Don’t be afraid. I know that sounds crazy. But you can live a long time with cirrhosis. Talk to your doctor. Go to the Mayo videos. Educate yourself. You are your best advocate. Make a list of questions for your next appointment.
But mostly, be kind to yourself. Treat yourself to the love you deserve. Embrace life. I have decided that I am going to LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST as long as I am in the land of the living.
If you want it, mental health counseling can work wonders. I talk to a psychologist every two weeks to help me keep my head on straight. It has helped me tremendously
Good luck! Here’s a big hug coming your way!.

Good morning, the alarm is great! Great advice. But the best advice and the best piece of news for you is that fatty liver diseases reversible. A change in diet, exercise and stopping, drinking and smoking will reverse the effects depending on what stage of cirrhosis you were in. Far as I am concerned you are a lucky one and you can do something about this before it does something about you

Just got diagnosed with Cirrhosis with lesion. Dr. said I had Nash years ago and at that time told to watch diet and lose weight. I started to have stomach problems IBS and diverticulitis which I had surgery to remove part of my colon. Now with new doctor she wanted me to have blood work done and I did, and my enzymes were off so she sent me for cat scan, more blood work up and a Fibro Scan and the scan came back showing lesion and scarring and my blood work was still off. Now I have to see another doctor, and they want to do a scope down my throat to look for varices, not sure on spelling, and cat scan and blood work every six months and to keep them informed on any changes. I am so worried, don't understand why it wasn't taken more serious in the beginning. I have not felt well in a few years now and they keep telling me it is from Covid; I had it twice so here I am hoping to learn a lot for all of you and what may be my next step. Oh, by the way I am married 56 years and 74, three beautiful kid and 4 grand kids.

Good Day,
Every day is a gift. When you have been told you have cirrhosis/liver cancer that becomes very clear and present in your mind. No matter the serious diagnosis your priorities shift. It becomes more important to appreciate the people you love and the small but meaningful things in life. It is my hope that you and others like us can make the choice to embrace these moments. Sending you positive thoughts and wishing you the very best of each day.

Hi, @katnel, and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I wanted to let you know I moved your post here to this discussion:

- Liver Cirrhosis: Want to connect with others https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/liver-cirrhosis-1/

I did this so that you can chat with others who have talked about cirrhosis in themselves or a loved one, like @bambam39 @alfonso22 @meltripp @cheryla1957 and others. Glad you've also connected with @parrot53.

I can sense your worry, and I am sorry you felt not taken more seriously in the beginning. Fortunate that you have this new doctor who ran these tests. Glad that you have a wonderful family to support you at this time.

What would you say is your biggest worry at this point, katnel?

@lisalucier My worry now is my future and what is next down the line for treatment. Thank you for responding and letting me know my post was moved. I was getting a little anxious that no one replied except @parrot53. I just needed some answers on how others cope and handle all of this. Thank you again.

I was diagnosed with stage 4 Cirrhosis in 2021 so for 3 years I had tests, MRI's, scans, etc and when I took my Fibroscan last year at this time, I had no cirrhosis...being confused I tried my best to look into it, my Liver doctor said she's never seen it before...I thought the machine must be not working right...anyways, today Oct 23, 2025, I took the test again and this time it was a 6, lower than last year....no one has ever asked me how I did it, etc....but I'm still confused because everywhere I look it says you can't go back from stage 4??? has anyone heard of this...it's Non Alcoholic...ty

Cheers, chicklet on your magical cure.