Relief from Ascites

Posted by karla987 @karla987, May 28 9:36am

I was diagnosed with a blood clotting disorder. I have a blood clot in the vein to my spleen which destroyed my spleen and probably another in the vein to my liver.
I have been struggling with ascites and have a standing order for a pariecentices every Friday. Every week they drain avout 14 liters of fluid. There is debate as to if I have cirosis or not. Tried to get a fibroscan but they said they couldnt get good imaging because my ribs are to close together. Our medical situation in my area is bleak and there are really good doctors but not specialist in every field so this is what I end up with. What can I do to relief the pressure from the ascites? I try to stay to a low sodium diet but that doesn't seem to matter much.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Liver Diseases Support Group.

craigcraig | @craigcraig | May 28 10:11am

Hi Karla. So very sorry for your situation. After my liver transplant I had a blood clot and continue to have blood flow issues & stenosis with my arteries to this day two years later. Have had way more MRIs, CT scans , Ultrasounds and fibroscans than I can count. Was told by a technician (not a doctor) that the fibroscan is less telling/helpful than the others. But my situation overall is not , has never been, as bad as yours. Mayo had me on 3 blood thinners / ant-platelet drugs but just took two away and added one stronger one. My only suggestion is to keep up with any drugs your docs do have you on. Best of luck !

keith179 | @keith179 | 4 days ago

If your kidney functions are normal, you can take diuretics, with careful dr supervision. Blood and urine tests can determine the status of your kidneys, if they have not done this yet.
I’m sorry you have the trouble with the ascites. In 2019, I had the same thing going on with the fluid build up and the weekly drains from the abdomen. They decided to do a TIPS procedure on me, but I didn’t have any blood clots. You should at least ask them about this procedure, and if it’s something your body could handle, as it can stop all the fluid from accumulating in you.
Wishing you the best, take care 🙏