FORUMS

Connect with people who understand what you are going through, seek advice and surround yourself with support. We're free, anonymous, and professionally moderated 24/7.

  • 47,612Members
  • 1,358,869Posts
  • 1,400,000Visitors
Our stories

Cirrhosis Diagnosis then Pulmonary Hypertension - I'm not copying - please help

Cirrhosis Diagnosis then Pulmonary Hypertension - I'm not copying - please help

Hi Everyone. Thank you for taking the time to read my post. I have recently been diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver [my own stupid fault - alcohol]. I also have an anxiety disorder, and it's taken me several weeks to get my head around the cirrhosis diagnosis, and get past the anxiety attacks about this. I am now living "clean" - no alcohol/cigarettes for 5 weeks, trying to improve my diet and I've joined a gym.

Anyway, on Friday I went to hospital for a gastroscopy, and the anesthetist was looking at my notes from the hospital from 2 years ago, when I was admitted to ICU with Infleunza Type A and pneumonia. A section of my discharge notes read, in reference to a scan done on my heart: "Normal LV ejection and valvular function. Impression of dilated RV with reduced contraction. Mild to moderate pulmonary hypertension."

There was no recommendation to follow up with a heart specialist. She asked me lots of questions about this and any symptoms I may be experiencing. I mentioned that I do get short of breath if I have to walk a medium to long distance, yet I have no problems on the rowing machine at gym [although admittedly I don't push myself very hard], yet I do 20 minutes on it. No shortness of breath when doing normal activities at home. No fluid build up anywhere. My Dad also has an enlarged right side of heart, but his doctor said that his was due to too much exercise [he's a fitness fanatic]. He's had a couple of stents [stints?] put in, and is on beta blockers.

She recommended that I see my doctor to get a referral to a specialist to see about the above information [even though it's been 2 years]. I am now absolutely petrified, my heightened anxiety has kicked in again, and I've been looking at google sites where they are telling me only have 2 - 3 years to live. To say I am anxious is an understatement.

Could someone please, please help? Thank you so much.

3 replies

1 - 3 of 3

In response to: Cirrhosis Diagnosis then Pulmonary Hypertension - I'm not copying - please help

Re: Cirrhosis Diagnosis then Pulmonary Hypertension - I'm not copying - please help

Hey @puddy68, thank you for reaching out to the community here on the Forums!

I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis and it sounds like a very tough situation with your physical health. You are demonstrating your resilience and strength reaching out to your peers and being vulnerable on the Forums.

This is something you don't have to do alone and there is support available from counsellors who specialise with alcohol misuse. Have you heard of DirectLine before? They support people in the community and alcohol and other drug misuse. I will add the link here if you want to check it out: DirectLine alcohol and drug counselling and referral in Victoria

There are also some other great places to connect with other Forums Members is you want to take a look: Looking for a space to connect with others? Find a... - SANE Forums

Thanks again for sharing you experiences with the community!

Take care

RiverSeal

In response to: Re: Cirrhosis Diagnosis then Pulmonary Hypertension - I'm not copying - please help

Re: Cirrhosis Diagnosis then Pulmonary Hypertension - I'm not copying - please help

Hi RiverSeal. Thank you so much for reaching out to me. Thank you so much for your advice, too, and I will definitely look into the links you've suggested, too.Thanks so much once again. God Bless.

In response to: Cirrhosis Diagnosis then Pulmonary Hypertension - I'm not copying - please help

Re: Cirrhosis Diagnosis then Pulmonary Hypertension - I'm not copying - please help

Hi @puddy68

Nice to virtually meet you and can I say well done to you for taking the bull by the horns and staying free of alcohol and ciggies. That is no mean feat and you should be very proud of yourself.

Regarding the hypertension, that is something I know a lot about, I used to have extreme hyper tension, my resting BP was 195 / 130, a completely crazy number I know, even though I didn't drink or smoke. But after seeing a number of doctors and countless blood tests, it is now under control and in the 'relatively' normal range. So am just saying there is a cure out there for you, go to your GP and get the bloodwork done.

Once again congrats on the willpower you have shown regarding booze/ciggies and get yourself to your GP to address the remainder. All the best ......Asgard

1 - 3 of 3