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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Is The Prognosis Of Liver Cirrhosis?

Hello. A year ago, I was diagnosed with cirhossis and at that time, I was give a year to two years to live. I am a patient at Mt. Sina in NYi and have a fantastic team that I work with that I trust implicitly. I had the TIPS procedure done over the summer to get my ascites under control. Prior to that, I had a Pleurex catheter that my husband would drain every other day at a liter each time. Anyway, my MELD score is somewhere around 19 but I was put on the UNOS list almost immediately of my first visit because the excess fluid caused a lung to collapse making it very difficult to breath, my encephalopothy was out of control early on among a laundry list of other trials and tribulations we have had along the way. My transplant surgeon said that with all of the complications I have had and if my MELD score was higher, I would be at the top of the list or up there at the very least. But for some reason my MELD stays fairly low but I suffer from every symptom and complications here and there and have started developing new ones. I go for an MRI (I think) or an ultrasound, whatever, in November to see if there is the presence of any cancer in my liver. I saw my team leader (Dr. Schiano) about three weeks ago and my MELD was 15 but then, they add extra points for the othere things so I m not exactly sure what my MELD is that is reported to UNOS. So, my million dollar question which I know is a very difficult one to answer, from what I have told you, does my prognosis seem about the same as what my surgeon said? He said if I hold up and my MELD stays as it is, I wouldn t rank high enough on the list. But in the waiting process, I could simply deteriorate and die. He s not a fatalist, he is a realist which I appreciate. I have grown comfortable, if that s possible, with my mortality. i actually appreciate my life way more now and savor every day. Any thoughts or input would be greatly appreciated.
Wed, 11 Jul 2018
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General Surgeon 's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

This is serious disease if cirrhosis is present and quitting alcohol is the most important thing that should be done. Also, medications which are hematotoxic should be avoided. This is necessary to prevent disease progression which is lethal in most cases. At early stages it can be treated with these measures but but in case of progression. Diet should be balanced and healthy and get regular exercise. Limit high-carb foods such as bread, grits, rice, potatoes, and corn. And cut down on drinks with lots of sugar like sports drinks and juice. If there is viral hepatitis as underlying cause then antiviral medications are required.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
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What Is The Prognosis Of Liver Cirrhosis?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. This is serious disease if cirrhosis is present and quitting alcohol is the most important thing that should be done. Also, medications which are hematotoxic should be avoided. This is necessary to prevent disease progression which is lethal in most cases. At early stages it can be treated with these measures but but in case of progression. Diet should be balanced and healthy and get regular exercise. Limit high-carb foods such as bread, grits, rice, potatoes, and corn. And cut down on drinks with lots of sugar like sports drinks and juice. If there is viral hepatitis as underlying cause then antiviral medications are required. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.