liver cirrhosis

[65rosessamurai]

My last visit to the doctor had ended in a diagnosis of a fatty liver. I had just started doing a little research regarding the fatty liver, as well as how it relates to CF. I know in the past there was a connection, but after my primary search for "liver", or "cirrhosis" on this site, and looking at the "wiki" link, nothing was mentioned.
I intend to look further, but anyone who can add some input would most certainly help my research get done faster.
The main questions in my mind are:
1. What causes "fatty liver" for CF patients?
2. What form of treatments/diets will help prevent further liver complications?
3. Has anyone else on this forum had to deal with this same problem?

It was a quick answer for number one, but some causes I found listed were; malnutrition (starvation? as a normal cause), prednisone (heard the name, but couldn't find it when I searched this forum), alcohol (also from medications), obesity, and metabolism of breaking down fats.

 

[Jennifer1981]

Hi Fred,

I have mild cirrhosis. I am currently 24, but I've had it since I was about 14. It was explained to me by my doctors, that I got it from too many IV therapy rounds in too close of a period. I never noticed it or had any problems. My doctors felt upon exam that my liver was enlarged. They then did bloodwork and an x-ray which confirmed the diagnosis. I've been on Actigal or Ursodiol (generic) since diagnosis. I take 300 twice a day. That actually is not a big dose at all. Anyway, the damage is perm. It has gotten a little worse over the past 10 years, but not that bad at all. It really plays a minor role in my overall care. I have no limitations or anything like that. I am even able to try and conceive.

Although I'll be honest with you. My CF was always mild. However, when I was 12 my appendix burst. I was walking around for 7 days vomiting constantly and with a fever of 106 F. My doctors said that it was a 'viral infection'. I almost lost my life. One year later, I lost 3 feet of my colon (the part attached to where my appendix was). I lost it due to the complications the year before. THIS is why I think I have cirrhosis!!! But doctors will never tell you that. They could be sued.

 

[LisaV]

My husband's death certificate shows death from sepsis (days) liver failure (days) - with the lun issues listed as (years).

Who knows why for sure, but do check to see if any of your meds effect your liver (that cuuld be part of the problem) and make sure that your liver levels are checked on a reular basis (as you are).

 

[LisaV]

I did a search on "liver" and "cystic fibrosis" and found quite a bit including this article
<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://sadieo.ucsf.edu/course/things/Flora.pdf">http://sadieo.ucsf.edu/course/things/Flora.pdf</a> which was written in 1998 but probably still holds true.

 

[65rosessamurai]

Thank you, LisaV, for the "head start"! I did take a look at the link, and through the "greek terms", was able to get an idea as to what it was about.
I also found using "liver cirrhosis" and "cystic fibrosis" as key search words to come up with a lot of info.
Currently, I am not taking any medications, but had found out from the wife that some supplements would cause the liver to work harder. In fact, she indicated that oregano oil (Yes! OO!) is one supplement that can cause trouble for the liver. So, I stopped taking the oral form of OO, and will try to do a little research on that, as well.
I did find out that Taurin, as well as Milk Thistle were supplements that are good for the liver. I had been taking Taurin for nearly a year now, but the Milk Thistle was only recently. I go for an Echo (Japanese for "Ultrasound"?) this Wednesday.