Hello, pkban1973,
From the description of your condition and the lab findings, it does look
like you have rather advanced liver disease. The fact that your stomach
is bulging, indicates that you have "Ascites " or build up of fluid in the belly.
I am sure you have been put on water pills or diuretics and you still have
fluid. Your
platelet count is very low and that is the reason for nose bleeds.
Your
Bilirubin level is not extremely high at this point but could go higher.
What you have now is called "Portal Hypertension" from advanced cirrhosis.
I am not sure what the primary cause of your cirrhosis. In the western
world, alcohol is number one. In Asia, it is mainly from
Hepatitis B or C virus.
There is also
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis which is an auto-immune disorder.
If you had gallstone problem 12 years ago, I am not sure that is the cause
for cirrhosis. I am sure that your doctors have explained that to you.
If you have been on diuretics, Beta-Blockers to prevent bleeding from the
enlrged veins in the
esophagus, and you are on a protein restricted diet and
still not improving , then
liver transplantation is definitive treatment.
It is possible that with strict adherence to the regimen , you can wait, but
the very low platelet count may require you to get
platelet transfusions very
frequently which is very expensive by itself.
You have to consider all the options and may be with the help of family and
friends , you can undergo surgery.
I am sure you have had kidney tests and electrolytes being monitored closely.
I wish you the very best.