liver failure stages - #12650
I am really worried about my mom. She was diagnosed with liver issues about a year ago, and we just found out she could be headed towards liver failure stages. It started off with her feeling tired all the time, just thought it was normal aging stuff, but then she started having dark pee and her skin has gotten kinda yellowish. The doctor mentioned something about liver failure stages. I feel clueless about all this! I mean, what are the stages actually? I googled it, and it looks like there are different levels, and I can't figure out how far she might be along. Like, can the liver actually heal or is it too late once it gets to certain liver failure stages? And if she’s already in the last one, how do we cope or what do we expect? She's been really moody lately too, and I dunno if that's tied to the liver failure stages or what. Ugh, I hate feeling so helpless! Is there any way we can support her or make her feel better while we’re dealing with the liver failure stages? I just want to help her out and understand what we’re facing.
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors’ responses
Liver failure typically progresses through stages, which can indeed be daunting to understand, especially when it involves someone close to you. The stages of liver disease or failure generally start with inflammation, leading to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and finally, end-stage liver disease or complete liver failure. Initially, your mom might have experienced liver inflammation, often symptomatic only with mild symptoms like fatigue. As liver damage progresses without intervention, it leads to fibrosis, where scar tissue forms within the liver, but the liver function might still appear normal. With cirrhosis, the liver’s ability to function declines more significantly, and complications become evident, such as jaundice (the yellowing of the skin) and dark urine like your mom has experienced. End-stage liver disease is where the liver can no longer carry out essential functions, requiring more acute interventions like a liver transplant. It’s crucial to distinguish what specific stage she’s in, which requires thorough assessment from a healthcare provider. Understanding whether compenstated or decompensated cirrhosis is present is also pivotal as treatment approaches can differ. Mood changes, confusion, and behavior alterations might be tied to hepatic encephalopathy, a condition that arises when the liver can’t clear toxins from the body. Supporting her through diet modifications, such as low sodium and high antioxidant intake, abstaining from alcohol, and ensuring medical follow-up is essential. It’s not always too late—sometimes interventions can stabilize conditions considerably, though if she’s in later stages, options become more limited. Keep consistent communication with her healthcare team to stay informed on her specific condition, as both medical and lifestyle interventions are often necessary.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.