My doctor explained that there were different levels when you get to cirrhosis. Mine is at the beginning and is considered compensated. When it becomes uncompensated is when they consider transplants. I am soon to be 76 and have decided that I don’t want to deal with a transplant, I feel that I still have some years to go.
August 31
That's a really important question, and it's one many people with PBC find themselves asking. While there aren't specific statistics on how long someone can live at stage 4 (cirrhosis) without a transplant, what's known is that progression rates vary significantly from person to person.
Some key things that can influence Show Full Answer
That's a really important question, and it's one many people with PBC find themselves asking. While there aren't specific statistics on how long someone can live at stage 4 (cirrhosis) without a transplant, what's known is that progression rates vary significantly from person to person.
Some key things that can influence how well someone does at this stage include:
- How well the condition responds to treatments like UDCA
- How closely complications like fluid buildup, bleeding, or confusion are monitored and managed
- Regular screenings (e.g., for liver cancer every 6 months)
- Lifestyle factors like maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding alcohol Many myPBCteam members have shared that staying on top of their care and keeping close contact with their hepatologist has made a real difference in managing day-to-day life at advanced stages.
A transplant becomes a consideration when treatments are no longer managing symptoms effectively. But until that point, working closely with a liver specialist to manage complications is the focus. It's always worth having an open conversation with your doctor about where things stand and what to watch for.
August 31
Join
Your Privacy Choices
