New Delhi, December 2024
When my health collapsed in late 2022, I found myself at a crossroads. The diagnosis of cirrhosis hit hard—both physically and mentally. There was no roadmap, no promise of recovery, and certainly no guarantee of how long I had left. Life felt like it was slipping through my fingers.
At that time, I didn’t have a grand epiphany or an overwhelming surge of confidence. Instead, I had doubt—a nagging uncertainty about whether anything I did could even make a difference. But that small sliver of doubt also carried something fragile: the possibility of hope. I wasn’t ready to give up just yet. I started reading, researching, and trying everything I could, one step at a time, to change the course of my future.
The Marathon Begins
For the longest time, I approached health like a sprint—something I could power through. But cirrhosis isn’t a sprint. It’s a marathon. And in February 2023, as I began integrating Ayurveda into my routine and revisiting every aspect of my lifestyle, I realized this fight would require patience, persistence, and the willingness to adapt.
The numbers didn’t lie. My MELD (Model for End-Stage Liver Disease) score provided a clear reflection of my liver’s health. Over the course of 2023 and 2024, these numbers told a story of progress and hope:
- November 2023: MELD Score: 10
- February 2024, MELD Score: 9; Around this time, I added something new to my recovery routine—minimal cycling and some light weight training. It wasn’t much, just short rides and low-intensity sessions, but it gave me a sense of progress. Even with AVN in the mix, I was determined to stay active within my limits, slowly testing the strength I was regaining.
- December 2024: MELD Score: 8
By May 2023, I started seeing small improvements in my health markers. Those little victories felt like the first breaths of air after being underwater for too long. They gave me something I hadn’t felt in months: optimism. Every change I made—from diet to lifestyle to medication—seemed to slowly push me in the right direction.
Revisiting My Bucket List
With that optimism came clarity. I started thinking about what truly mattered to me, and it led to revisiting my bucket list—not as a dream but as a plan for the future.
- Everest Base Camp, 2025: By the end of 2025, I aim to conquer Everest Base Camp. It’s not just about the trek; it’s a symbol of my regained strength and resilience. The very idea of walking those trails feels like reclaiming a piece of myself.
- Supporting My Son’s Journey: My son is deeply invested in esports, and his plans to build a career in the US are taking shape. My role as his anchor matters more than ever. I plan to move with him for his initial years there—helping him navigate life, supporting his dreams, and strengthening our bond.
- Creating a Stable Yet Adventurous Career: Health challenges have reshaped how I view my work. I’m steering my career toward ventures that provide stability and flexibility—building something that allows me to travel, explore, and truly enjoy life without sacrificing purpose.
Life After Alcohol
One of the biggest turning points in this journey was letting go of alcohol. It wasn’t easy—there were social pressures, moments of self-doubt, and times when I had to remind myself why I started. Early on, I tried to blend in, holding a zero-alcohol beer to avoid uncomfortable questions. But over time, I stopped pretending. I found comfort in owning my choices and learned that true friends will celebrate your decisions, not question them.
Lessons From the Marathon
If there’s one thing this journey has taught me, it’s that change doesn’t happen overnight. You won’t wake up one morning and find everything magically better. It takes time, discipline, and a willingness to try—even when you don’t feel confident.
The fight against cirrhosis is ongoing. My MELD score improved from 11 in 2023 to 8 today—a sign that things are moving in the right direction. But more than the numbers, it’s the shift in mindset that has mattered most. I’ve stopped sprinting toward recovery. I’m pacing myself, embracing the marathon, and finding joy in every step forward.
Looking Ahead
This marathon isn’t just about survival. It’s about creating a life worth living—one filled with purpose, family, and adventure. Whether it’s trekking the Everest Base Camp, guiding my son in his esports career, or building a future where I can work and travel seamlessly, I’m finally learning what it means to live fully.
Life after alcohol isn’t easy, and cirrhosis adds its own set of challenges. But it’s also a life filled with clarity, gratitude, and the quiet strength that comes from knowing you’ve fought for your future.
Closing Thought:
This isn’t the end of the story—it’s just the beginning. Whether you’re facing your own health challenges or simply trying to live better, remember: it’s a marathon, not a sprint. And every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory.
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