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Gastroenterology  (Expert Forum)
 | 
can this be liver or malabsorption?
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin Pho, MD Boston - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/ Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.

can this be liver or malabsorption?

by joeybubbles, Oct 28, 2005 12:00AM
Since my 20's (i am 44 y/o female) I've had fairly frequent cold sore outbreaks. This past year I've been getting them about 2 times a month and was started on Valtrex in March.  Last November I woke up with tinnitus both ears which has never gone away. Since February, always feel like motion sickness and have had some severe dizzy spells.  Since June I frequently get a burning sensation on the skin of my arms, jaw and legs.  Feels like a bad sunburn but no redness.  I've been to two neurologist and neuro exam is abnormal but they cant find out why.



12 years ago I had an enlarged liver and elevated LDH. rechecked in 6 months and everything was normal.  Past year CMP, ana, sed rate, immune panel, MRI brain, cbc, thyroid studies normal.  B12 was 311 and it came up after 2 months of sublingual b12.  My cholesterol has always been between 90-110, ldl 40's, triglycerides 30's and hdl 50's. My bloodpressure is low always and I don't have hepatitis or HIV.



The past several years I've had 4 mercury fillings removed and I have 4 more to go due to cracks in my teeth from grinding them.



IN my teens I made a bet and drank a glass of whiskey.(not smart)  Couldn't get out of bed for 2 days.  Since then I only have a couple of drinks a month.  I have a very hearty appetite and eat lots of good and bad foods.



Is my low cholesterol and low normal b12 a possibility of causing my symptoms?

Could I have caused permanent liver damage from that incident in my teens?

Could I have a malabsorption problem.  I don't have bloating, and stools are fairly regular.

  Can replacing mercury fillings cause problems?



thanks for your time.

by Kevin Pho, MD, Oct 30, 2005 12:00AM
To answer your questions:

1) I am not aware of the cholesterol nor the B-12 level leading to your symptoms.



2) It is unlikely that a single episode of alcohol use in your teens would lead to the symptoms you are currently experiencing.



3) If malabsorption is considered, you can consider blood tests to look for celiac disease as well as stool tests to evaluate the fecal fat.



4) I am not aware of the mercury fillings leading to your symptoms.



These options can be discussed with your personal physician.



Followup with your personal physician is essential.



This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.



Kevin, M.D.

http://www.straightfromthedoc.com
Member Comments (1)

by Gandr1212, Oct 30, 2005 12:00AM
Your symptoms sound a lot like what I had.  I was told I had a lot of things.  My Pre-albumin tests were always verrrry low which shows a malnutrition.  They find this in liver disfuntion because of malfuntion.  Have you had your pre-albumin tested.  This is different from albumin.  I ended with ESLD.  Mine was caused by Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency.  please ask for your doctor to test for this.
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