1st time post - I think I have cirrhosis

[hopenow]

Hi.  I am 47 and for over 5 years I drank 3 glasses of wine 5 or 6 nights a week until 2 months ago, when I stopped drinking cold turkey.  I got sick November 10th and haven't been the same since.  It started with diarrhea, fatigue and weakness.  Then my right upper quadrant area started hurting where my liver is.  They don't know what is wrong with me yet, but I personally think it is cirrhosis.  2 ultrasounds have shown nothing.  CT scan was normal.  MRI was normal.  I am having a HIDA scan tomorrow.  Does Cirhossis show up on these tests?  My bloodwork also worries me.  I have a high red blood cell count, high hemoglobin and high hematocrit.  My AST is 25 and My ALT is 15, which is a 1.66 ratio.  A month ago my AST was 12 and my ALT was 18, which is a .66 ratio.  My albumin has dropped from 4.7 to 3.8, my bilirubin has increased to .5 and my creatnine is .78.  My BUN is 7.  My white count is 9.3.  I am exhausted all the time.  Does this sound like cirrhosis of the liver?  

[ceanothus]

You've gotten great advice from Randy and Mike, and I agree with them completely. It sounds unlikely that you have an actual liver disease, but it does sound like you probably have a bile duct issue, possibly some sort of partial blockage (a total blockage would probably force you to the ER with really severe pain). Your doctors' next task is to figure out exactly what is causing the problem with your bile duct. You can get a little more info about HIDA results at the Mayo clinic (http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/hida-scan/basics/results/prc-20015028), but ultimately this is going to require more hands-on diagnostic work by your doctors. Try to stay calm and patient. This kind of diagnostic work takes some time. I know you are uncomfortable and anxiety kicks in quickly with this kind of stuff, but a couple of months of waiting isn't very long yet for this kind of problem. It's more time than anyone wants to wait, but it's pretty normal to take up to six months to completely figure these things out. Keep us posted when you have more news from your doctor. Best wishes!

[hopenow]

Yes, you are right.  I should stay calm until I have been given a diagnosis to worry about.  You did not alarm me at all!   I have just been doing a lot of research online and I feel that I am just grasping at straws at this point.  The great thing about this blog is that you can actually get another human's opinion - not just a WebMD synopsis.  I have been sick for over 2 months and still have no answers.  It is very frustrating and stressful, as I am sure you can relate.  But you are right - I need to stop imagining the worst case scenario.  I appreciate you and Randy taking the time to answer my questions. I hope to hear from my doctor soon about the next steps.  Thanks again.

[mikesimon]

I may have spoken too quickly when I said "severe liver problem". I experienced bile duct issues post liver transplant so I tend to consider those issues "liver problems". I should have said bile duct issues which could include several things. I am reluctant to suggest scenarios which may be possible but which I believe are very unlikely. I agree with Randy when he suggested that from the information that you have provided liver disease does not seem likely. I frequently caution people not to borrow trouble by imagining every worst-case scenario. I wasted a lot of time, energy and joy doing exactly that and I try to advise others not make the same mistake that I did. I think you should get in touch with your doctor and have him explain to you what he thinks is going on here.
I apologize if I alarmed you because that was not my intent. I was actually trying to calm you down.

I wish you good luck.

Mike

[hopenow]

Do you know what types of severe liver liver problem would cause this result?  Cancer? Cirhossis?  Any information would be helpful.  Thank you!

[mikesimon]

It could suggest a severe liver problem but I believe it could also be caused by a blockage in your bile duct - a gallstone perhaps. I hope that is the case.

Good luck,
Mike

[hopenow]

I had my HIDA scan yesterday, which was abnormal.  My gallbladder did not release into my small intestine at the end of the test, which could be as a result of liver problems.  Has anyone ever heard of this?  Thanks!

[rpooo]

You are very welcome and thank you for your kind words. It’s not uncommon for your labs to change since so much is a reaction to what we ingest as long as you are staying in range then your safe to dismiss reason for concern. Good luck tomorrow and I hope you will let us know if anything comes out of it we can help with.

Randy

[hopenow]

Randy, I have been pouring over this blog for days and I know you put a lot of time into responding to people and their questions.  I value your opinion and was hoping you would respond, so thank you.  I am so worried because of the pain under my right rib cage and it seems like my labs keep going downhill over the past 2 months.  Time will tell......I am seeing a hematologist today and the HIDA scan is tomorrow.  Thanks again.  

[rpooo]

Hello and welcome to MedHelp. The liver really is quite resilient and judging from the blood labs you posted and your imaging returning “normal” it’s a safe bet you don’t have liver disease. Your blood labs do not indicate irritation yet alone liver disease. Sorry you are not feeling well and I hope your doctor figures out what the problem may be. Take care.

Randy