Recommendation for a Primary at UCSF?

[hepcandme]

I finally will be dumping Kaiser and getting to see the brilliant liver docs at UCSF. I have reached SVR but need a good doc to help me manage my cirrhosis

Anyone have a primary at UCSF that is good and will refer me to Dr. Terrault?

Thanks in advance for your recommendations

~ Linda

[HectorSF]

I don't personally know of any primary doctors at UCSF. My primary doctor has always been outside of UCSF but my insurances have covered seeing doctors at UCSF as well. That is how I got my first referral to the UCSF Hepatitis Clinic in 2008, headed by Norah Terrault, and later the Liver Transplant Unit after it was determined I would need a liver transplant.

Any UCSF primary would use the UCSF protocol for monitoring someone like yourself who has cirrhosis and is now SVR.
And I would think would refer any cirrhosis related issues to the Hepatitis Clinic.

Post SVR monitoring would include....

* Most importantly... surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer) with twice-yearly ultrasound examination is recommended for patients with advanced fibrosis (ie, Metavir stage F3 or F4) who achieve an SVR.

* A baseline endoscopy is recommended to screen for varices if cirrhosis‡ is present. Patients in whom varices are found should be monitored or treated and followed up as indicated.

* An evaluation and monitoring of any cirrhosis complication - ascites, portal hypertension (platelet count), etc.

Assessment of other causes of liver disease is recommended for patients who develop persistently abnormal liver tests after achieving an SVR.

Here is the info on UCSF Primary Care Services...

Primary Care at UCSF Medical Center provides a wide range of services from routine health examinations to managing chronic conditions (such as your liver disease). Our doctors, nurses and other health professionals promote good health through preventative medicine, health screenings and health education. If you should need a specialist, we coordinate your care with world-renowned experts at UCSF.

Call 1-844-PCP-UCSF to schedule a new patient appointment at Primary Care.

Be well Linda.
Hector

[SFbaygirl55]

I saw Dr Frederick there. He came highly recommended. I didn't see him long. I was on TX in 2005. I had a massive bleed,and although I was onto for a year and wanted to keep going 3 more most. (I wasn't clear at 12 weeks) I wanted to continue.  I stopped as Dr said too, and ten years later fibrosis says I have cirrhosis...  Wish I had stayed on. Now I must do return to the TX.  Hope he finds no varies.  He is worried about massive bleeds ( l have had 3 more in ten yes.  No one bothered dx hvc as cause.  I was dried w/lupus anticoagulant.  My problem is that I live a ways from SF.  I now live in Benicia. I am kind of floating not knowing what's next. Lots of new info to learn