Help, we are stumped

  Since Feb 98 I have had problems. First, my liver enzymes were
  elevated and they concluded it was due to medications I was on.
  They stayed elevated for about 3 months. I had a liver biopsy and
  it was normal. They then did a test for CMV and it was elevated too
  They said sometime that I had had Mono, maybe years ago. Then in
  Oct 98 I had problems with my stomach and they did an EGD and I
  had esophagus reflux with inflammation. The next day I started
  having a sore throat and coughing. I ended up coming down with
  Bronchititis. They put me on antibiotics and prendisone. I ended
  up being put into the hospital and was diagnosed with  a mild
  case of asthma and emphyzema.My lungs are a lot better but still
  have shortness of breath and am weak. I am a smoker and was put on
  a nicotrol inhaler and am doing real good with that. I have had 10
  cigarettes in 3 weeks. I started swelling in my face and feet.
  I was gradually taken off the prendisone but still have swelling
  in my face. I have also had a problem with my abdomen being swollen
  for over 2 years but they never could find out what that was so
  they said I have IBS. I was put on Lasix and it has taken some water
  off but my abdomen is still swollen and now is tender. I seem to
  be going backwards. My doctor says I may have a heart problem and
  ordered a echocardiogram which they did on the 13th and I am
  having a Muga scan tomorrow the 16th. They also did a blood test
  called CA-125 to check me for possibly ovarian cancer. I like my
  doctor very much but feel we are missing something. Any help you can
  give us will be much appreciated. I am scared but actually wish
  something would show up so we can fix it. Thank you for any advice
  you can give us. judith
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Dear Judith,
I sense your frustration with this seemingly endless series of illnesses.  From your letter it is not clear if you have fluid in the abdomen (ascites).  If you do have ascites, one must consider diseases of liver, kidney, heart, ovary and peritoneum (inne rlining of the abdomen).  It is difficult to provide any additional information without reveiwing your medical record.
This information is presented for educational purposes only.  Always ask specific questiosn to your personal physician.
HFHSM.D.-rf
*keywords: ascites
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