Re: Problems with diagnosis.

Posted By Lisa S. on July 01, 1999 at 09:15:21
My Mother has been trying to get a diagnosis for sometime now for problems that she is having. These problems include: acute, chronic lower right back pain that radiates to the lower right stomach. The pain is much worse when stooping. It is relieved usually by sitting down. She has had numerous tests including: ultrasounds, CAT scans. She was diagnosed with osteoporosis from an ex-ray of her back. I have read osteoporosis can be associated with primary biliary cirrhosis. She also has a distended stomach, which is hard to the touch at times. Her sister had cirrhosis. The Dr. is suggesting that she have a laproscopy (sp)? Do you know of any other tests that she should have done. She is in the process of getting all the test results from all the Dr.'s that she has seen.
I would appreciate any opinion that you may have on this matter. Can all the problems that she's having be caused by the osteoporosis?
Thank you,
Lisa S.

[HFHSM.D.-rf]

Posted By HFHSM.D.-Gastro-RF on July 25, 1999 at 12:23:58
Dear Lisa,
Osteoporosis is a common condition among women.  As women age and enter menopause, the numbers with osteoporosis in creases.  You are correct that osteoporosis can result from biliary cirrhosis, but this is an uncommon cause.  Often there are laboratory signs to suggest a liver problem.
To work up patients for biliary cirrhosis, it is necessary to obtain blood studies e.g. liver tests and antimitochondrial antibody, radiology studies (ultrasound of the liver and sometimes ERCP) and often a liver biopsy.  
Laparoscopy is usually not part of the workup for biliary cirrhosis.  It is possible that the doctor is considering other explanations for the problems that you describe.
This informationis presented for educational purposes.  ASk specific questions to your personal physician.
HFHSm.D.-Gastro-RF
*keywords: osteoporosis, biliary cirrhosis
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