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Abdominal Swelling
I haven't been on this forum for several months. I have an appointment with my liver specialist July 1 of this year. I have noticed that my stomach will just not flatten out like it always used to, even though my weight has stayed the same. This is true even lying down. I'm 53, 1b, 3-time nonresponder, Stage 3, Grade 2 as of July '05 biopsy. Is this just gravity and aging or is it the HepC? I feel good, just tired sometimes. Of course I'll ask my doc, but you guys are always so helpful. Thanks.
Yeah, I know what you said is true, that fear is only human, and I appreciate your reminding me of that. My doc is in another large city about 1-1/2 hours away. I actually wasn't going to tell him about the swelling and see if he comments on it when he does his exam (thumping on my liver, etc). If he doesn't say anything, then I'll bring it to his attention. I have an abdominal ultrasound every June, so I'm sure we'll be doing that this June.
About the afp, my doc hasn't said anything about it, but I've noticed about two years ago he started ordering that with the other lab work. I've asked him point blank if I'm getting or have liver cancer, but he says it's nothing to worry about.
I'm interested in the results of the PROVE 2 trials and also what's going on with PROVE 3, but in my limited research I'm not finding out much. I feel I'm wasting my time anyway because my doc already knows way more about what's going on with clinical trials than I do, so I'll just let him do his job and I'll go read a good book.
About the afp, my doc hasn't said anything about it, but I've noticed about two years ago he started ordering that with the other lab work. I've asked him point blank if I'm getting or have liver cancer, but he says it's nothing to worry about.
I'm interested in the results of the PROVE 2 trials and also what's going on with PROVE 3, but in my limited research I'm not finding out much. I feel I'm wasting my time anyway because my doc already knows way more about what's going on with clinical trials than I do, so I'll just let him do his job and I'll go read a good book.
"I think I'm scared to find out."
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...and I think that's only human, this disease IS scary... but please, don't let the FEAR incapacitate you... the virus doesn't need any help! ;).
If I may ask, have you had any recent imaging? You said your doc is watching your afp climb...?!?
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...and I think that's only human, this disease IS scary... but please, don't let the FEAR incapacitate you... the virus doesn't need any help! ;).
If I may ask, have you had any recent imaging? You said your doc is watching your afp climb...?!?
I thank all of you! I think I'm scared to find out. Anyway, July 1 is the first available appt. this doc has. I've been off treatment since 3/9/05, so this seems rather late for it to be a side from treatment, but never say never! Mostly just pisses me off because I've always been attentive to my "girlish" figure, and now I can't seem to get it back! I had some complications with treatment, so this doc on July 1 wants to "customize" the next treatment (Round 4) to avoid the retinal hemorrhaging that occurred on Infergen at just week 9 of treatment. I'm on high blood pressure medication and my cholesterol is great. I know the doc is watching my alpha-feto protein (liver tumor) numbers climb. I HATE this disease!!!
I was talking post treatment, not during. You could also check out IBS as a possible cause.
Metabolic syndrome is a catch-all for a group of metabolic disorders including blood sugar problems (a common side effect of interferon) which may lead to diabetes. http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4756
IBS: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/irritable-bowel-syndrome/DS00106
Metabolic syndrome is a catch-all for a group of metabolic disorders including blood sugar problems (a common side effect of interferon) which may lead to diabetes. http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4756
IBS: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/irritable-bowel-syndrome/DS00106
"... an acceleration of the metabolic syndrome that some of us experience after ..."
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could you tell me a little about this metabolic syndrome? I've heard some talk about wait loss due to nausea, but it sounds like weight gain can a sx too?
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could you tell me a little about this metabolic syndrome? I've heard some talk about wait loss due to nausea, but it sounds like weight gain can a sx too?
Of course you should always rule out ascites (excess fluid associated with cirrhosis) but in addition to aging, etc, it very well may be related to an acceleration of the metabolic syndrome that some of us experience after treating. I happen to be one of those "someone's" although some progress has been made in the two years since I've treated with exercise and diet. . You might want to check out your cholesterol, triglycerides, bp, etc, while you're at it.
-- Jim
-- Jim
My husband's hepatologist always emphasizes that changes in weight OR appearance of swelling should be reported immediately. If I were you, I would not hesitate to call my liver specialist, report the swelling, and ask for a sooner appointment, especially since it's been almost 3 years since your last biopsy.
It certainly COULD be age and gravity :) ... but I'd say better to be safe and have it checked out sooner rather than later.
Best wishes.
It certainly COULD be age and gravity :) ... but I'd say better to be safe and have it checked out sooner rather than later.
Best wishes.
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