My 1st Appt. Went Well

I waited only 15 min to see my Hepatologist. The two gals on his staff--I made sure to note their names--were  friendly yet professional. One took a hx; the other did an intial physical exam. He did an additional physical exam, then talked with me at length...15-20 min. thoroughly explaining what the options may be, pending results of my lab tests and ultrasound. I think he's one sharp Doc and I'm in good hands.
I'm fortunate to live within 15 minutes of major medical facilities in Sioux Falls.  There are many in smaller South Dakota rural communities who must travel long distances and sometimes live away from their homes in order to receive care.  What I'm not looking forward to are the lab test & U/S results!  But we gotta start somewhere, don't we?  'Appreciate the thought of getting parking validated...once again, fortunate that the medical centers here offer valet parking at n/c.  Cool!   Thanks again everyone for your caring!

[nygirl7]

Dont sweat the lab tests and US they are nothing.  The US is actually kind of cool because you can watch where all the blood is going and stuff and it doens't hurt a bit.  I thought it was really great to watch it all.

Glad your doc is on the ball........it sounds like you are in good hands!

[FlGuy]

You mentioned u/s.  Did the doc talk about liver biopsy?

[Trinity4]

That caught my attention too.  No talk about biopsy?  Ultrasound can't provide the exact stage of liver disease.  Abnormalities and possible cirrhosis but not stage and grade.  What was his spin on that?

Trinity

[spectda]

Glad to hear the appointment went well. As others mentioned, if you have had the disease at least 18 years I would expect your doctor to do a biopsy. perhaps that is the plan after the ultrasound.

Good luck to you,
Dave

[copyman]

good news. you are indeed lucky to have a good doctor close by. And to see him that quickly is unusual. I guess the big city docs are the ones you have to wait hours to see. good luck with the tests

[kiwi680]

Yes, he did mention biopsy and I meant to include that in my post. (You know how 1st appts. are--so much info to absorb!)  No follow-up appt.was set but they'll call when results are in.  I'll have genotype info then and probably biopsy scheduled.  Thanks again everyone.