Aa
a letter
I had an abdominal scan a few weeks later I got a letter from radiology saying,"hep C has now progressed into cirhosis.I called the doc like suggested went in had an endoscopy.I am bleeding in my abdomen.First of all I,ve been depressed I live alone and radio;ogy sends me this letter for me to sit with by myself for two weeks.I have social outlets but, no body I felt close enouhn to discuss this with.Than doc shows me pic of my endo results and just sends me home with an appt to come back in a month.What gives is this normal?
Here's how it was explained to me:
Because your liver is not functioning as normal, the back-up of blood flow often results, much like dropping a tree into a creek will result in a daming effect on the stream. The blood vessels in your esophagus being the closest to your liver are one of the first places that the backup is manifested. Thus, the need for the endoscopy to determine if the backup is occurring, to what degree if it is, and to band (cauterize) those vessels which have or are in danger of rupturing to avoid internal bleeding.
It is my understanding that if internal bleeding is occurring, then it is prudent to address it. When I had my endo, the orders were to band any vessels greater than a level 1 or had shown signs of rupturing in the past that were observed as well as to report the corrective action ,if any, to my doctor.
If it were I, I would be asking the doctor why banding is not being done and/or what is going to be done about the internal bleeding to stop loss due to the hemoraging.
As suggested, perhaps a second opinion or new doctor is in order if a satisfactory answer can not be given as to why the abdomenal bleeding is not being addressed.
As for the progression of liver damage, was it diagnosed by a biopsy, ultrasound, CTScan or some other method. The biopsy and CTScan are the most reliable, and if it was diagnosed from an ultrasound, then I would be looking to have one of the others performed to get a clearer picture on where you are at.
It is unfortunate that you have to go through this, but as many have learned, more often than not we patients must become our own advocates to insure we receive proper medical treatment for this insidious disease. If possible, you may want to look for the nearest HCV support group which may have someone who has more experience to assist you with the advocacy issues.
Because your liver is not functioning as normal, the back-up of blood flow often results, much like dropping a tree into a creek will result in a daming effect on the stream. The blood vessels in your esophagus being the closest to your liver are one of the first places that the backup is manifested. Thus, the need for the endoscopy to determine if the backup is occurring, to what degree if it is, and to band (cauterize) those vessels which have or are in danger of rupturing to avoid internal bleeding.
It is my understanding that if internal bleeding is occurring, then it is prudent to address it. When I had my endo, the orders were to band any vessels greater than a level 1 or had shown signs of rupturing in the past that were observed as well as to report the corrective action ,if any, to my doctor.
If it were I, I would be asking the doctor why banding is not being done and/or what is going to be done about the internal bleeding to stop loss due to the hemoraging.
As suggested, perhaps a second opinion or new doctor is in order if a satisfactory answer can not be given as to why the abdomenal bleeding is not being addressed.
As for the progression of liver damage, was it diagnosed by a biopsy, ultrasound, CTScan or some other method. The biopsy and CTScan are the most reliable, and if it was diagnosed from an ultrasound, then I would be looking to have one of the others performed to get a clearer picture on where you are at.
It is unfortunate that you have to go through this, but as many have learned, more often than not we patients must become our own advocates to insure we receive proper medical treatment for this insidious disease. If possible, you may want to look for the nearest HCV support group which may have someone who has more experience to assist you with the advocacy issues.
Amen. Get a new doc right away.
Where are you located?
What are your stats, if you have them?
We can help you if you give us a little more info, i think
Deb
Where are you located?
What are your stats, if you have them?
We can help you if you give us a little more info, i think
Deb
I'd be changing Drs. so fast it would make this ones' head swim!!! No explaination, no meds/treatments, etc.??? No way would I stay with a Dr. like that. You deserve an understandable explaination.
Hang on, I'm sure there will be lots of posts to this one.
tmblwd
Hang on, I'm sure there will be lots of posts to this one.
tmblwd
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