follow up

[HessyKat]

The more I just read the more I am scared. I do have swelling in my legs that started with the pitted edema and my stomach does have swelling which goes up and down. I have been on lortab for a long time and wonder if the Tylenol is what could have damaged it. I read where the swelling meant end stage. I am left to just sit here and worry like crazy. I also had a hysterectomy after my gallbladder was removed and thought that I was having symptoms from menopause because I have been having terrible hot flashes. Can anyone give me any thoughts I am so frightened. I am having panic attacks because of the call.

[HessyKat]

I know you are in the same anxiety mode I am in and I am praying everything will be ok for you. Were there reasons that made your doctor also decide to check for the Hep C like mine did? I totally know what you are feeling. When the decided to check mine, I thought it would be fine but like I said it caught me so off guard with the nurse just blurting it  out and hanging up like she did. I really do pray all is well with your results.

[HessyKat]

I have had my thyroid removed so I have routine blood test often. I am very hypothyroid and the doctor thought I wasn't taking my levothyroxine and I take it daily so he just checked everything and my enzymes came back elevated 78 and I think the SGOT is 1-38? Just as a precaution he said oh lets just make sure and check for hepatitis. He said it probally is just fluctuating due to your autoimmune thyroid issues and medication. That is what stated the ball rolling. Plus I have complained in the past about my stomach swelling up and down. I also had the partial hysterectomy so I was contributing everything to horomone related myself. Plus, suddenly I am having slightly elevated cholesterol. I have had constant blood test going on for years due to the thyroid issues and nothing ever really was out of whack (LOL) until just lately.

[happymom2v]

I wanted to ask you (if you don't mind)...why did your primary care doctor test you for Hepatitis C? Were you or the doctor suspicious of something?

[happymom2v]

HessyKat. Before you stop your pain medication or any other medications  its probably best to speak with your doctor so that he/she can wean you off of it safely. Weaning should be done under the care of a doctor. But, I could be wrong. Make sure to write down all your questions and concerns. I am really surprised that your doctor didn't call you directly to give you the results. At least this way, you could ask some questions and get some answers. I am a very anxious person, so keep venting...I think it helps. I can't believe I am up so late...very, very worried about getting my blood test tomorrow...yikes!

[HessyKat]

The more I read the more I realize that I am contributing terribly to the problem with taking my pain medication that has been prescribed to me for many years. I broke my back and had a terrible back surgery in 1997 and am obviously addicted to Lortab. I am taking way more than the amount that I should be but did not know That I had Hep C and now with the amount of Tylenol I have taken over the years it is surely not helping. I am scared to stop the medicine because of my pain but yet now my liver is involved. I cant continue with the Lortab my common sense tells me but I am terrified of withdrawals and terrified of the with my liver. I will be so glad to get to the doctor and find out exactly how bad it is. I had a CT scan few months back which didn't say the liver was enlarged but now it feels that way under my rib area. Lord, I am a mess. Forgive me for my rambling. I gotta get a grip with my anxiety. Sorry happymom2v...and No about the ex....he ran off with a woman years back and my understanding is somewhere in prison. Thank God he ran off with her....

[happymom2v]

HessyKat. I think that I read somewhere, that a fatty liver may be a reason for elevated liver enzymes...so that might explain why your sgot is elevated. You mentioned that you had surgery for a Hysterectomy , thyroidectomy and Gallbladder, but Never once did anything show up...unless the doctor is specifically testing for Hepatitis, then it won't show up. Elevated liver enzymes are usually the first red flag. Did your ex husband ever get tested for Hepatitis C? If your really worried, make a sooner appt to see your doctor or ask for a referral to a hepatologist.

[happymom2v]

HessyKat. I think that I read somewhere, that a fatty liver may be a reason for elevated liver enzymes...so that might explain why your sgot is elevated. You mentioned that you had surgery for a Hysterectomy , thyroidectomy and Gallbladder, but Never once did anything show up...unless the doctor is specifically testing for Hepatitis, then it won't show up. Elevated liver enzymes are usually the first red flag. Did your ex husband ever get tested for Hepatitis C? If your really worried, make a sooner appt to see your doctor or ask for a referral to a hepatologist.

[HessyKat]

I do not know Happymom2v how I may have gotten it. I do have tattoos and I am divorced now but found out that my ex husband may have been using needles. We have been divorced for over 6 yrs now and I am 51yrs old and just had a grandbaby. I want to be around to enjoy him. I love the Lord and pray that everything will be ok. I also, hope all turns out well for you also. Thank you for responding.

[HessyKat]

Thank you ClearlyC. I so much appreciate your response. I am just terrified. I have had so many blood tests lately. Had surgery for a Hysterectomy , thyroidectomy and Gallbladder. Never once did anything show up. 7 months ago I even had a abdominal CT scan which did show fatty liver and some scarring but the results stated it didn't need following up. When my Surgeon took out my Gallbladder he said he has a very hard time getting it out laproscopic. I am sure my mind is just running away with me. Thank you again. I do have some right side pain since the Gallbladder removed and kept attributing it to that. Sorry, I am rambling. God Bless and again thanks.

[happymom2v]

Hi Hessykat. I can understand how you are feeling/experiencing panic attack. I am going to get tested for Hepatitis C tomorrow and am nervous wreck. It's understandable to be worried and anxious, especially with access to the internet...you read and read and your mind begins to wander. Ask questions and make sure if your questions aren't answers that you find a good doctor who can. I think, from what I read, its important to see a hepatologist, as they are the ones who specialize in this area. Do you know how you may of contracted Hepatitis C? Sending you hugs.