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info on ascities
my husband is 60, he has portal hypertension,ascities, platlets are at 50, low white cells, nose bleeds, brusing, swollen liver and spine, tomorrow he goes to a G I , my question is will they tap him or just do tests, we have been waiting for 4 months to get this done, and were still waiting to see a liver doctor, my husband doesnt drink he got hep c from a transfusion, I would also like to know what I can expect in the future, he has not turned yellow yet, I just cant seem to get any straight anwsers thank you
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thanks to everyone, we went to the GI today and ended up with a liver doctor he was real good with us he examined my husband sent him for multiple blood test, and next is a ultra sound, then he said possible a biopsy, we go back on the 18th of may so Im feeling better about things, but I do realize everyone is different so I will take it one day at a time and pray for the best thanks again
Your husband sounds much like I was when I was diagnosed with cirrhosis.
My doctor gave me diuretics to initially control the ascites. After that I went on a practically no salt diet. Start reading labels on the food you buy. Try to purchase no or low sodium products. Avoid deli meats, cheese and refined food.
Stay away from red meat, stick with fish, chicken or tofu for protein sources.
The future is unknown. How fast or slow liver disease progresses varies from person to person.
Your husband needs to see a heptalogist ( liver doctor) or at least a GI, soon. Be aggressive when you phone for appointments. Tell them the seriousness of your husband's symptoms, because they are serious. Ask for copies of his labs.
Mike's right, make a list of question for your doctor every time he has an appointment.
Good luck,
OH
My doctor gave me diuretics to initially control the ascites. After that I went on a practically no salt diet. Start reading labels on the food you buy. Try to purchase no or low sodium products. Avoid deli meats, cheese and refined food.
Stay away from red meat, stick with fish, chicken or tofu for protein sources.
The future is unknown. How fast or slow liver disease progresses varies from person to person.
Your husband needs to see a heptalogist ( liver doctor) or at least a GI, soon. Be aggressive when you phone for appointments. Tell them the seriousness of your husband's symptoms, because they are serious. Ask for copies of his labs.
Mike's right, make a list of question for your doctor every time he has an appointment.
Good luck,
OH
Depending on the extent of his swelling he may have his fluid drained.
The symptoms you describe indicate cirrhosis of the liver. There are degrees of cirrhosis and I would expect your doctor to address this with you and your Husband.
Ascites can sometimes lead to what is called encephalopathy. This is a disorientation that patients can suffer. Memory can be impacted and there can be incoherence and other mental problems. I am not saying that this will happen but you should be alert to any changes in his personality. Encephalopathy can be treated with lactulose and a recent drug called rifaximin. I would ask you doctor about any dietary suggestions.
I found this at webmd:
Cirrhosis - Symptoms
People who have cirrhosis sometimes do not have symptoms until liver damage is extensive. Symptoms of cirrhosis and its complications may include:
* Fluid buildup in the legs (edema) and the abdomen (ascites).
* Fatigue.
* Yellowing of the skin (jaundice).
* Itching (pruritus).
* Profuse nosebleeds (epistaxis).
* Redness of the palms.
* Small red spots and tiny lines on the skin called spider angiomas.
* Bleeding from enlarged veins (varices) in the digestive tract.
* Bruising easily.
* Weight loss and muscle wasting.
* Belly pain or discomfort.
* Frequent infections.
* Confusion.
For more information see:
http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/tc/cirrhosis-symptoms
Some people live long lives with cirrhosis if their cirrhosis is what is called "compensated" where the liver is still working relatively well.
There are some things that can be done to help and I expect that your doctor will address this topic. Often a drug will be prescribed to reduce pulmonary hypertension. Your doctor will discuss all of this with you but it's always good to make a list of question that you want answered. We often forget once we're with the doctor so a list can be a big help.
Good luck,
Mike
The symptoms you describe indicate cirrhosis of the liver. There are degrees of cirrhosis and I would expect your doctor to address this with you and your Husband.
Ascites can sometimes lead to what is called encephalopathy. This is a disorientation that patients can suffer. Memory can be impacted and there can be incoherence and other mental problems. I am not saying that this will happen but you should be alert to any changes in his personality. Encephalopathy can be treated with lactulose and a recent drug called rifaximin. I would ask you doctor about any dietary suggestions.
I found this at webmd:
Cirrhosis - Symptoms
People who have cirrhosis sometimes do not have symptoms until liver damage is extensive. Symptoms of cirrhosis and its complications may include:
* Fluid buildup in the legs (edema) and the abdomen (ascites).
* Fatigue.
* Yellowing of the skin (jaundice).
* Itching (pruritus).
* Profuse nosebleeds (epistaxis).
* Redness of the palms.
* Small red spots and tiny lines on the skin called spider angiomas.
* Bleeding from enlarged veins (varices) in the digestive tract.
* Bruising easily.
* Weight loss and muscle wasting.
* Belly pain or discomfort.
* Frequent infections.
* Confusion.
For more information see:
http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/tc/cirrhosis-symptoms
Some people live long lives with cirrhosis if their cirrhosis is what is called "compensated" where the liver is still working relatively well.
There are some things that can be done to help and I expect that your doctor will address this topic. Often a drug will be prescribed to reduce pulmonary hypertension. Your doctor will discuss all of this with you but it's always good to make a list of question that you want answered. We often forget once we're with the doctor so a list can be a big help.
Good luck,
Mike
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Certainly the things you mention can all be signs of liver disease, I would suspect a GI would definetely start running some tests to figure out what needs to be done. If they don't, I would highly recommend another doctor.
From what I've read, unfortunately, 4 months is not an unusual time to have to wait to see a specialist. My own first appointment was almost 3 1/2 months after I was diagnosed. The good news is, once you get in, follow up appointments don't generally take that long to get.
While no one can predict the future, liver disease is generally pretty slow moving. Many times, with the proper medical care and lifestyle changes, people can live out a normal life span.
Best of luck, keep us in the loop!