Is thi cirrhosis or riba?

[rivll]

I am in my 7th week (I think) of a study using 7797 and riba. I know I am not suppossed to be feeling bad.Around the time I was und, I felt pretty good but in tthe past couple of weeks, not. I cannot concentrate for log, I am too emotional, I feel like I am not getting enough air,I am dizzy and nauseated, edema has returned. I don;t remember what I did a few minutes before,no clarity, little enrgy.

[BoceprevirGal]

  That is not a weird thing, I felt the same way also, which is why I didn't follow my Gastro's instructions, in 2008, to get my genotype test taken, and to get a biopsy.
   Also, once I was told, by Dr Jay, that I had cirrhosis, from the FibroSure test, I did end up feeling really much sicker, but I think it was because I went on this crazy vegan diet, very suddenly, and began taking tons of gelatin capsules, full of Milk Thistle- and also worrying so much.
  But it sounds like the process of scheduling the Hepatologist appt may be a long one. I know edema is caused from fluid build up, so I was thinking you could just get an urgent care( or E.R.) appt to check on that, and the brain fog.
  You may also be wary of doing that, because I'm sure you dont want to discontinue your Study, I have read good things about it. Are you in a 12 week or a 24 week study?
   I know I felt better, when I went UND, but felt lousey at the 7 week point, but it was from anemia, and I started Procrit. I know Riba causes anemia, that's why people have their Riba reduced, when they get anemic, sometimes.

[MeWithC]

Yes Hepatologist is right, as well as a Gastroenterologist....

I have some brain fog...I get tongue-tied & stumble over my words sometimes......excellent for public speaking or in a coordination meeting....

[rivll]

Thanks guys. I finally downloaded the forms for Sutter Health-if I can get it altogether (documents etc) I can start the process to see a Hepatologist.
Every task seems so overwhelming..but it is time to deal with this. I realize I have been afraid to find out how bad it is.
Dr. Jay is fine but he is a study doc, I finally see that I need a liver specialist to really know anything. It is a weird thing though, it is almost like superstition-like if the Dr. says I am decompensating or have cancer, then that is it, that's the end, no more options...But if I don't know it, then somehow the results won't be the same. Totally illogical.
I am better today-but still dazed.
Thanks again.

[BoceprevirGal]

  That's true, she really does. I havent experienced any brain fog yet, although I've always been a bit of a space-cadet.
   I'm not too familiar with the treatment that occurs, with these Research Studies, the one I tried to get into (twice) was with Dr. J Lalezari, and he is an Internal M.D, and so is my Doctor, who also runs Studies.
  I guess a Liver Doctor is a Hepatologist?

[orphanedhawk]

High ammonia levels from encephalopathy are found among those with decompensated cirrhosis.
The solution is using lactuose or other meds, although not during tx.
It has nothing to do with the heat.
In my opinion, Rivil needs to talk to an experienced liver doctor about her symptoms.

[BoceprevirGal]

Stillworried about those symptoms you described, it may be your ammonia level, affecting your brain. I never do well in the heat.
   Dont hesitate to go to the E.R., to get your levels checked. I know it's time consuming, and you are tired, but you have a very valid reason to go~

[orphanedhawk]

Since we aren't familiar with the new meds, it's hard to say exactly what is causing your symptoms. Many of us have done riba but in combination with interferon.
You need to talk to your doctor.

[rivll]

okay, half asleep now- will do it tomorrow. thanks