Liver Enlargement

I was recently diagnosed with severe sleep apnea and am now on bipap machine; stopped breathing 114 times in 6 1/2 hours.  I had nocturia and that seems to have stopped; maybe I get up once or twice now compared to every hour to hour and 1/2.  My bowel movements do not seem to be normal in respect to it looks choppy in one inch short pieces and never a long stool as I had most of my life.  I have lumar-sacral issues from injuries and get injections on average - once a year.  Recently thespine institute sent me to the Rheumatologist to see if I have arthritis as a result of blood work.  Well I do not have RA, probable osteoarthritis.  The dr sent for an ultrasound of the abdominal area.  Gallbladder removed.  The liver is enlarged and the spleen is enlarged and the kidney on rt 2 cm in the lateral portion of the middle 1/3 of the left kidney.  A CT Scan is indicated.  I do not drink.  The dr said maybe I have autoimmune hepatitis.  I am scared now and no longer trust my primary doctor as a result of what I have been thorugh.  It was through me going on the internet that I was able to ocme up with what was wrong with me and receive treatment.  I was told to go to a Liver Specialist and do not know where to look.  I am done fooling around.  Please help me.

Thank you.

[Bob368]

There are 680 causes of an enlarged liver and spleen, autoimmune hepatitis is one of them. Call your doctors office and have them refer you to a hepatologist. They have to refer you to a specialist. If you still have problems finding one i will help you.


Take care

Bob :)  

[bloomerdale]

Thanks for your reply.  I plan to call my dr first thing in the morning for a referral.  I need to seek out a good dr as I have been through too much with the sleep apnea.  I don't know what a hepatoligist is.  My rheumatoligist said to go to a liver dr.  Where should i start looking at?  Teaching hospitals?  Call ins company for referrals.   I no longer trust my famiy dr since he said it was fatty liver and now this.  My rheum said the same thing.  Autimmune hepatitis.  Thanks Bob.  I am going to look now.

[Bob368]

Hepatologist is a liver doctor. You could make an appointment with a new doctor. Get another opinion. Maybe this doctor will work with you. Just an idea. Your insurance may not require a referal to see a hepatologist or liver doctor. Call and check.

Good Luck,

Bob :)