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Watermelon stomach treatment

I've been given 8 units of blood and multiple iron iv treatments in four weeks, yet my hemoglobin drops to 3.5.  In the hospital two weeks ago, the hemoglobin went up to 8, but is slowly dropping again even with multiple transfusions.  I just underwent the second endoscopy to laser bleeding areas of watermelon stomach.  I'm a bit frustrated in that I've read that watermelon stomach is secondary to another problem, and the doctors do not seem to be addressing the cause.  A report from a nuclear medicine liver/spllen scan indicated an increase of radiopharmaceutical accumulation within the bone marrow suggestive of colloid shift, which is a finding consistent with portal venous hypertension.  There is spleen and liver enlargement.  I used to drink alcohol but will never consume it again.  I get no answers concerning treatment for portal venous hypertension or treatment for whatever causes watermelon stomach, GAVE disease.  What medical facility in the Florida Alabama area specializes in this?  One facility recommended was in Minnesota which would require air travel and I'm major claustrophobic--any other facilities in the southeast?  Any information would be greatly appreciated.
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Avatar universal
I have the same water melon stomach am being treated in Kingsport Tn.
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627145 tn?1230305626
FYI, the other name for watermelon stomach is ascites, pronounced ah-SITE-eez.  
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627145 tn?1230305626
I'm very sorry you are undergoing treatment for this serious condition.  

This site may help you:  

http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-3406200368.html

Near the bottom of the page it has this heading and description.  This suggests to me that a major hospital in your own state should be able to perform the procedure if you are a candidate.  I'm so sorry you are so ill.  

WHO PERFORMS THE PROCEDURE AND WHERE IS IT PERFORMED?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Portal vein bypass surgery is performed by a surgeon specialized in gastroenterology or hepatology in a hospital setting, very often as an emergency operation.

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