Arthritis and HepC

[monkeyfro]

My liver biopsy showed a 2 but a blood ammonia test was over 190 so my gastro want me to start the treatment as soon as possible. I also have Ankylosing Spondylitis a form of arthritis.  I have probably had Hep for 30 years or more diagnosed in 04.  I have been doing a lot of research on the web, especially on the ammonia test, and read the symptoms for a level that high which would indicate a pretty bad liver function are a lot of fatigue, memory loss, confusion etc.  I have no symptoms I have noticed.  I guess my question is can this insidious disease progress this fast when it took this long to show up?  I do not drink and have not for 20 years or more.  Is this ammonia level just freaking me out or is it really high?  I have tried to ignore this disease and now want to attack  with all my might, I see areas like this forum are a God-send.  Thank you in advance

[monkeyfro]

Do you have information that might be helpful???? At least someone responded to my post and I appreciate that, I have been very upset over this test.  I did not take CoWriter's response as any kind of expert information, I thought this forum was for personal information from others in the same situation, not to take the place of medical advice just a supplement to it.  Thanks

[shappychic]

Excuse me but you seem to think your an expert. Just who are you?

[monkeyfro]

Thank you for responding, this is what I was understanding in my reading, I have asked for another blood test (no response from his yet) I do believe it is time to begin the treatment anyway, but not based on that test, it really scared me.  I do smoke and I was not fasting when the test was done.  Again thank u

[CoWriter]

The ammonia test is primarily used to help investigate the cause of changes in behavior and consciousness.  For example, if somebody experiences mental changes like  disorientation, confusion, black out periods, then an ammonia level may be ordered to help evaluate the cause of the change in consciousness.

An ammonia level should be correlated with symptoms, otherwise it doesn't mean much.

BTW.....remind your doctor that smoking, muscular exertion (muscles produce ammonia when active and absorb it when resting), exercise before having the blood test and leaving the tourniquet on too long when taking the blood, CAN CAUSE HIGH AMMONIA READINGS.

And please tell him that wanting to treat somebody based on ONE ammonia reading is absolutely ridiculous and he should be ashamed of himself.  


Source:

http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/ammonia/test.html