Hepatitis C a reason for my recent ER trip?

[Nighthawk61]

I suffer from Type 2 Diabetes (recent diagnosis) but have chosen not to take meds and control it with nutrition. I'm doing fine with that. I also have HepC and am awaiting a biopsy and fibroscan. The question I have is this. The other week I went into emerg with what they said was a "slight infection". I vomitted and had diarreah simultaneously before the ambulance was called. I was unable to understand anything, could'nt give my birthdate or even answer how many fingers were held up. I was in emerg for 8 hours before they let me go. My question is this, could this have anything to do with my hepatitis C? I didn't have any input really from the doctor. Could I have been dehydrated? Any comments?

[Nighthawk61]

Thanks for all of your posts.  I'm making an appointment for an amonia test , and looking into Ascites tomorrow, i'll keep you informed. Thanks for caring. Liz.

[Nighthawk61]

Oh yeah, OrphanedHawk, I do have cirrhosis, scarring right? I was diagnosed back in 2000 and had a biopsy 2003. I don't know what stage I was, I was just told I wasn't ready for treatment yet, and to come back in 5 years.

[can-do-man]

Yes you can get copies of your records, just yesterday I called the hospital and asked for the medical records dept. Told them what I needed, went up there a couple hours later and they was ready. Just had to show an ID and sign a release form, no problem no cost.

You say you have type 2 Diabetes, that seems to be a problem with people with hep c, It doesn't run in my family and I wasn't over weight, my Hepo said it was fairly common with us heppers. Glad you can keep in under control without any med but do keep a close eye on it. Mine seemd to get better then it became a problem again..... Good luck on your journey.

[Nighthawk61]

You know, I feel like an idiot for not asking for lab results from the ER. Does anybody know if I am I able to get them 2+ weeks later? Can my doctor be requesting this info? My doctor is not a good doctor. The only time that I ever get anything done has been to read these posts and ask for specifics in the blood work etc. I was given a date with a Hepatologist for next summer, but found a doctor and a lab (that costs $) to perform the fibroscan. I don't know if they will perform a biopsy. I hope so, because I want one as well as the fibroscan,(after posting here, so thank you again).  and I want it quickly rather than late. Thanks you guys, I know you know how i feel right now.

[BoceprevirGal]

    The stomach symptoms you described sound more like Norro Virus, which is a 24 hour Flu.
    But the mental confusion could easily have been triggered, by the dehydration which would have quickly occured, after you lost so much fluid, from both ends, etc.
    I noticed when my Hep C began progressing (when I hit age 47 yrs, after having it for 20 yrs), I became very easily dehydrated on hot summer days, and would then get mental confusion, as well as other dehydration symptoms such as severe muscle cramps, and my sweat would feel sticky..plus I would feel weak, and have a sore throat.
    Also, Hep C and Diabetes are also seen together, and I noticed my sugar going up, and I had to cut out sugar and white flour, other-wise I would begin to get a bladder infection.
  Good luck with your Bx~

[Idyllic]

Did they run any type of labs while you were in the emergency room. If so be sure to obtain the copies as there could be more decisive answers on them. If so hopefully your serum Ammonia might be on them. If not be sure to ask your doctor to run a more comprehensive labs - probably sooner than later.  

Here is a link that mentions the causes and symptoms of Hepatic Encephalopathy:
http://www.liverfoundation.org/abouttheliver/info/hepaticencephalopathy/

You are on the right track by having the biopsy & FibroSure as you will have many solid answers soon enough.
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Here is a link about Hepatitis C,Type 2 diabetes and Insulin Resistance:
http://www.liverfoundation.org/abouttheliver/info/hepaticencephalopathy/

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I hope you are OK and that you continue to post your condition as well as your results. There are many people on here qualified to help you understand them and put them into perspective. :)