PPI use

[Rbeth]

Ive had HCV for 38 years. I've not done protocol as decided by dr. & myself. Over the past 6 years I've had bouts with upper GI disturbances. (Am in process of finding a new hepatologist). Jan ,2014- May, 2014 persistent nausea & 16 lb weight loss. Barrett's oesophagus was discovered on endoscopy. A PPI is recommended to help acid reflux & in research I see they can be quite harmful to liver, which already has expected changes: arterial shunts, bridging, varicies etc. I'm concerned to cause further injury/insult but must be proactive for Barrett's & severe acid reflux. Any info anyone has would be so helpful. Thank you & God Bless!

[Rbeth]

Hey, just saw you're post. Thx for responding. (not 38 years) Actually I contracted HCV from 2pint trans. after childbirth 1976. Felt healthy until 1994. Was dx with CFIDS & fibro. Saw ID doc at Temple Hospital to r/o ID etiology for chronic fatigue, brain fog etc. He pronounced that I had CFIDS w/ NO ID. I stopped working & laid down for a year. 1996- because I did research for a living I wanted to understand underlying cause so I home schooled medicine with my daughters medical school textbooks for two years. In 1999 I went my awesome PCP & asked to run a hep panel- LFT's always normal, saw head of ID @ Temple & she said ok.obviously ID doc did not test for hep. The rest is history- positive 1a w/ high VL. So I've actively been working with doc @ Jefferson since 1999. Thinking he was top in field of hepatology, I trusted him through many bx & now MRI's
To this day HE isn't worried., sorry to say, I realize he's been useless if not harmful for me. So, I am taking your sound advice, especially since I've read so much in this forum and will return to my effort to get well!! Yeah, I'm a bit PO'd at doc & my own naïveté, but not going to waste energy on that.... Focus tx ( I pray) & SVR! Thanks FiGuy

[FlGuy]

After 38 years maybe it's time to address the HCV.  If in SE Florida it may be a good idea to check in with the liverheads at U. Miami.  Once evaluated they can work with a local GI doc to define a treatment plan.  Could be a long wait for such an appointment.  Maybe hook up with a GI and understand your current condition and then go to UM with a fistful of test/lab/biopsy resuts for a consult.  Expect a 3 month wait for an appointment.  

[Rbeth]

Thanks for that info Nan. Really good to be connected again! Holding your husband with high hope in prayer.
Randy

[nan535]

Mayo Clinic has a campus in Jacksonville, Florida.  They also have a transplant center (should you ever need one).

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hepatitis-c/care-at-mayo-clinic/why-choose-mayo-clinic/con-20030618

You mentioned you live in SE Florida so this may not be very convenient for you but its nice to know you have the option of excellent health care in the same state you live in.


Nan

[Rbeth]

Live in SE Florida, but, all specialists are in Phila.( where I'm from). See them 3 times/yr.~ for past 17 yrs have seen GI/ hepatologist at Jefferson's GI dept. He's definitely not rightly offering good healthcare. Looking for "new" hepatologist probably in phila. Docs not so great in Fl. or at least I don't know of a hep doc. All names or suggestions greatly appreciated!
Thanks!

[Rbeth]

YES!!

[Rbeth]

Thanks! And agree! Can't seem to only post ONCE !
Will get it :) .... perhaps!

[hepcandme]

Hello Rbeth

If you post a comment here then everyone can see and comment on it. You can, of course, send someone a private message by clicking on their name

Hope that helps

the advantage of posting in the group is that one gets a lot of varied and incredibly useful responses

We are not doctors but all have Hep C or are caregivers of someone with Hep C. The perspective from people who are living with or undergoing treatment is invaluable

[Rbeth]

Hmmm? Twice? Brain Fog or ...?

[Rbeth]

Thank you can-do-man! I tried to message you back, don't see it here... maybe you rec'd. Hope so. Appreciate your response & info.  Would also appreciate knowing how to respond on this board/thread... so many post a response bars... so little sightings of my response.. Ahhhh! :) Randy

[Rbeth]

Thank you can-do-man! I tried to message you back, don't see it here... maybe you rec'd. Hope so. Appreciate your response & info.  Would also appreciate knowing how to respond on this board/thread... so many post a response bars... so little sightings of my response.. Ahhhh! :) Randy

[can-do-man]

Hello....:) And welcome here. A PPI (Proton Pump Inhibitor) is usually the best thing to take even for us cirrhotics. My Hepatologist has no problems with them. That said with your own medical history you should be seeing a good Heaptoogist and let him make the correct choice. Wishing you the best.

[Rbeth]

Im not sure if my comment was posted correctly. Of course located site (accomplishment :). Would anyone shout out " hello" so I know I'm on correctly, please. Look forward to giving & receiving & encouraging. Thx so

[Rbeth]

Im not sure if my comment was posted correctly. Of course located site (accomplishment :). Would anyone shout out " hello" so I know I'm on correctly, please. Look forward to giving & receiving & encouraging. Thx so

[Rbeth]

I also don't know which sight this is I chose... googling for days. So not sure how to return to this site/group :( sorry
Please advise. Thanks