Aa
surgery with Hep C and ESLD
well what do you all think? I went for pre-testing yesterday and having surgery next Wednesday. I must say Im a little scared. Envolves 3 important vertebrae in my neck,really have know choice they are compressing my spinal cord to the point of neuro damage and facing paralysis from neck down if I fall or in a minor fender bender. I have researched the nuerosurgeon and quite impressed with his background. Its about a 3 hr surgery.The down side to all of this is he will be moving my windpipe over to operate and I may not be able to talk for a week....you know what that is for a woman???LOL! Ok what do you all think?
I can't add anything to the good advice given above other than to let you know I'm wishing for everything to go smoothly, painlessly and for a quick recovery.
I'll be sending good vibes and prayers your way. Another member who has had multiple bandings n EGDs told me about an anesthesia called Propofol that is more liver friendly. Hector may know about this.
Like Dee and Hector, I talk right up until I'm under about protecting my liver. I've learned that even for my biopsy they run approx 2300 mg of soduim through my IV. I put a stop to that by reminding everyone in any hospital or clinic that I'm cirrhotic and don't forget it during every aspect of med procedures.
You know what, it's worked so far. I know you're afraid. I cried before last EGD n scared my daughter w my goodbye. I came out fine. And you will too. Uh... do you have a large legal pad or a way of communicating via technology? I hope that is your biggest challenge and all else is ez breezy. Good luck! Karen :)
Like Dee and Hector, I talk right up until I'm under about protecting my liver. I've learned that even for my biopsy they run approx 2300 mg of soduim through my IV. I put a stop to that by reminding everyone in any hospital or clinic that I'm cirrhotic and don't forget it during every aspect of med procedures.
You know what, it's worked so far. I know you're afraid. I cried before last EGD n scared my daughter w my goodbye. I came out fine. And you will too. Uh... do you have a large legal pad or a way of communicating via technology? I hope that is your biggest challenge and all else is ez breezy. Good luck! Karen :)
I agree that it sounds necessary, albeit scary. I know how it feels to be at risk of paralysis, and it definitely is something you want to avoid. Neck surgeries have very good success rates too - much better than for the low back surgery I had to have 28 years ago (it sounds like the dark ages). I'm so glad you've researched your neurosurgeon - who is doing it can make such a big difference. Just take all of Hector's advice to the best of your ability - i swear that man knows more about our common disease than 90% of the doctors out there. I'm reminded of that advertisement, "When Merrill Lynch talks, people listen", because when our Hector talks, I listen! I'm sending my best wishes for a straightforward surgery with no complications, and a speedy and complete recovery!
I completely agree with Hector. Please make sure everyone knows about your liver. I did not know I had HCV in 2004, had surgery and it was rough going for me. The anesthesia really affected me and not knowing I took a lot of tylenol 3.
The good thing is that you know and if everyone else knows than this could be the best thing for you. I will be praying for you
Best of luck to you
Dee
The good thing is that you know and if everyone else knows than this could be the best thing for you. I will be praying for you
Best of luck to you
Dee
How are you?
Your liver doctor should be aware of this and oversee that they are not hurting your liver further. So everyone knows of your liver condition and is proceeding anyway? The anesthesia should be managed for advanced liver disease. (Anesthesia what caused me to decompensate). Certain drugs as preferred over others for cirrhotics. Also cirrhotics should avoid any surgery if at all possible. No nose jobs, butt lifts etc. In other words, no elective surgery. In this cause surgery is necessary. (My surgery was for cancer so it is a balance of risk vs benefit so it was not like I had a choice).
So yes, you need the surgery but make sure everyone is on the same page as far as your liver disease is concerned. Like I said, especially the anesthesiologist. He/she will come by before surgery. Make sure you mention your liver disease to them as a reminder. Also for us with advanced liver disease the dosage of the anesthesia is usually different. As it is metabolized in the liver. For myself all drugs are more powerful as my liver is unable to filter them out normally, so they build up in my system and last for many days as well as being stronger in effect.
Just make sure that everyone know about your liver condition so they can plan according. By the time they knock me out they are sick of hearing talking about my cirrhosis and primary goal of not hurting my liver further. haha
Glad you are having this done to get it down with and over.
Take care.
Hector
Your liver doctor should be aware of this and oversee that they are not hurting your liver further. So everyone knows of your liver condition and is proceeding anyway? The anesthesia should be managed for advanced liver disease. (Anesthesia what caused me to decompensate). Certain drugs as preferred over others for cirrhotics. Also cirrhotics should avoid any surgery if at all possible. No nose jobs, butt lifts etc. In other words, no elective surgery. In this cause surgery is necessary. (My surgery was for cancer so it is a balance of risk vs benefit so it was not like I had a choice).
So yes, you need the surgery but make sure everyone is on the same page as far as your liver disease is concerned. Like I said, especially the anesthesiologist. He/she will come by before surgery. Make sure you mention your liver disease to them as a reminder. Also for us with advanced liver disease the dosage of the anesthesia is usually different. As it is metabolized in the liver. For myself all drugs are more powerful as my liver is unable to filter them out normally, so they build up in my system and last for many days as well as being stronger in effect.
Just make sure that everyone know about your liver condition so they can plan according. By the time they knock me out they are sick of hearing talking about my cirrhosis and primary goal of not hurting my liver further. haha
Glad you are having this done to get it down with and over.
Take care.
Hector
OPH gee Molly I think you will be in the right place @ the right time if there were any mishaps. Just make sure he know's about some of the esld complications like bleeding varaccis and such. I think other's can give you more details. are you donating your own blood incase there are any problems. Are your plattlets (spelling) and things Ok for the surgury? I guess they would not do the surgury if you wernt up to it ;-). Will be thinking of you. Ginger
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