why am I not jaundice? and taking meds that may not be good for me.....

[Ryansmom17]

I originally added this to my old comment, so it would be easier then explaining everything all over again! Yes!! Imlazy lol


I have another question. Im not sure if this is how I am supposed to do it by adding to my
original question, but with out having to explain  everything all over again..........I was wondering if I am in such late stages of Hep C and possible have cirrhosis, why am I not jaundice? and also is there anyone else on here that is on a lot of meds? I have many other illnesses and a lot of serious injuries. I take a lot of meds a day. They are all supposedly as liver friendly as can be and no tylenol or ibuprofen. I am BP meds, stomach meds, pain meds, and muscle relaxers. I take all of this everyday! Without my pain meds, I am bed ridden and I refuse to live like that. well the other meds I cant eat without, and of course BP meds or I get stroke level BP! So I guess that was 2 more questions.........Thx for the input Pam
Peace and Love all
Jenn

[eureka254]

Hi Jenn:
My husband has cirrhosis, too, and he also has no jaundice.  This disease is so individual -- what happens to one cirrhotic may not happen to another.  There are various complications that can arise as a result of cirrhosis (jaundice being one), but not all of them happen to everyone who has cirrhosis, nor do they happen in any predictable sequence or timeline.  

In regards to meds, Bill is right as well on that count: always consult with your doctor.  There are many meds (Tylenol being one of many), over-the-counter and prescription, that warn against use "if you have liver disease,"  but with each drug and each patient, it's always a risk/benefit question to discuss with your doc.  (Keep in mind too, some meds counteract others -- almost cancel each other out -- so it's important all your doctors stay on the same page about what you're taking.)  For example, my husband takes a statin daily, but he has cardiac-artery disease so his cardiologist and hepatologist and PCP agreed it was best.  

Hope that helps -- and welcome to this forum -- it's a great place for both information and support.
Best wishes.
~eureka

[Bill1954]

Hi Jenn,

Of course if your doctor has specifically told you to abstain from Tylenol, you should do so.

This is from Jorge L. Herrera M.D, Division of Gastroenterology, University of South Alabama College of Medicine, Mobile AL:

http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hcsp/articles/Herrera.html

“Acetaminophen use: Contrary to popular belief, acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol®) is perfectly safe for patients with cirrhosis as long as it is used cautiously. Any person who drinks alcohol regularly should not consume any acetaminophen. For patients with early cirrhosis (CPT class A or B), the use of acetaminophen is safe as long as the recommended dose is not exceeded (1,000 mg per dose, repeated no more often than every 6 hours). Patients with more advanced cirrhosis should take only ½ of the recommended dose. In fact, for patients with cirrhosis, acetaminophen, when used as described, is the preferred medication for the treatment of pain.”

Again, always check with your doctor prior to using any drugs, prescription or otherwise; your doctor could have other reasons why this might not be the correct medicine for you.

Take care—

Bill

[skb28642]

Hi Jenn, you are in a good place. This forum is full of valuable info and people who care because they understand what you are going thru. I got the invite to be your friend and i am happy to accept. Jaundice doesn't happen to every one with liver disease. I did the therapy and i'm a genotype 1A. My doc thought i would have to do it again, but i don't, at least not right now. My hep c just stopped reproducing sick cells. My doc was baffled but i know it was God's handiwork. It doesn't happen alot but there is still hope as long as you can breathe. I will do some more reading and will stay in touch. Do what you can, and don't fret about what you can't do, it will all work itself out. Get lots of rest, take your meds and drink lots of water. By the way, stomache meds, BP meds and pain meds seem to be a part of hep c. A New Friend, sherri

[Ryansmom17]

I was told tylenol is the biggest no no!! as a matter of fact that is what put me into liver failure, I should elaborate it was called secondary liver failure..........and yes I was turned down for a transplant being a known chemical abuser........but money and ins was a bigger factor! I am reapplying for SSDI now, and I pray I get it this time!
Thank You so much Bill you have been so informative, well everyone has = )))
Peace
Jenn

[Bill1954]

*Judiciously*, rather than judicially, LOL!

[Bill1954]

By no means do all people with cirrhosis turn yellow and develop jaundice; they may over time, but jaundice isn’t synonymous with cirrhosis per say. Certain conditions have to be present first; jaundice is caused by excessive amounts of bilirubin in the blood, and many cirrhotic patients have ‘compensated’ liver disease; they’re liver continues to perform vital functions, although the liver’s architecture is altered due to scaring.  

Many of us take meds in addition to managing their Hep C. I have diabetes, and use insulin and take oral meds as well. We just do the best we can :o). Talk to your doctor about Tylenol with liver disease; used judicially, it’s often the drug of choice for people with HCV.

Tagging a question onto one you have already started is a convenient way to keep all your info together in one spot; it you have a new subject, however, it’s fine to open another thread.
Take care, Jenn—

Bill