Which best describes what happened whe... - British Liver Trust
Which best describes what happened when you were first seen by a medical professional?
Please select all that apply:
Is this what you mean by comments ?? .......please specify in comments....
I had no (serious) symptoms, (not feeling like an 18 yr old, but I was 59 !! ) went to Dr. as I had not been for years! bit of an MOT, bloods were taken, Dr is a haematologist 2 days per week, called for more bloods and on 2nd or 3rd visit said sit down, I believe you have PBC..... that was 18 months ago, now I am on transplant list, with "ALL" the symptoms! in fact going to bed now at 14:00 Hrs with fatigue.
I had been diagnosed with genetic haemochromatosis in 2005 and as a consequence, I was given an annual CT/MRI scan. My assessment in February 2011 showed a small tumour in my liver and after a consultation at my local hospital (Blackpool Victoria) I was referred to St James's in Leeds which is a regional transplant centre. At all times I was treated very well; clinicians made considerable effort to explain processes and procedures and my wife and I were well supported. I was admitted to the liver transplant list in June and had a transplant in December 2011. Since then, I have had routine checks and so far, all is well. I am probably in better health now than I was ten years ago!
with no thought of liver disease. I had collapsed in the street. I was very ill and my husband was told i might need a transplant; my life expectancy was given as 5 years---17 years ago!!!
When the tests came back with a +ve antibody, I was immediately sent to see a rheumatologist and a hepatologist. All clear, and no actual diagnosis for over 16 years, just annual liver function tests as I'm at risk of PBC. More recently, a repeat of the above with a new GP, but this time the new area Liver specialist labelled me 'pre-symptomatic PBC' (which I'm told, informally, by another consultant does not strictly exist as a recognised diagnosis), even though nothing as changed. 6 years on I still have perfect liver function tests and no PBC symptoms ... I just have a lot of hassle with insurance companies - especially for travel insurance. I'm thinking of challenging the diagnosis, as the stress with TI is actually making me travel-phobic.
I chose 2nd answer but my initial symptoms were just upper abdomen discomfort and some fatigue. The rest came weeks later.
My parents never told me (my illness was from birth) at the time my illness was unknown.
Sorry for the double posting...not sure what happened.
My parents never told me....my disaese was from birth and unknown at the time.
I am a British expat living in Thailand, when I suffered the first signs of my cirrhosis I attended a private hospital, was examined by a GI/hepatologist and a haematologist within an hour, had full bloods, ultrasound, MRI scan and was admitted to an intensive care unit within a short few hours. The service and medical expertise were unsurpassable.
Since then I have been admitted one further time for a massive oesophageal bleed and have received six-monthly U/S scans, annual gastroscopies, and three monthly haematology appointments (I also have an thrombosis of my inferior mesenteric vein).
I shall return to the UK in mid-2015 and am not sure if the care there will be as good as I have received in Bangkok.
I went to A&E after feeling unwell after a few days, dizzy, faint an bloated tummy, (distended stomach, I didn't know that at the time!) and was taken to hospital straight away by ambulance
Having had liver problems 30 yrs previously ie hep b and spending 6 weeks in isolation with rest, the only med in those days. I realised something was wrong when I went to my aged gp because of extreme fatique and inability to stand all day. By that time the medical profession knew about hep c. I didn't though. The joker ordered only LFT's. 2 yrs later out of desperation I went to a gum clinic and they took a test for C. When I went back they told me+ for C.When I got to see a specialist he just took one look and said "good lord man" your cirhotic. He spotted spider angiola. That gp who didnt test retired soon after.
Give me specialists every time now I say.
The gp just mentioned in passing that I had cirrhosis and varices. When I said "did you just say cirrhosis?" She just said you do know that you have cirrhosis don't you? I started to cryand she just gave me a paper towel and said get some bloods done in 4 weeks and see me in two months. I left her surgery in tears and she just let me go. She didn't ask if I was on my own or if I'd be okay getting home. Thankfully my daughter was waiting in the car with my grandson and took me back to her house
I must add that I complained to the head of the practice and practice manager about this gp's lack of empathy...she'd previously told me that I probably had myeloma (blood cancer) in pretty much the same callous way. Since then the head of the practice has rung me twice and is showing an interest in my condition.
Responding regarding husband: Besides Some tests were done to find the cause (which included blood work, urinalysis, ultrasound and CT Scan), Referral made to Gastroenterologist for Endoscopy and Treatment for Ascites, Follow up blood work. From GP - prescribed B1, B12 shots as per blood work results. More blood work.
