6 month check ups

[Roy1955]

I am beginning to wonder if the 6 month check ups are worthwhile (for me)

Only thing to come from them so far is Dr saying I must inform DVLA and possibly surrender my licence, not exactly a benifit for me!

A year ago he switched from ultrasound to using MRI every 6 months.

Last week I had the bloods, 2 attempts on each arm then they changed to my hands, 3 attempts on each one and they eventualy got the sample but I am still black and blue with swollen areas on my hands.

Today I was supposed to have the MRI but it involves putting a cannula into my already damaged hands so I have canceled the scan. And I can't stand the thought of repeated visits and going in that machine.

One of the blood test was to check if my kidneys would cope with the injected chemical for the scan so I don't want a potentially toxic infusion every 6 months either!

Seriously thinking of discharging myself because the Dr's visits causing more grief than the cirrhosis!

[Tommy62]

Whatever you do dont do that you might find it hard getting the decent care you deserve I'm the same with things going on the last thing you want to to do is do that its disheartening at times I know but theres a lot worse of than us believe me well goodluck whatever you do 👍

[Hidden]

Hi Roy, am sorry to hear that your out patient appointments have been challenging for you. It might be worth discussing your concerns about repeated MRIs with your specialist? If they know how difficult you find it there may be room for compromise? The dye they use is excreted by the kidneys, so to ensure there are no problems post-procedure they check your kidney function.

I have a few suggestions in terms of your venepuncture, you may have tried some/all of these already. Firstly go to your appointment well hydrated and warm! Secondly, some out patient clinics will use butterfly needles for taking blood although some clinics do not stock these. Butterfly needles are a lot more gentle and are used for smaller veins. Lastly - take a photo of where they got blood from last time so they know where to try.

Sorry you are feeling disheartened by it all.

Best wishes,

Trust10

[Lilliebell]

Hi Roy , please keep up with your appointments it’s so stressful I know and I also know exactly how you feel as my veins disappear as soon as they see a needle and I’m always black and blue after , MRI is awful too . Maybe talk to your consultant and explain how bad it is for you and perhaps they could do an ultrasound which is far less stressful with no needles needed and far quicker . You must speak to them though and not just stop going . Take care

[Richard-Allen]

The need for having the MRI with contrast is to identify any possible tumours, even small ones. These show up better with the use of the contrast dye that is inserted into your arm.

Sadly, those of us with smaller, thinner veins do have problems when it comes to venepuncture, as it is much harder to find a suitable vein and these can often be punchered as in your case.

These scans are important. If any tumours are found, (and most of these are safe and benign) then these can be burnt off using a technique called Liver Ablation: uhb.nhs.uk/Downloads/pdf/Pi... The sooner these tumours are identified the better. These scans need to be carried out every six months, so you may need to find an alternative way of getting to the hospital now that you can no longer drive.

Good luck

Richard.