1st Hepatology Appointment

[kellylball]

Hi, I've suffered with multiple health conditions for some years, mainly fibromyalgia, asthma, psoriasis, IBS & arthritis. I was told I had a begin liver cyst years ago which they found during an ultrasound, but this has never been mentioned again since.

Since December last year I have been suffering from extreme constipation and diarrhoea, with stomach cramping and loss of bowel control (also bad heartburn and wind) After a stool sample it was found that I had inflammation of the bowel - I was then referred for an urgent Gastroenterology department, after waiting for 3 months I have received an appointment through for a Hepatology telephone appointment and don't really know what to expect and why I am being seen by them now rather than Gastro.... or am I missing something, and they are somehow linked?

Any help or advice would be appreciated.

[Richard-Allen]

Kelly you poor girl, it must seem that you live in a world full of constant pain.

I am surprised that there wasn’t any follow-up treatment for your liver cyst.

Most causes of liver cysts are not known but it is thought that there may be a malformation present at birth. Some cysts can be caused by a parasite called Echinococcus which can be found in sheep in different parts of the World.

Rarely, growths in the liver can become cystic and malignant over many years. Your doctor should have explained to you what type of cyst you have and how best to manage it.

Simple liver cysts are always benign and the only patients who require treatment for a liver cyst are those who develop symptoms. Simply removing the fluid from the cyst with a needle is not effective because the cyst fills up again within several days.

Sometimes, some GPs will often prescribe medications without realising the impact they could have on other current medical conditions. So, if you now were to have more than one cyst on your liver by now, and had been taking large doses of say, ibuprofen and other pain medication, this could be causing additional liver problems.

I would ask for some tests to be carried out including another MRI or Ultrasound scans. I’d also ask for a medicine review to see what medication can become dangerous to the liver over time.

Have a list of the medication you are taking and let the hepatologist know this. It’s also important to make a list of questions to ask the hepatologist. Most hepatologists I’ve come across enjoy answering questions, as it means that you are showing an interest in their chosen field of medicine.

Good Luck, and please let us know how you get on.

Richard