This might sound strange

[ThyroidDeb]

After my consultation with gastro, I told him my primary took me off statins "for now" and I asked about the meds he had me taking. He screwed his eyes "had mask on" up as though questioning my question. He said you have a perfectly functioning liver no need to stop any meds altho He had just said I had F4 cirrhosis. I walked out thinking, oh OK, good. However I have been asked by several people along with my therapist.. what exactly does that mean? So now I'm wondering, what does that mean?

[Herman7275]

I agree?? If you have video his you can't have a perfect liver. I would have to go back and ask him to explain in detail & what treatment he is suggesting ??

[ThyroidDeb in reply to Herman7275]

I know, I assumed at the time he meant right now but if I do the diet and exercise does he expect no changes? His treatment he said is ultrasound and blood test every 6 months to keep watching for cancer although not common but enough risk that they watch for it..starting with first test in May.

[Herman7275 in reply to ThyroidDeb]

Not sure maybe others here may have had this experience, I have not sorry, almost feel time to look for new dr. Take care, write me when you can Ron

[ThyroidDeb in reply to Herman7275]

Maybe he said fully functioning but even then. My primary took my medicine list to the hospital pharmacy and they said everything I take is fine except the statins but did say for now she would take me off.

[Alterity]

I can't take Statins my liver rejects them big time. Dr. will tell you it is fully functioning, because it is at the moment and will until it decides to turn on you which can happen at any time if you don't listen to it and feed it the way it wants. Get lots of rest, it digest best at rest. Watch your diet and maybe find yourself a Dr that is more understanding of your needs to understand what is going on. NASH is not a laughing matter and is a silent killer. So many do not understand or care!.

[Herman7275 in reply to Alterity]

I agree NASH is something that you don't just wait every 6 months to see if you have cancer!! Ridiculous I was told at the beginning I had F-2&3 fibrosis and some Cirrhosis , I feel after meeting a fantastic hepatologist in Indianapolis IU Medical Center feel without them I could have been in a lot worse shape! Its your body seek a better doctor and do all you can to get the best for your own self !! It is a silent killer, Ron

[ThyroidDeb in reply to Herman7275]

I have an appointment 3-21 for a 2nd opinion he is a gastro but associated with a liver transplant hospital in Detroit. I've read his reviews everyone seems to have good opinion of him, very caring they say.Deb

[Felice]

I have cihrosis also. I see an amazing heptalogist. She has told me to watch my diet, don't drink, exercise, limit meds, not take anti-inflammatory drugs, have an ultrasound and bloodwork every 6 months. This is a serious disease, but not a death sentence. She said as long as my liver is well-compensated and I do not develop ascities, or cancer, I can live the rest of my life just like anyone else. We are constantly monitored which is a good thing.

If you are not happy with your doctor, get another one. It is important to feel confident and safe no matter what your issue.

Best of luck!

[ThyroidDeb in reply to Felice]

I have been referred to a Hepatologist by my primary but have not heard from anyone. She referred me 2-2 but when I called last week they had no referral but I guess that was another gastro different hospital this time she referred to specialist. There's only two places within a 2 hour drive here in Michigan, UofM or Gerald Ford Hospital. Yes, I was told blood test and ultrasound for cancer every 6 months starting in May but not much testing for the disease itself they said, just blood test which mine were usually slightly elevated or normal. The unknowing.! Wayne gave me some ideas on test to watch but it's up to us to monitor.

[MINTVCX in reply to ThyroidDeb]

Just curious have you been told to test ferratin and iron level?

[ThyroidDeb in reply to MINTVCX]

It was done with all blood test; ferritin 219 ng/ml scale 7-292Iron 140 ug/dl scale 50-150

Total iron Binding Capacity 427 ug/dl

Scale 270-440

Iron Saturation 33% scale 20-50

[ThyroidDeb in reply to Felice]

Hi Felice, thanks for responding. Your doctor sounds like my primary, wish she were my specialist. I know my gastro said that cancer isn't the norm but enough chance to watch it. Did your doctor happen to mention if ascites are something everyone gets at some point who has cirrhosis or is it something that like cancer isn't the norm? Mine never mentioned it. Thanks

[Felice in reply to ThyroidDeb]

I don't think everyone gets them.I am going for an endoscope to check. I last has one 3 years ago. I think it is also part of the routine we must follow.I will tell you not to stress constantly. That can certainly effect your health. Follow all of the recommendations and advocate for yourself.

I periodically look up ant good news in the fight against cihrrosis. Since so many people have liver issues, the research is coming along and one of these days there will be a breakthrough.

Hang in there!!

Merryl

[Banditsmom09]

When the GI office told me they would monitor my condition with an ultrasound and blood tests, I found a hepatologist who explained everything. I have stage 4 cirrhosis, but my liver is functioning, according to the labs. I have gone on the diet of white meat chicken, fatty fish, lots of veggies, no sugar. I take Citrus Bergamot. With this supplement and diet, my cholesterol dropped 45 point in a short time. I feel better than I have in a long time. The physician is offering little because there is no plan with meds to change our disease. Our treatment is proper food , exercise and rest. Yes, we can live for many years with this, but we need to do the work.

[ThyroidDeb in reply to Banditsmom09]

Thank you. I have not been referred to a Hepatologist but was referred to another gastro who is affiliated with a liver hospital. That appointment 3-21, this is for a 2nd opinion. I am interested to see what game plan he would choose. I would think that along with blood work and ultrasound another fiberscan should be done. Especially after liver inflammation goes down since that and BMI over 30 can affect the score. You said you had the LIVERTESt but didn't post results, how did that go for you? I just wish they had some type of sure fire way to monitor progression. So we can be sure we are headed in right direction. I have sleeping problems but mine is if I wake at 3am I start thinking about my liver and can't get back to sleep!! Then that makes for a tense day. I was exercising daily on my stationary bike. Then one day I was having trouble with my foot. Told it's dropsy and will be starting therapy, was told it might be from crossing my leg but who knows. Now my big toes feels like it's being poked with a needle. If it's not one thing it's another!! Have a good day.Deb