Guest guest Posted June 2, 2003 Report Share Posted June 2, 2003 try Dr. Chalasani at indiana university medical center. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 15, 2011 Report Share Posted March 15, 2011 Colette I am so happy you got to a Hepatologist. They tend to rock. With everything I have seen in the past year or so I would always suggest a Hepatologist over a Gastro. It's like night and day. The extra school time and extra time put in as a resident really pays off. They know their stuff when it comes to your liver. Most people don't realize that a Hepatologist is a Gastroenterologist who has just gone further education wise and training wise. They surpass the Gastro. It sounds like he has a plan and is wanting to save your life. This is good news. It must be a big relief for you. Sounds like you are in good hands. Whenever I have had a medical issue I have always sought out the best of the best. When it comes to the health of myself or my family, I think it's important to have the doctor with the biggest and the most toys in his arsenal. It always makes me feel secure. Hugs,Teri When you are up to your ass in alligators it's hard to remember that your initial objective was to drain the swamp. On Tue, Mar 15, 2011 at 12:31 PM, Colette Wise <scwise@...> wrote: Hey guys! I finally saw the hepatologist/liver specialist yesterday! Whew! What a whirlwind! I was there all day doing Lord knows what! These guys know their stuff and they don't fool around! I go back to ton tomorrow for yet more tests! I will say I'm not thrilled with the initial findings. I'm having to fast forward from knowing very little to being slapped up-side the head and being asked where the hell I've been. New Hep doc does not like my Gastro guy. He confirmed all my fears about the way my case has been handled. He went so far as to say my doctors have been ignorant and catching up is no easy feat. He indicated my liver damage is more advanced than I've been led to believe just based on our conversation and a physical exam. But tests will tell more. They took enough blood to do any test they can think of. I believe there is a biopsy in my near future as he was very upset that this was not done already. He may also drain some of the fluid that has built up around my liver. Apparently it has not been good to let the fluid linger on. He is also looking into getting me onto the transplant list as soon as possible. And, he put a hold on all other treatments until we get a handle on what's going on. No Vitamin D treatments and so surgeries. (The hernia.) Should I be worried? I am but it's also strangely comforting knowing I'm going to have some answers and some options to ponder soon. Well that's my latest. And Don, I gotta tell ya! Hepatologist vs. Gastro???? Hepatologist seems to want to help me. Gastro guy was just gonna let me die. Hope everyone is having a great day or night depending on where you are! God's Peace.S. Colette Wise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 16, 2011 Report Share Posted March 16, 2011 WOW Colette!!!Please, please stay in touch with us, as this goes along!I'm surprised about the draining the fluid in the belly. It means that you are one sick, chick. That's called ascities, by the way. I'm grateful that I never got that far. What the hell was your Gastro waiting for??? Did he not even do a liver biopsy??See everyone, why it is soooo important to have that liver biopsy!! I don't care if it's a Hepatologist, Gastro or the guy down the street. There simply is no other way to find out how sick our livers are. The problem is, the liver won't tell us.Colette, please get copies of your blood work and any test!! A few of us know the highs and lows of those tests. Obviously, they also are testing for viral count. Well, all I can really say, is hang onto your seat; because, you are in for one hell of a ride. It's all good though!! It's affirmative action in taking over your own health care.These Drs that let it get this bad for you, should be reported!! There is no way that that Gastro didn't know at least a bit about where your liver damage was. He should not be in practice at all.Oh, keep in touch please.Luv Gloria Hey guys! I finally saw the hepatologist/liver specialist yesterday! Whew! What a whirlwind! I was there all day doing Lord knows what! These guys know their stuff and they don't fool around! I go back to ton tomorrow for yet more tests! I will say I'm not thrilled with the initial findings. I'm having to fast forward from knowing very little to being slapped up-side the head and being asked where the hell I've been. New Hep doc does not like my Gastro guy. He confirmed all my fears about the way my case has been handled. He went so far as to say my doctors have been ignorant and catching up is no easy feat. He indicated my liver damage is more advanced than I've been led to believe just based on our conversation and a physical exam. But tests will tell more. They took enough blood to do any test they can think of. I believe there is a biopsy in my near future as he was very upset that this was not done already. He may also drain some of the fluid that has built up around my liver. Apparently it has not been good to let the fluid linger on. He is also looking into getting me onto the transplant list as soon as possible. And, he put a hold on all other treatments until we get a handle on what's going on. No Vitamin D treatments and so surgeries. (The hernia.) Should I be worried? I am but it's also strangely comforting knowing I'm going to have some answers and some options to ponder soon. Well that's my latest. And Don, I gotta tell ya! Hepatologist vs. Gastro???? Hepatologist seems to want to help me. Gastro guy was just gonna let me die. Hope everyone is having a great day or night depending on where you are! God's Peace.S. Colette Wise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 16, 2011 Report Share Posted March 16, 2011 Hi Gloria! Thanks! I will definately stay in touch as this plays out. My new Hep Doc seems very agitated with my predicament. He couldn't understand why we've all been sitting around doing nothing while my liver deteriorates. Poor guy didn't even have my records! I even called on Friday to confirm that my file had been sent and they assured me it had. All the Doc had when I got there was a couple of pieces of paper with transcribed notes. No blood tests, no ultrasounds, and nothing about the endoscopy. I just happened to remember to tell him it was done. Hubby told him Gastro Guy indicated it was clear. However, I remembered something on the printout about esophogael verices. (SP???) I thought Hep Doc was gonna blow a gasket! At the time I didn't understand. I do now! Yes, you're right. I'm one sick puppy. As for the ascites, Gastro Guy told me about this months ago. Each time it got worse, he just upped my dose of spironolactone and furosemide. I just thought he was being conservative! Needless to say, we're basically starting from scratch now. Hep Doc has little respect for the way the Gastro Guy has been handling my case. He is now in hyperdrive and I feel I'm gonna know a lot more than I bargained for in about a month. As my Mother used to say, "hold on to your hats kids!". God's Peace! S. Colette Wise From: gadamscan@...Date: Tue, 15 Mar 2011 21:03:25 -0700Subject: Re: [ ] Hepatologist WOW Colette!!!Please, please stay in touch with us, as this goes along!I'm surprised about the draining the fluid in the belly. It means that you are one sick, chick. That's called ascities, by the way. I'm grateful that I never got that far. What the hell was your Gastro waiting for??? Did he not even do a liver biopsy??See everyone, why it is soooo important to have that liver biopsy!! I don't care if it's a Hepatologist, Gastro or the guy down the street. There simply is no other way to find out how sick our livers are. The problem is, the liver won't tell us.Colette, please get copies of your blood work and any test!! A few of us know the highs and lows of those tests. Obviously, they also are testing for viral count. Well, all I can really say, is hang onto your seat; because, you are in for one hell of a ride. It's all good though!! It's affirmative action in taking over your own health care.These Drs that let it get this bad for you, should be reported!! There is no way that that Gastro didn't know at least a bit about where your liver damage was. He should not be in practice at all.Oh, keep in touch please.Luv Gloria Hey guys! I finally saw the hepatologist/liver specialist yesterday! Whew! What a whirlwind! I was there all day doing Lord knows what! These guys know their stuff and they don't fool around! I go back to ton tomorrow for yet more tests! I will say I'm not thrilled with the initial findings. I'm having to fast forward from knowing very little to being slapped up-side the head and being asked where the hell I've been. New Hep doc does not like my Gastro guy. He confirmed all my fears about the way my case has been handled. He went so far as to say my doctors have been ignorant and catching up is no easy feat. He indicated my liver damage is more advanced than I've been led to believe just based on our conversation and a physical exam. But tests will tell more. They took enough blood to do any test they can think of. I believe there is a biopsy in my near future as he was very upset that this was not done already. He may also drain some of the fluid that has built up around my liver. Apparently it has not been good to let the fluid linger on. He is also looking into getting me onto the transplant list as soon as possible. And, he put a hold on all other treatments until we get a handle on what's going on. No Vitamin D treatments and so surgeries. (The hernia.) Should I be worried? I am but it's also strangely comforting knowing I'm going to have some answers and some options to ponder soon. Well that's my latest. And Don, I gotta tell ya! Hepatologist vs. Gastro???? Hepatologist seems to want to help me. Gastro guy was just gonna let me die. Hope everyone is having a great day or night depending on where you are! God's Peace.S. Colette Wise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 16, 2011 Report Share Posted March 16, 2011 Again Colette, I am so glad you got to a good doctor in time. He'll fix you up. Hugs,Teri When you are up to your ass in alligators it's hard to remember that your initial objective was to drain the swamp. On Tue, Mar 15, 2011 at 11:29 PM, Colette Wise <scwise@...> wrote: Hi Gloria! Thanks! I will definately stay in touch as this plays out. My new Hep Doc seems very agitated with my predicament. He couldn't understand why we've all been sitting around doing nothing while my liver deteriorates. Poor guy didn't even have my records! I even called on Friday to confirm that my file had been sent and they assured me it had. All the Doc had when I got there was a couple of pieces of paper with transcribed notes. No blood tests, no ultrasounds, and nothing about the endoscopy. I just happened to remember to tell him it was done. Hubby told him Gastro Guy indicated it was clear. However, I remembered something on the printout about esophogael verices. (SP???) I thought Hep Doc was gonna blow a gasket! At the time I didn't understand. I do now! Yes, you're right. I'm one sick puppy. As for the ascites, Gastro Guy told me about this months ago. Each time it got worse, he just upped my dose of spironolactone and furosemide. I just thought he was being conservative! Needless to say, we're basically starting from scratch now. Hep Doc has little respect for the way the Gastro Guy has been handling my case. He is now in hyperdrive and I feel I'm gonna know a lot more than I bargained for in about a month. As my Mother used to say, " hold on to your hats kids! " . God's Peace! S. Colette Wise From: gadamscan@...Date: Tue, 15 Mar 2011 21:03:25 -0700 Subject: Re: [ ] Hepatologist WOW Colette!!!Please, please stay in touch with us, as this goes along!I'm surprised about the draining the fluid in the belly. It means that you are one sick, chick. That's called ascities, by the way. I'm grateful that I never got that far. What the hell was your Gastro waiting for??? Did he not even do a liver biopsy?? See everyone, why it is soooo important to have that liver biopsy!! I don't care if it's a Hepatologist, Gastro or the guy down the street. There simply is no other way to find out how sick our livers are. The problem is, the liver won't tell us. Colette, please get copies of your blood work and any test!! A few of us know the highs and lows of those tests. Obviously, they also are testing for viral count. Well, all I can really say, is hang onto your seat; because, you are in for one hell of a ride. It's all good though!! It's affirmative action in taking over your own health care. These Drs that let it get this bad for you, should be reported!! There is no way that that Gastro didn't know at least a bit about where your liver damage was. He should not be in practice at all.Oh, keep in touch please. Luv Gloria Hey guys! I finally saw the hepatologist/liver specialist yesterday! Whew! What a whirlwind! I was there all day doing Lord knows what! These guys know their stuff and they don't fool around! I go back to ton tomorrow for yet more tests! I will say I'm not thrilled with the initial findings. I'm having to fast forward from knowing very little to being slapped up-side the head and being asked where the hell I've been. New Hep doc does not like my Gastro guy. He confirmed all my fears about the way my case has been handled. He went so far as to say my doctors have been ignorant and catching up is no easy feat. He indicated my liver damage is more advanced than I've been led to believe just based on our conversation and a physical exam. But tests will tell more. They took enough blood to do any test they can think of. I believe there is a biopsy in my near future as he was very upset that this was not done already. He may also drain some of the fluid that has built up around my liver. Apparently it has not been good to let the fluid linger on. He is also looking into getting me onto the transplant list as soon as possible. And, he put a hold on all other treatments until we get a handle on what's going on. No Vitamin D treatments and so surgeries. (The hernia.) Should I be worried? I am but it's also strangely comforting knowing I'm going to have some answers and some options to ponder soon. Well that's my latest. And Don, I gotta tell ya! Hepatologist vs. Gastro???? Hepatologist seems to want to help me. Gastro guy was just gonna let me die. Hope everyone is having a great day or night depending on where you are! God's Peace.S. Colette Wise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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