Guest guest Posted May 6, 1999 Report Share Posted May 6, 1999 Tami, Someone ought to shake those doctors who terrify patients with a prognosis like " 6 months to live. " I went through the same thing when I was first diagnosed, but I was at least given 2 to 5 years. The original diagnosis for me was PBC. However, my Las Vegas GI doctor set me up to see a Hepatologist from UCSF who travels monthly to LV to see patients with serious liver diseases. He quickly modified the diagnosis to AIH, put me on prednisone and told me he'd see me in a month. Luckily, I was referred to Green Hospital at Scripps in La Jolla (near San Diego). Things moved quickly after that. My official AIH diagnosis was on 12/31/97 and I completed the pre-transplant evaluation by March of 1998. Do you live near Loma ? We pass the exit for the medical center every time we go to Scripps. I don't know much about them but I do know they have a liver transplant unit. They're SDA, aren't they? For the record, Scripps liver transplant success ratio is 97% which is very good. They also do more liver transplants than several of the other transplant centers in this part of the US. It's good to know that there are options if you need them. I've heard that UCSD is also very good, and so is UCLA, but I'd hate to fight the traffic. Last night I posted some info on cirrhosis that addresses liver disease in general. It answers many questions about fluid retention - why and what it does. It might be helpful for you. Fluid retention has been one of my major problems since all this began. When I was hospitalize before diagnosis, the ascites was so severe I couldn't sit upright in a chair. My stomach was like a huge ball of fluid and it was actually painful to sit. My feet were also badly swollen. While in the hospital they put me on massive doses of diuretics and I lost 35 lbs. in 5 days, so I went in looking like a blimp and came out feeling skinny. I had bones I'd forgotten about and I could actually see them. I stayed on the huge amounts of lasix until I started seeing the doctors at Scripps. Lasix can cause kidney damage, apparently, so Scripps put me on Ameloride instead. It's a milder, potassium sparing diuretic. On Ameloride, fluid retention became a problem again and I jumped from 128 lbs to 165 within a few short months. Just recently, because of ongoing fluid retention, especially in my feet, and ascites, my diuretics have been increased. One diuretic that some doctors use is Aldactone but it can have side effects that are very unpleasant. One is breast tenderness so severe even a touch is painful. But it works very well if you don't react to it. Even better than lasix, for me. Right now I'm taking 20 mgs. of Ameloride and 40 mgs. of lasix daily. It's keeping the pedal edema under control but not doing much for the ascites, which is getting worse, if anything. I think the cause is different from whatever causes pedal edema. Anyhow, I hope your doctor considers a diuretic. I can't imagine not taking one. I'd be swollen to bursting point without them. An Endocrinologist told me that I should take 1 potassium tablet with each 20 mgs. of lasix but my Hepatologist told me that all I need to do is eat a banana every day to keep my potassium levels okay. So far, he's been right since I'm not getting cramps that are typical from potassium deficiency and I'm tested every month or two. I suspect (unconfirmed) that fluid retention is somehow associated with the joint pain. I've noticed that the more fluids I'm retaining, the worse the pain is and also I have other problems, like shortness of breath and left-sided pain. Prednisone causes fluid retention and so does liver disease. It's a double edged sword and no matter how you look at it, there's going to be some problem with too much fluid in the tissues. That's undoubtedly the reason we look and feel puffy instead of just bigger but solid. It's like saturating an absorbent cloth with water. We swell but it's not a solid swelling. I'm surprised your doctor is letting you take Ibuprofen. I was told that I absolutely cannot take anti-inflammatory drugs. Instead, the Rheumatologist I see told me that I have to settle for pain meds to relieve the joint pain. Many of them can also be harmful, but apparently not in small amounts. Just one Vicoden daily makes life bearable for me and on bad days I'll take a second one, but that doesn't happen often. I've been doing this for several months without apparent problem. My Hepatologist won't prescribe Vicoden for anyone because it has the potential to become addictive. My Rheumatologist, however, disagrees and says that in her opinion, people with chronic pain are rarely prone to addiction. She prescribes the Vicoden and I am happy to report to my Hepatologist how well it works for me. Neither seems to worry about stepping on each other's toes and they went to med school together. I know that feeling of being alone all too well. Until I found this group, it was me and Internet. The more I learned the more I needed to know and there was no one to ask. Don't worry about being a complainer. You have plenty to complain about so you're entitled. I also hate pity, but if it makes others feel better to feel sorry for me, I won't worry about it. Actually, you're apt to start running into people who think you can't really be very sick because you don't look sick. That happens to me all of the time. You have your hands full, with children and trying to cope with a disease almost no one understands, besides your own fears about the future. Baby yourself as much as you can and when you need a shoulder to cry on, you know that someone in this group is going to understand and be there for you. Take care, Geri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 6, 1999 Report Share Posted May 6, 1999 Geri Wow! Can I just adopt you as my mom? You are so understanding and encouraging. It is great. Actually, I get a lot of the you must not be very sick, because you don't look sick. My husband right now is the worst, and I feel so burdensome. I guess I should ask my doctor about the Ibuprofen. Didn't really think about it. I knew I wasn't supposed to take Tylenol. Loma is an SDA hospital. Actually, my doctor works out of SDSU also. He is trying the Vitamin e because of a trial they did there with pediatric AIH. They were able to treat them with megadoses of vitamin E. Will let you know more as I hear about it. He has been great at watching my labs, gradually bringing down my prednisone, and of course the initial correct diagnosis. However, I often feel that quality of life is low on the priority list for him. He is focused on saving my life and keeping my numbers low. Thanks for chatting with me and helping me to feel sane! Tami Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 7, 1999 Report Share Posted May 7, 1999 Hi geri, I was wondering about what you said concerning taking diuretics for water retention. Can you take whilst taking prednisone to avoid the chip munk face and retention? Also, Im glad you mentioned how good scripps green hospital is as i will be seing Dr pockros there next week. Im glad its a good hospital. Take care Elena --- Geri Spang <spangs@...> wrote: > From: Geri Spang <spangs@...> > > Tami, > Someone ought to shake those doctors who terrify > patients with a prognosis > like " 6 months to live. " I went through the same > thing when I was first > diagnosed, but I was at least given 2 to 5 years. > The original diagnosis > for me was PBC. However, my Las Vegas GI doctor set > me up to see a > Hepatologist from UCSF who travels monthly to LV to > see patients with > serious liver diseases. He quickly modified the > diagnosis to AIH, put me > on prednisone and told me he'd see me in a month. > Luckily, I was referred > to Green Hospital at Scripps in La Jolla (near San > Diego). Things moved > quickly after that. My official AIH diagnosis was > on 12/31/97 and I > completed the pre-transplant evaluation by March of > 1998. > > Do you live near Loma ? We pass the exit for > the medical center every > time we go to Scripps. I don't know much about them > but I do know they > have a liver transplant unit. They're SDA, aren't > they? For the record, > Scripps liver transplant success ratio is 97% which > is very good. They > also do more liver transplants than several of the > other transplant centers > in this part of the US. It's good to know that > there are options if you > need them. I've heard that UCSD is also very good, > and so is UCLA, but I'd > hate to fight the traffic. > > Last night I posted some info on cirrhosis that > addresses liver disease in > general. It answers many questions about fluid > retention - why and what > it does. It might be helpful for you. > > Fluid retention has been one of my major problems > since all this began. > When I was hospitalize before diagnosis, the ascites > was so severe I > couldn't sit upright in a chair. My stomach was > like a huge ball of fluid > and it was actually painful to sit. My feet were > also badly swollen. > While in the hospital they put me on massive doses > of diuretics and I lost > 35 lbs. in 5 days, so I went in looking like a blimp > and came out feeling > skinny. I had bones I'd forgotten about and I could > actually see them. I > stayed on the huge amounts of lasix until I started > seeing the doctors at > Scripps. Lasix can cause kidney damage, apparently, > so Scripps put me on > Ameloride instead. It's a milder, potassium sparing > diuretic. > > On Ameloride, fluid retention became a problem again > and I jumped from 128 > lbs to 165 within a few short months. Just > recently, because of ongoing > fluid retention, especially in my feet, and ascites, > my diuretics have been > increased. One diuretic that some doctors use is > Aldactone but it can have > side effects that are very unpleasant. One is > breast tenderness so severe > even a touch is painful. But it works very well if > you don't react to it. > Even better than lasix, for me. Right now I'm > taking 20 mgs. of Ameloride > and 40 mgs. of lasix daily. It's keeping the pedal > edema under control but > not doing much for the ascites, which is getting > worse, if anything. I > think the cause is different from whatever causes > pedal edema. > > Anyhow, I hope your doctor considers a diuretic. I > can't imagine not > taking one. I'd be swollen to bursting point > without them. An > Endocrinologist told me that I should take 1 > potassium tablet with each 20 > mgs. of lasix but my Hepatologist told me that all I > need to do is eat a > banana every day to keep my potassium levels okay. > So far, he's been right > since I'm not getting cramps that are typical from > potassium deficiency and > I'm tested every month or two. > > I suspect (unconfirmed) that fluid retention is > somehow associated with the > joint pain. I've noticed that the more fluids I'm > retaining, the worse the > pain is and also I have other problems, like > shortness of breath and > left-sided pain. > > Prednisone causes fluid retention and so does liver > disease. It's a double > edged sword and no matter how you look at it, > there's going to be some > problem with too much fluid in the tissues. That's > undoubtedly the reason > we look and feel puffy instead of just bigger but > solid. It's like > saturating an absorbent cloth with water. We swell > but it's not a solid > swelling. > > I'm surprised your doctor is letting you take > Ibuprofen. I was told that I > absolutely cannot take anti-inflammatory drugs. > Instead, the > Rheumatologist I see told me that I have to settle > for pain meds to relieve > the joint pain. Many of them can also be harmful, > but apparently not in > small amounts. Just one Vicoden daily makes life > bearable for me and on > bad days I'll take a second one, but that doesn't > happen often. I've been > doing this for several months without apparent > problem. My Hepatologist > won't prescribe Vicoden for anyone because it has > the potential to become > addictive. My Rheumatologist, however, disagrees and > says that in her > opinion, people with chronic pain are rarely prone > to addiction. She > prescribes the Vicoden and I am happy to report to > my Hepatologist how well > it works for me. Neither seems to worry about > stepping on each other's > toes and they went to med school together. > > I know that feeling of being alone all too well. > Until I found this > group, it was me and Internet. The more I learned > the more I needed to > know and there was no one to ask. Don't worry about > being a complainer. > You have plenty to complain about so you're > entitled. I also hate pity, > but if it makes others feel better to feel sorry for > me, I won't worry > about it. Actually, you're apt to start running > into people who think you > can't really be very sick because you don't look > sick. That happens to me > all of the time. You have your hands full, with > children and trying to > cope with a disease almost no one understands, > besides your own fears about > the future. Baby yourself as much as you can and > when you need a shoulder > to cry on, you know that someone in this group is > going to understand and > be there for you. > > Take care, > Geri > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > Want to learn more about your list users? > > Now you can with our new User Survey Tool - see > homepage for details > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > Please support the American Liver Foundation! > > 1.) To subscribe send e-mail to > -subscribeonelist > 2.) To UNsubscribe send to > -unsubscribeonelist > 3.) Digest e-mail format send to > -digestonelist > 4.) Normal e-mail format send to > -normalonelist > === Elena Pheasant _________________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 7, 1999 Report Share Posted May 7, 1999 Elena, Will you be seeing Dr. Pockros (at Green Hospital/Scripps Research) for pre-transplant evaluation? He has a fantastic reputation and is highly regarded by everyone, besides being well-liked at Scripps. I understand he left for awhile and went into research or something like that but now he's back. I see Dr. McHutchinson. They are incredibly thorough and their medical diagnostic equipment and especially their staff, throughout the hospital, are excellent. I'm satisfied that I made a good decision by deciding to go through them, though at first I wasn't so pleased. Mostly due to communications. I don't know if diuretics will affect the round face and hump on the back. I'm just guessing, but I don't think so. When my pred dosage was high, they developed and as it was decreased, they both disappeared. They were at their worst while I was at 20-30 mgs., but as I dropped under 20 mgs., I began to look like myself again. I also had puffiness around my collar bones. Do you notice that too? I've been told repeatedly that the side effects from pred disappear after dropping down under 10 mgs. but I don't think it happens overnight. Be sure to ask Dr. Pockros about diuretics. You'll probably follow the same drug regimen I do and I hope it works as well for you as it has for me. Keep us posted about how things go there. Take care, Geri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 7, 1999 Report Share Posted May 7, 1999 Hi geri, Thanks for responding to my post. I am a newbie to AIH, and have just had a biopsey done to determine what stage im at. I will then start medications for the first time! Im so pleased about what you said about Dr pockros.I will be seeing him so he can evaluate me and tell me what happens next. He sounds like a very good doctor. I feel better knowing that I will be in good hands! Take Care Elena --- Geri Spang <spangs@...> wrote: > From: Geri Spang <spangs@...> > > Elena, > Will you be seeing Dr. Pockros (at Green > Hospital/Scripps Research) for > pre-transplant evaluation? He has a fantastic > reputation and is highly > regarded by everyone, besides being well-liked at > Scripps. I understand he > left for awhile and went into research or something > like that but now he's > back. I see Dr. McHutchinson. They are > incredibly thorough and their > medical diagnostic equipment and especially their > staff, throughout the > hospital, are excellent. I'm satisfied that I made > a good decision by > deciding to go through them, though at first I > wasn't so pleased. Mostly > due to communications. > > I don't know if diuretics will affect the round face > and hump on the back. > I'm just guessing, but I don't think so. When my > pred dosage was high, > they developed and as it was decreased, they both > disappeared. They were > at their worst while I was at 20-30 mgs., but as I > dropped under 20 mgs., I > began to look like myself again. I also had > puffiness around my collar > bones. Do you notice that too? I've been told > repeatedly that the side > effects from pred disappear after dropping down > under 10 mgs. but I don't > think it happens overnight. Be sure to ask Dr. > Pockros about diuretics. > You'll probably follow the same drug regimen I do > and I hope it works as > well for you as it has for me. Keep us posted about > how things go there. > Take care, > Geri > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > Join the Star Wars craze! > > Set up your Star Wars list at ONElist. > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > Please support the American Liver Foundation! > > 1.) To subscribe send e-mail to > -subscribeonelist > 2.) To UNsubscribe send to > -unsubscribeonelist > 3.) Digest e-mail format send to > -digestonelist > 4.) Normal e-mail format send to > -normalonelist > === Elena Pheasant _________________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 1999 Report Share Posted May 8, 1999 Elena, When do you get the results from the biopsy? Hope they don't keep you waitings for too long. You can look Dr. Pockros up on Scripps Internet site: http://www.scrippsclinic.com/doctors/dr2522.htm. If you do some searching, they also have some information about their liver transplant program. I think that not knowing exactly what is going on is one of the worst aspects of having AIH. Take care, Geri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 1999 Report Share Posted May 8, 1999 Tami, I think we all get that lack of understanding that anything is wrong with us. Even my own children don't really get the picture. They come to help and end up watching me do everything unless I enlist them. When I was at my worst, my husband had no doubts about how sick I was. I could only get halfway out of bed and then fall back in exhaustion and just lie however I landed. I must have been a frightful sight to behold. One of the most useful things I did was print out the ALP web page description of AIH and hand it out to all family members. Those who read it seem to get the picture. Also, Scripps requires that a family member, preferably a spouse if there is one, to be there during most of the exams and meetings with doctors, including the psychologists. It might be good for you to share some of the available information with your husband so he'll have a more clear picture of the potential AIH has to become VERY serious, if it isn't already. Those who are doing well are the lucky exceptions, not necessarily the rule. Definitely ask about the Ibuprofen. I was taking Naproxen before I was diagnosed and was told to stop. My Rheumatologist prescribed another anti-inflammatory drug (Relafen?) but my Hepatologist immediately told me to stop taking it and mumbled something about how someone should have checked with him first. I also can't take a large variety of drugs that aren't usually considered very potent. No Ambien to help me sleep, for example, and at first, even a couple of Bufferin made me have a violent vomiting attack. Don't take any chances that you might be taking a drug that will aggravate the problems you already have. Surprisingly, my Hepatologist told me that 2 Tylenol, no more than twice daily, is okay. It's dangerous for people who drink but most of us don't do that (anymore) anyway, if we ever did in the first place. He also said that I could take Advil instead of Tylenol. One Vicoden a day has been unbelievably effective for joint and muscle pain control for me, but some people can't tolerate that either. You might ask your doctor about that. I wonder about Celebrex? I haven't heard if it's approved for people with liver disease but it's supposed to be better than Ibuprofen and less harmful. I take Vit. E. I don't even remember why I started taking it. I probably read about it in this group. I just take 1 a day for good measure. Can't hurt! I also was very frustrated by my doctor's apparent disinterest in things like joint and muscle pain. He became a little more alert after I had a very negative reaction to rapid Prednisone withdrawal. Especially since he's the one who prescribed the drug but another doctor identified the problem. He kept referring me to other specialists for everything that wasn't directly liver related but when my cat bit me and I ended up with a very serious infection within hours, and I called another doctor because he didn't return my call right away, his attitude changed. Now we have a nice congenial relationship and he does react when I tell him about any changes or unusual problems. After the initial shock of the diagnosis, things will simmer down. You have to come to terms with the fact that your life is taking a different course. It's just a matter of readjustment. I know that sounds like a platitude, but it does work out if you let it. There are things I can't do anymore, or I can't do as much as I once did, but on the other hand, there are things I didn't take the time to do that I now find time to indulge. Hey, it could be worse, couldn't it? Well, could it? (Don't answer that question!) Take care, Geri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 1999 Report Share Posted May 8, 1999 Geri, Thanks for the input. Can't get my husband to read any of the stuff. I think he just isn't ready to deal with the fact that HIS wife is sick. I am interested in all the stuff I have been reading about Scripps. You all seem very happy about it. What do you like so much about it? DO you have to wait a long time when you go in? I would like to hear more. Thanks! Tami Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 1999 Report Share Posted May 8, 1999 Thanks for the info and advice. I live in the high desert. About 2- 2 1/2 hours from Vegas. I will look into Scripps and at least get some information. Sincerely, Tami Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 1999 Report Share Posted May 8, 1999 Tami, Scripps has a lot going for it, not the least of which is the gorgeous location. But seriously, they are an exceptionally well endowed medical center. I almost always check the credentials of every doctor I see and Scripps doctors inevitably are from the finest med schools and have advanced degrees in multiple disciplines. They're also a research center for liver disease and organ transplantation. That's probably true of the majority of transplantation centers, but I've learned that this is a fairly narrow field and the specialists not only know each other but seem to have moved back and forth between the different transplant centers on the West Coast. Sometimes people have difficulty dealing with chronic illness within their own family. I've heard about people who actually have an aversion to serious illness. That can change rapidly if they get sick themselves. My " theory " is that people who can't sympathize with the illness of a spouse or parent are feeling confronted with their own mortality. How can you feel young and invincible when every day you are looking at proof that no one is going to be forever young and healthy? It's denial to the nth. degree. Not easy for you, since you're the one who has the disease and you need compassion and understanding. Have you considered an outside support group? Scripps has one that meets monthly. Too far away for me but it might be more possible for you. Even if your husband won't go, a group might be able to offer you some of what your husband can't yet offer. Also, Scripps has a " mentor " program, so that you can be assigned a mentor who also has AIH, who will be there for you when you need to talk and who can help you through some of the " down " days. I didn't have a long wait. In fact, Scripps took me immediately, but I suspect that was because of my condition at the time. I've noticed that there is generally a long wait to see most of their specialists, which says something about the quality of care there. You might call them and ask them how long you'd have to wait for an appointment for an evaluation. They'll probably ask for copies of your labs and medical summaries and make a decision based on them. I believe that they're well aware that AIH patients can deteriorate suddenly and rapidly. Also, they can send you literature on their liver transplantation program if you ask them for it. That might be a good way for you to find out more. I'm guessing that you live in the San Bernadino or Riverside area? Take care, Geri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 1999 Report Share Posted May 8, 1999 Geri, Sorry...This conjured up a strange mental picture! <g> >But seriously, they are an exceptionally well endowed medical > center. Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 1999 Report Share Posted May 8, 1999 Geri, We knew what you meant, but that visual brought a smile to my face too - Thanks Geri, Barbara Ann -- On Sat, 8 May 1999 16:04:28 Don Hanson wrote: >From: " Don Hanson " <donhanson@...> > >Geri, >Sorry...This conjured up a strange mental picture! <g> > >>But seriously, they are an exceptionally well endowed medical >> center. > >Don > > >------------------------------------------------------------------------ >Looking for a fun, easy way to stay in touch with family members? > >Create a ONElist community just for your family! >------------------------------------------------------------------------ >Please support the American Liver Foundation! > > > >1.) To subscribe send e-mail to -subscribeonelist > >2.) To UNsubscribe send to -unsubscribeonelist > >3.) Digest e-mail format send to -digestonelist > >4.) Normal e-mail format send to -normalonelist > Get your FREE Email at http://mailcity.lycos.com Get your PERSONALIZED START PAGE at http://my.lycos.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 1999 Report Share Posted May 8, 1999 Don, Oh, oh. What did I say? I always delete my own messages without rereading them. No double entendre intended! Take care, Geri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 1999 Report Share Posted May 8, 1999 Barbara, Hmmm. Got to watch my terminology a little closer. My husband kids me about my tendency to mix my metaphors. Seems my descriptives can use some work too. Geri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 1999 Report Share Posted May 8, 1999 Geri, Au contraire! In light of the seriousness of our subject matter we need to find things to smile about. Anyhow, we knew what you meant. Barbara Ann -- On Sat, 08 May 1999 14:52:46 Geri Spang wrote: >From: Geri Spang <spangs@...> > >Barbara, >Hmmm. Got to watch my terminology a little closer. My husband kids me >about my tendency to mix my metaphors. Seems my descriptives can use some >work too. >Geri > >------------------------------------------------------------------------ >Do you know how many communities live at ONElist? >http://www.ONElist.com >More than 140,000 with nearly 1,000 new ones joining each day! >------------------------------------------------------------------------ >Please support the American Liver Foundation! > > > >1.) To subscribe send e-mail to -subscribeonelist > >2.) To UNsubscribe send to -unsubscribeonelist > >3.) Digest e-mail format send to -digestonelist > >4.) Normal e-mail format send to -normalonelist > Get your FREE Email at http://mailcity.lycos.com Get your PERSONALIZED START PAGE at http://my.lycos.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 1999 Report Share Posted May 9, 1999 Barbara, I don't get depressed very often. In fact, I might tend to laugh at myself and life in general a little too much. Beats crying! Take care, Geri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 1999 Report Share Posted May 9, 1999 Tami, It's always good to know what your options are even if you're satisfied with the care you're getting. Loma has an excellent reputation as a medical center but transplant specialists can change and there's no guarantee that the change will be positive. You must be enjoying similar weather to ours. Looks like we're going to have to go to Scripps again towards the end of this month. I was hoping we wouldn't have to make the drive before late this summer, but no such luck. I HATE that drive. Desert and more desert. A cousin in Barstow has urged us to stop to visit enroute but when we're in the car we just want to get it over with! This time I'm going to try to work it out so we can take a side trip to rito Beach for a couple of days, just for a change of pace. Haven't been there for years. Take care, Geri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 1999 Report Share Posted May 9, 1999 Just on the subject of humour...I've read a few article on the benefits of humour as a therapy. Laughing actually prevents some of the stress hormones from being released, which can often reduce (or help control)physical symptoms. Makes sense, although I know how hard it is to be open to humour when you are truly depressed. Anyways, I'm trying to watch more comedies, and spend time with people who make me laugh. Helping so far....!!!! >From: Geri Spang <spangs@...> >Reply- onelist > onelist >Subject: Re: [ ] AIH discovery >Date: Sat, 08 May 1999 22:37:54 -0700 > >From: Geri Spang <spangs@...> > >Barbara, >I don't get depressed very often. In fact, I might tend to laugh at myself >and life in general a little too much. Beats crying! >Take care, >Geri > >------------------------------------------------------------------------ >Give back to your community through " Grow to Give. " > >See homepage for details. >------------------------------------------------------------------------ >Please support the American Liver Foundation! > > > >1.) To subscribe send e-mail to -subscribeonelist > >2.) To UNsubscribe send to -unsubscribeonelist > >3.) Digest e-mail format send to -digestonelist > >4.) Normal e-mail format send to -normalonelist > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 1999 Report Share Posted May 9, 1999 I believe that. when i actually started to think possitive I felt so much better and shortly after that all my test were great.. >From: " emily simpson " <esimpson7@...> >Reply- onelist > onelist >Subject: Re: [ ] AIH discovery >Date: Sun, 09 May 1999 13:42:43 PDT > >From: " emily simpson " <esimpson7@...> > >Just on the subject of humour...I've read a few article on the benefits of >humour as a therapy. Laughing actually prevents some of the stress >hormones from being released, which can often reduce (or help >control)physical symptoms. Makes sense, although I know how hard it is to >be open to humour when you are truly depressed. Anyways, I'm trying to >watch more comedies, and spend time with people who make me laugh. Helping >so far....!!!! > >>From: Geri Spang <spangs@...> >>Reply- onelist >> onelist >>Subject: Re: [ ] AIH discovery >>Date: Sat, 08 May 1999 22:37:54 -0700 >> >>From: Geri Spang <spangs@...> >> >>Barbara, >>I don't get depressed very often. In fact, I might tend to laugh at >>myself >>and life in general a little too much. Beats crying! >>Take care, >>Geri >> >>------------------------------------------------------------------------ >>Give back to your community through " Grow to Give. " >> >>See homepage for details. >>------------------------------------------------------------------------ >>Please support the American Liver Foundation! >> >> >> >>1.) To subscribe send e-mail to -subscribeonelist >> >>2.) To UNsubscribe send to -unsubscribeonelist >> >>3.) Digest e-mail format send to -digestonelist >> >>4.) Normal e-mail format send to -normalonelist >> > > >------------------------------------------------------------------------ >What's " Grow to Give " ? > >It's a new incentive program at ONElist. See homepage for details. >------------------------------------------------------------------------ >Please support the American Liver Foundation! > > > >1.) To subscribe send e-mail to -subscribeonelist > >2.) To UNsubscribe send to -unsubscribeonelist > >3.) Digest e-mail format send to -digestonelist > >4.) Normal e-mail format send to -normalonelist _______________________________________________________________ Get Free Email and Do More On The Web. Visit http://www.msn.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 1999 Report Share Posted May 9, 1999 Dear : I agree about laughter! It is so important to remember to laugh, even about the absurdities of everyday life. I've even been known to laugh at inappropriate moments (something that has not endeared me to a few people)! I've found that since I've been ill, I respond a lot better to comedies and don't want to rent as many 'adventure' and 'drama' films as I used to. I share jokes with a lot of friends and family (even a few risque ones!) and finds it really lightens the load. Have a great day, everyone! Kathy (AIH) Seattle area Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 1999 Report Share Posted May 9, 1999 : I too laugh alot because it is better than crying that seems to hit me from time to time. I also bought myself a little (less the 10 #) dog and named her Halo. She was left on the side of the road and lucky for her it was by a dog kennel. No one answered the lost and found ad so the Human Society knew I wanted a dog that was little and already trained. Well, what a blessing Halo has been to me. She had to have all her shots and had to be spayed and Wednesday she goes for a hair cut that was a few dollars but it is worth the love she gives me everyday. The only place that she can not go with me is to work. I am working on that one. Sue AIH Wisconsin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 10, 1999 Report Share Posted May 10, 1999 Elena: Good luck on your appointment! Let us know how it goes! Kathy (AIH) Seattle area Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 10, 1999 Report Share Posted May 10, 1999 Hi Geri! I cant remember if i responded to this E-mail, see whats happening to my memory! I just didnt want to forget thanking you for sending Dr Pockros site. I will be seeing him in 2 hours, I will be getting my results. Im praying! Thanks again Elena --- Geri Spang <spangs@...> wrote: > From: Geri Spang <spangs@...> > > Elena, > When do you get the results from the biopsy? Hope > they don't keep you > waitings for too long. You can look Dr. Pockros up > on Scripps Internet > site: > http://www.scrippsclinic.com/doctors/dr2522.htm. If > you do some > searching, they also have some information about > their liver transplant > program. I think that not knowing exactly what is > going on is one of the > worst aspects of having AIH. > > Take care, > Geri > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > The possibilities are endless! > > ONElist has something for everyone! > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > Please support the American Liver Foundation! > > 1.) To subscribe send e-mail to > -subscribeonelist > 2.) To UNsubscribe send to > -unsubscribeonelist > 3.) Digest e-mail format send to > -digestonelist > 4.) Normal e-mail format send to > -normalonelist > === Elena Pheasant _________________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 10, 1999 Report Share Posted May 10, 1999 Thank You! I will definetely let you all know - it will be the first thing I do! (I think I have bitten all my nails off) Elena --- KATBERCOO@... wrote: > From: KATBERCOO@... > > Elena: > > Good luck on your appointment! Let us know how it > goes! > > Kathy (AIH) > Seattle area > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > How many communities do you think join ONElist each > day? > > More than 1,000! > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > Please support the American Liver Foundation! > > 1.) To subscribe send e-mail to > -subscribeonelist > 2.) To UNsubscribe send to > -unsubscribeonelist > 3.) Digest e-mail format send to > -digestonelist > 4.) Normal e-mail format send to > -normalonelist > === Elena Pheasant _________________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 10, 1999 Report Share Posted May 10, 1999 Dear Elena, I'm looking forward to hearing how your appointment with Dr. Pockros was. I don't think that you would have gotten an appointment with him unless your medical history warrents it, and in that case, you'll be seeing one of the best, if everything I've heard is true. I hope that the biopsy results are good. I'd love to hear that they can begin to halt the process for you before it's too far advanced. Wish I'd known where to go (or even that I needed to go somewhere) before my own cirrhosis was so far down the line. I wonder how easy it is to spot AIH before cirrhosis? Labs sometimes can be deceptive. Take care, Geri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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