Re: Went to see doctor today...Scary news..

[Guest guest]

I'm sorry to hear the situation is so serious, and glad that you have something to work toward, no matter how difficult. I wish you well. Re weight loss for health suggestions: It does sound like you've got to find a solution. Can you work with a nutritionist? My Kaiser HMO website points out that the human body, being geared for survival, fights attempts at weight loss, so willpower isn't as helpful as one would think, and guilt further complicates the situation. I suspect, for those of us with liver disease, that "stomach stapling" isn't an option. (I know someone who has lost 80 pounds since Thanksgiving and feels fine, but I would be surprised if that's a reasonable gamble for us.) I haven't been able to lose so much as a pound (nor have I gained more) since the 40-lb Prednisone hit. However, because I know that weight has serious repercussions on hypertension, I'm trying to tell myself that food for me, now, is a mild poison, rather than a supporter and picture that when I'm thinking of a snack. I doubt that this approach would meet the approval of doctors, psychologists, etc., but it's what I'm trying. With intense fatigue, I've gotten in the habit of grabbing for a snack, hoping it would give me energy. It does, but not much, and not for long. I hear people speak of their success with WeightWatchers, but the idea is really unappealing to me. I'm desperate enough to try anything, and your situation sounds far more serious. We want you around, as does your family, to put it mildly.

Harper

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 2/19/01 11:50:29 AM Pacific Standard Time, Mymis1@... writes:

He told me that I have to lose about 100lbs..And by doing that it will help my changes of halting the advancement of the cirrohosis..

Dear Deb:

Hi. My name is Kathy and I've been with this group off and on for about 2 years. I've been out of the loop for a while and am not sure which liver disease that you have, but I found that statement from your doctor very interesting. I gained 70 lbs since I've been on prednisone (6 years) and was told by my hepatologist that I needed to lose the weight in order to be eligible for eventual transplant, but he never told me that it had anything to do with the advancement of the illness. I'm about 150 lbs overweight total and have had AIH for 6 years. In all that time, although I've been given the ultimatum about eventual transplant and sent to a nutritionist and continue to fight the good fight, I've never been told that whether or not I lost the weight would effect the advancement of the illness. I've been in 'medication induced' remission for 3 years now despite the extra weight. Of course, I'm not saying that it's not necessary to lose the weight. I have many other problems associated with the weight and with the prednisone. I just question his statement that it would make a difference in the advancement of cirrhosis.

It will be interesting to see what the hepatologist that you see has to say about it.

Kathy (AIH)

Seattle area

[Guest guest]

Hi Harper.. Thanks so much for your reply.. You see I had the stomach stapling back in 1983.. Lost 80lbs but gained it all back.. And yes, I've went the Weight Watchers route.. And didn't have the obedience to stay with it.. Plus, I've lost weight before and I know I can do it again.. I will just have to turn this over to God.. I also gained 40lbs on Prednisone.. But, I will NOT have any negatives thoughts.. I will keep getting answers and going on with my life.. I'm so blessed to have found such a wonderful support system.. I also have diabetes so this weight reduction will help me all the way around..

Hugs,

Deb

[Guest guest]

Debbi, it's tough, really tough, but think how lucky we are to be living at a time when many of us have medical options. Best wishes.

Harper

[Guest guest]

We sure are..

Hugs,

Deb

[Guest guest]

Deb,

Are you up for the challenge of losing the weight you need? If you need

support and encouragement just give me a holler. My mother and I are

trying to be faithful to the Weight Watcher plan

I can't say it is easy but we are trying. If need to hear some positive

words let me know.

I have battled with smoking for years. So I know what a struggle it is

to keep to something. You have to try, if you fall off the chuck wagon

get yourself back on.

Be well

Joan Claffey

NJ

Mymis1@... wrote:

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[Guest guest]

Mymis1@... wrote:

Hello

Friends..

Well,

I went to see my family doctor today. I don't remember if I

mentioned

that

I switched family doctors.. My other doctor was just beating around the

bush

and not really telling me anything... But I have learned more in 2 weeks

from

this new YOUNG doctor.. Then I did in 10 years from my other doctor..

Anyway,

he received my latest blood workup and said my liver is 80%

damaged..And

he has referred me to a Hepatologist ( Liver ) about a hour away

from

where I live.. That appointment is March 27th.. He told me that I

have

to

lose about 100lbs..And by doing that it will help my changes of halting

the

advancement of the cirrohosis.. If I don't he said it could mean

the

loss

of my life in a year or two.. Wow.. I'm still in shock.. I'm

SO mad at

myself

because I know I have the willpower.. I quit smoking over 14 years

ago..

Stopped drinking ALL colas over 2 years ago.. Just drink water and

tea..

But for some reason I can't get through my thick skull that this is A

MUST

situation... Would any of you have any suggestions for me?? I respect

and

truly look forward to all your emails on the liver diseases..

Hugs,

Deb

[Guest guest]

Hi Debbie.. That's not a stupid question at all.. I had a liver biopsy back in November...That's when they found out I had Moderate to Severe Cirrohsis..

Plus they can tell by the way the blood tests counts come back..

Hugs,

Deb

[Guest guest]

Hi Deb,

Good luck on your upcoming change of life diet. I know that you can do it.

I'm glad you like your new doctor. How can they tell it is 80% damaged by

blood tests? Don't they need a biopsy for that? I'm new at this, so sorry

if that was a stupid question.

Again good luck,

Debbie (Tommy's Mom)

> [Original Message]

> From: <Mymis1@...>

> < >

> Date: 2/19/01 2:51:05 PM

> Subject: [ ] Went to see doctor today...Scary news..

>

> Hello Friends..

> Well, I went to see my family doctor today. I don't remember if I

mentioned

> that I switched family doctors.. My other doctor was just beating around

the

> bush and not really telling me anything... But I have learned more in 2

weeks

> from this new YOUNG doctor.. Then I did in 10 years from my other

doctor..

> Anyway, he received my latest blood workup and said my liver is 80%

> damaged..And he has referred me to a Hepatologist ( Liver ) about a hour

away

> from where I live.. That appointment is March 27th.. He told me that I

have

> to lose about 100lbs..And by doing that it will help my changes of

halting

> the advancement of the cirrohosis.. If I don't he said it could mean the

> loss of my life in a year or two.. Wow.. I'm still in shock.. I'm SO

mad at

> myself because I know I have the willpower.. I quit smoking over 14 years

> ago.. Stopped drinking ALL colas over 2 years ago.. Just drink water and

> tea.. But for some reason I can't get through my thick skull that this

is A

> MUST situation... Would any of you have any suggestions for me?? I

respect

> and truly look forward to all your emails on the liver diseases..

>

> Hugs,

> Deb

>

--- Have a fun day!

--- debbiehenry@...

---