UPDATE

Well, I went to Mayo for my lab work this morning, which went fine.  I had to wait 3 hours before MRI would check me in.  Then they couldn't access a vein and the radiologist I usually call upon to find a vein for IV access is on vacation this week.  It looks like I may have to do it all in Jan, including blood work again.  16 hours w/o eating, all for nothing.     Needless to say, I'm exhausted, as well.

Hugs,

Connie

PG, I'm so glad your tests were okay.  Hope your x-rays will be, too!

Hugs,

Connie

Sue, one of the techs today asked why I didn't have a port put in.  The answer to that is simply that I usually am not having tests, etc., except every 6 mos.  It just so happened that last month something showed up on my CT scan, so my hepatologist wanted to follow up with an MRI.  For the CT, they also had to call my radiologist in to access a vein.  I certainly need to make sure he is available before trying to have the MRI done again.  When I am admitted for surgery, I always tell them I'm going to need a PIC line, and they've been very accommodating in giving me one.  You know how much blood they draw during a hospitalization, plus the morphine pump!  It's just easier all around for me to get a PIC line.

Hugs,

Connie

jft, have a nice holiday!

Rick, I ate my way through the fridge and cabinets when I got home!  But before I left the hospital, I went to the gift shop and got a bag of chocolate-drizzled caramel corn and ate the whole thing before my van ride came! 

Hugs,

Connie

I was able to reschedule the labs and MRI for Dec. 29th with, again, 16 hours of fasting.  But I will certainly check and make sure the radiologist is available before I go!

Hugs,

Connie

Yeah, I tend to get a wee bit cranky! 

Hugs,

Connie

I could take snacks, but it won't do much good during the 16 hours I can't eat or drink anything.  Of course, as soon as the testing is over, I will want something to eat.  They have a good cafeteria with some great soup, but everything is put away by 3.  So it's just "junk food" that's available.  I'm only 10 min. away from Mayo, though, so can get a good meal when I get home.

Hugs,

Connie

Connie,  I am glad they were able to do it today.  I hope you can get the results tomorrow.  I hate the waiting part.

My thoughts and prayers will be with you for good results......take care......

We discussed the new Hep C treatment that will be widely available in about a year.  It adds a 3rd drug to the combo and only needs to be taken for 24 weeks.  If the viral load doesn't drop within 8 wks., they cease treatment.  So I'll probably give that a try, if nothing comes up to prevent me taking it when it becomes available. 

I asked about alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) for liver disease, specifically hep C.  She said that it wouldn't do any harm and could possibly be helpful.  I had cut my Lasix to every other day on my own and she said I could also cut the Aldactone to every other day, and then cut both out altogether.  If there's no edema or ascites, I won't need to take them.  I started cutting the Lasix down as my BUN and creatinine has been going up and I know that diuretics are the culprits.

Thanks to everyone for your prayers.  I believe that positive energy definitely helps.

Hugs,

Connie

PG, said it could be scarring from cirrhosis or some kind of blood vessel thing--just guessing, as she really didn't know.  She did say it has been there on scans since '07, which is when I had my surgery, and it has remained stable.  The concern was because at times it appeared clearer than others--but I think it's because at times I didn't have contrast with the scans.

Hugs,

Connie

DeeDee, back in '93, when I was first diagnosed with hep C, the only treatment available was interferon injections 3 x a week.  I did try it--two different times--and both times had to stop as my white count plummeted.  So when the combo came along, I didn't want to try it as I felt the same thing would happen--plus I would be sick as a dog for nearly a year.  Also, I was having one surgery after another.  Now, however, I feel that I'd like to try the new treatment when it becomes available (in about a year.)  They would know by 8 wks. whether it is working, and I could get treatment for low white count.

I read about the ALA several times and decided to ask my hep doc about it.   Next time I get to a health food store, I'll look into buying some.  I want to do a little more reading about recommended dosages, etc.

Hugs,

Connie