New member.

Worthit, welcome to Healing Well and the Hepatitis Forum! Where are you now with your liver disease and treatment? Are you seeing a hepatologist? Are you on diuretics or any other treatment? They won't necessarily NOT prescribe pain meds, but it's important they know you are not drug seeking or have a recent history of drug abuse. What you should not do is take anything (Rx or over-the-counter) with ibuprofen or too much aspirin. I also have major osteoarthritis problems and they are allowing me, as a recent post-transplant patient, to take Lortab, though it's limited to 4 a day because of the aspirin in it. I also use a heating pad.

Was your kidney tumor cancerous? Are you currently on hep C treatment? The more we know, the more we are able to help you. Be sure to check out the Hepatitis Resources folder at the top of the page. There's some good info in there.

Hugs,
Connie

Hello Worthit and welcome. I too am fairly new here and these people are fantastic. I think I've learned more here than from my Dr.'s. I have ESLD, cirrhosis and Hep C from alcohol. Early may I was very sick and took myself to the ER. I was in the ICU for 8 days and after being transferred was told of all things happening to me. They gave me a very short time to live if I didn't change. I have 3 small children and they were all I could think of. I've been sober since that day and waiting to go back to the GI in mid Dec. to see how things are. I was told the same thing about working and disability. I hired a local firm and was accepted within 1 month. That was a huge relief but on the flip side, I want and need to go back to work sometime. I guess I'll see in a couple weeks.
I'm sorry for your kidney tumor. There are many people here who can give their thoughts on that, I just don't know enough. These people are very kind and have been a huge boost for me. Stay strong and like you posted earlier, "you have something to fight for."

Worthit, you really need to be seen by a GI or hepatologist on a regular basis. It's good that you seem stable, but sometimes things can change very quickly...often silent problems that you are not even aware of. Do you have a hospital with a transplant center anywhere near you? Even if it's 2 hours away, it might be a good idea to be seen there in case you need a transplant down the road. I had been seen at Mayo FL's transplant center since early '06, though I only required a transplant in Oct. '11. I was an established patient, which made everything leading up to the transplant since March much, much easier.

Very glad to hear that you got approved for disability. It took me 2 yrs., also, though mine was based on a bone disease which required bilateral hip replacements and 3 revisions. I also listed fatigue from hep C.

Has your tumor been biopsied?

Do keep us updated.

Hugs,
Connie

Great that you are getting Medicare! You will then be able to get the care you need. When you see the GI doc, be sure to find out if the PCP has actually been keeping him abreast of your health status. Though their intentions may be good, they don't always follow through with communicating with other doctors.

Please keep us posted on your progress!

Hugs,
Connie