Hep C, Cardiac Problems, etc, but I'm about to give up!! Can you give me some advice?

Hi, not even sure if im in the right place or if I should be posting under another topic...but In Sept. 2006 I had my spleen removed due to it being so infected. Then I had the fluid drained from my lungs 2 weeks later. Then In Oct. 2006 I had my Aorta valve replaced with a mechanical one, also have Tricuspid valve regurgitation, and a partical right foot amputation, all due to bactericidal endocarditis.

Last year in 2013 I had an abdominal hernia repair(and now have another one), but the surg. who did my hernia repair also drain a lot of fluid my stomach, and told me I should have my PCP give me a water pill, which he refused to give me Lasix. He gave me spironolactone 20 mg once a day. I took it for a year with no results.

I could not get the doctor to listen to me until recently when I went in(I called and told him I had some issues and needed to address them or I wasn't leaving the office this time with out answers). He did blood work and called me with the results.

PT/INR was in range for me (2.5-3.5) BP good liver count up meaning my liver is inflamed, and some other results, any how long story short he referred me to have an abdominal ultra sound which showed that I have gallstones. (im sure these are from the Hep. C) .
One Kidney is larger then the other and the right side of my heart is enlarged and the Heptic veins in my liver are enlarged.

Then he sent me to a cardiologist, which I seen who prescribed me Lasix 20mg, twice a day along with the spironolactone. It hasn't been a week yet and I really don't see any difference in the ascities. How long do I need to take the Lasix before I will see a difference??? Im so tired of feeling like im 9months preg. If anyone has any suggestions or can help I will be grateful for any advice..just need some advice from those that have been there before..any suggustions helpful thanks.

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I edited your title so that more members will read your post. ML, Moderator

Post Edited By Moderator (MamaLama) : 9/9/2014 10:40:21 AM (GMT-6)

Hi mcj, Well, you certainly have a lot of things going on with you!

I think themiz is right on target, you have been going to doctors and doing what they tell you, but with underlying liver disease (Hep C) you need a Hepatologist on your team. The best ones are at large hospitals in major medical centers....we can suggest some if you tell us what state or province you are in.

While I don't think you are any where near needing a transplant, there are meds specifically for those with liver disease that can ease some of your symptoms. For example, you are taking a standard cardiac regimen for hypertension and your valve problems, but with a report of enlarged veins in your liver there could be more at stake...it is called portal hypertension and you might have that. Pressure from the liver can cause bleeding from veins in the stomach or esophagus. Until you see a hepatologist in a major medical center please know that any bleeding from the mouth or anus is considered a 911 emergency for Hep C folks! The hepatologist may want to coordinate care with your cardiologist. The hepatologist will likley call for a scope of your esophagus called an upper endoscopy, to be sure you don't have any bulging veins (varices). They can band them so they don't rupture if you have any largish ones.

Best to you, and let us hear when your next appointments are.

Hugs,
Mama Lama