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My appointment with the hepatologist

andre79

Senior Member
Messages
122
Well, i finally went to see the hepatologist and it didn't go well, unfortunately.

First of all, he said i had to do a liver biopsia, which i already knew, but by laparoscopy so i must get general anesthesia. I have never in my life had general anesthesia, but it concerns me a little bit. A few weeks ago a had an abcess in my finger, to drain it the doctor inyected anesthesia in my hand and i was closed to throw up and pass out. I didn't but it was not a good experience.

Any advice about the general anesthesia of something i should tell the doctor?

Then i told him about my symptoms and he told me that they had nothing to do with the PBC, but instead depression and anxiety. So, the best hepatologist here doesn't know anything about fatigue and PBC. Sigh.

I had with me an study that links autonomic dysfunction with PBC but i didn't dare to give it to him because he was a little arrogant.

And finally i mention the possibility of taking LDN and he said NO! But then he added something interesting: "we only use naltrexone in patients with late stage PBC to control the itchiness" really? So, they do use naltrexone in PBC.

Now i don't know if i should do my LDN experiment. If they use naltrexone 50 mg in people with severe damage in the liver, i think that low dose should not be a problem for me, since i am in an early stage apparently. I would appreciate your opinion and Dr Edwards. Thank you.
 

Jonathan Edwards

"Gibberish"
Messages
5,256
I wouldn't want to advise on taking a drug in the context of possible liver problems. I think you nee to follow your physician's advise as best you can.
 

drob31

Senior Member
Messages
1,487
You mentioned that was the best hepatologist in your country? Have you thought about coming to the US or going somewhere else for another opinion?
 

andre79

Senior Member
Messages
122
You mentioned that was the best hepatologist in your country? Have you thought about coming to the US or going somewhere else for another opinion?

Yes, i am going to get the biopsia and then i will think seriously about going abroad to get another opinion. Resignation is not an option for me. This doctor told me that the treatment was urso acid, and that's it. Nothing to offer to treat other symptoms, which he didn't even acknowledge. A big dissapointment, i am sorry to say, but it's true.

Also, we need to have a trusting relationship with our doctors, don't we? The fact that i didn't even dare to show him an study out of fear is a good indication that this is not the doctor for me.
 

Jammy88

Senior Member
Messages
163
Location
Italy
Very demotivating. I hope you find a better hepatologist somewhere else. Keep us posted, best wishes.