Gastroenterologist/ hepatologist

I just went to my new hepatologist and he explained everything about my portal vein. He told me that if there is no blood flowing out from the right portal vein that's suppose to flow from the vein to the liver then it's ok until you start bleeding. He told me sometimes that happens to people but that doesn't mean there's a problem. He wanted to get my films from the Mayo clinic to see what problems the doctor sees. He said he only has the records but he needs to see the film's and if there is a problem l can get the procedure done at the Mayo Clinic or he can do it. He also said you are the patient and we want the best for you. I really enjoyed his response so l am praying weather l should cancel my appointment for next week. What do you think? I know l have to make the final decison but after all the misdiagnosed I've been through its hard to decide.

@techy, Thank you for the uplifting update! I am happy for you that you are getting some answers.
Your new doctor sounds fabulous, too. I believe that you have hit the jackpot: He explained everything, and he wants the best for you, the patient.
I do not have the expertise, or qualifications to provide any direction about whether to keep or cancel next week appointment. I think that that is best left up to your current gastroenterologist/hepatologist and the Mayo doctor to decide.

Lisa, keep in touch.

Prayers and hugs are attached to this message!
Rosemary

@hopeful33250 things are very gradually improving. I spoke to the nurse at the beginning of the week and she told me to increase my narcotics, which I then did. That has helped. Today I saw the doctor and he thinks I am doing too much, causing the pain. My physical recovery is good, range of motion is better than typical, and that whole thing is good, it’s just the pain. Of course that is complicated by my having to be careful of what I take due to being post-transplant. No ibuprofen, just acetaminophen, max 2000 mg a day.
So life goes on. I think I will manage at my daughter’s events if iI take the max allowable meds. Of course I am very anxious to get off of them so I can have my independence back. My husband has been very good but shopping with him is no fun, he’s very impatient.
I did lose weight because I was in so much pain that I had no appetite but now I have gained a few back.
JK

@gailb Thank you Gail for your words of encouragement. I really was getting very discouraged because I usually bounce back so well. I really do not think I have been doing too much but then I am not the doctor. Whatever.
I would not miss my daughter’s events no matter how much pain I was in. I thought I may end up in a wheel chair there but I think I will manage OK, with max pain relief. The ortho definitely too seems a bit surprised by what I am going through because he wants to see me again in two weeks. That’s fine but it’s generally five hours round trip of driving for. 20 minute appointment!! That’s due to very heavy traffic. With no traffic it would be just about an hour, but I don’t think I will ever trust a doctor in my area again for anything serious.
A little aside about my daughter — as you may recall her ceremony is here on November 25, thankfully I arranged for a caterer. I generally enjoy doing food prep. The reception is in NYC on December 9. She HAS NOT YET BOUGHT A DRESS FOR EITHER EVENT!!! Crazy. She is fortunate in being petite so almost everything looks good on her.
JK

@hopeful33250 Thanks Teresa. As I mentioned previously the doctor thinks I am doing too much. He says I am healed enough to return to the pool but only for about 15 minutes at a time. It’s just not worth that for me. It’s about 20 - 25 minutes round trip, and getting in an out of a bathing suit, plus having to have my husband drive me makes it not worth it. For now I will just try to be active at home. He is a huge advocate of pool exercises though. I will hold off on reinstating my memebership until just before Christmas probably. My son made a last minute decision to come home and he always enjoys going there with me. We do head in different directions, he goes to the heavy duty gym, I go to the one for wimps,
JK

Thanks @gman007. They always say to stay on top of the pain but I wasn’t sure when the relief is from a narcotic. I don’t think I have an addictive personality but not sure. Does being addicted to honey roasted peanuts count? ;-). Hopefully I will be able to wean off soon, I hate not having my independence. When you are taking them, can you drive? I am forbidden from driving.
JK

JK, @contentandwell

It is good to hear from you. I'm glad that you are experiencing "gradual" improvement. It is so frustrating when things don't go as quickly as you want!!

I'm glad that your daughter's wedding plans are under control - getting a caterer was a great idea.

I know that you will take care of yourself - you are a good advocate for yourself.

Teresa

@Thanks Rosemary @rosemarya. Yes my transplant is aware, I have been in touch with them but there is no more need to now, unless something else develops. They know what I am taking and approve it. I even wondered if some of my post-transplant drugs could be a cause at all and they said no.
JK

@contentandwell It is hard to understand why men don't enjoy shopping! Hang in there - you will get back your independence before long.

Teresa

Who forbids you from driving? I try to arrange transportation when I am medicated beyond a point, but if I am comfortable, I will drive myself and that comfort has a very high bar when considering whether it is safe for me to drive. I think roasted peanuts is an OK addiction since my mother-in-law grew up on a peanut farm, we enjoy them every way. My wife has always been impressed by my shopping "acceptance", but she now uses it as a break from me. She should probably shop for others to get additional breaks from me.