Among Friends

[FuzzyFace]

I've been feeling pretty lousy lately: I have hepatitis and am being treated by a liver doctor, so I called him about it and his assistant returned my call just a few hours later--before the end of the day on Froday (I was impressed).

In short, after discussing this with her, she mentioned that this is just part of having hepatitis. I'm ready to cry; I don't want to feel like this for the rest of my life. And this is with a lot of medication and frequent visits to my doctor--he's not just letting it slide.

I think I need a 2nd opinion. And I've been advised NEVER to ask the doctor treating me for the referral; I don't want to go to golf buddy Jane who doesn't want to offend her pal. Instead, I'm going to ask my family doctor, who's given me good referrals before.

What do you think?

[YorkieonmyPillow]

  @FuzzyFace  I think you should do it, if for no other reason than to ease your mind.

  Sorry you're going through this......

[Lotus_OM]

This is your body and you should do whatever you need to do to feel better. Check out the Mayo Clinic or search for Hep support groups. You may find recommendations for specialists in your area.  Don’t give up hope. Stay positive and believe that the right person to help you will come into your life. Sending you blessings and best wishes for your healing. 🌹

[Love my grandkids]

IMO a good doctor won't be offended to give you a referral. But if you are concerned, contact a local medical facility  and get a referral from them. Explain you want a 2nd opinion and don't wish to ask your doc for one. That might be the way to go.

[hayseed00]

I think you should get a second opinion if you have any doubts , it is your body, and we have to be our own best health advocate.  Good thoughts !!!

[151949]

I think you could have 100 different doctors and they will all say that being very tired is a part of having hepatitis. 

[cbrite]

@FuzzyFace You know there is a new medication which has a 98-99 per cent "cure rate"......for Hep c...........you did not mention which you have but I'm guessing.... Odd your doctor never mentioned about this new drug which only takes a few weeks to a few months......You should google it. Good luck.

[FuzzyFace]

cbrite: I don't have hepatitis C; what I have is auto immune hepatitis in which my liver is attacked by my own immune system.

For the sake of people who do have hepatitis C, what's the name of the medication?

[cbrite]

@FuzzyFace OH...........oh my.....I'm sorry....just awful...... I  will look it up and come back to tell you about the new drug for Hep C.........I can't remember the name...my gf said she took it and is now cured.....I think she was on Medicaid or Medical...and it paid for her treatments....it is about $1,000 per pill.............one pill per day for about 6 weeks. Terrible these drug companies do that.....

[RedTop]

My thoughts are that if you are being treated by a liver specialist, your treatment plan is probably spot on for management of your condition.   

However, since your family doctor needs to be kept aware of your treatment for hepatitis, I would discuss everything with him and see if he says anything that makes you feel there’s an actual need for a second opinion.   

I get the feeling you just need some reassurance you are being treated correctly, and that the way you are feeling is a result of your body processing the many medications.  Having a condition that affects one of the major filtering systems in your body would make you feel lousy all the time.  I believe you have to find a new normal for feeling good with a chronic condition.   

Best wishes to you!