Wellness

[LilacTree]

I went to my gastro doc yesterday with my complaints about my digestive difficulties.  I have had them for several years.  He had previously diagnosed liver cysts years ago but said they were benign in that I've probably always had them.  However, many of my symptoms are that of liver issues.  I told him I would like a complete liver workup.

He and I have always had a special relationship since I had known him for years as he and his practice were clients of the CPA firm I worked for for 24 years.  I trust him.

After an exam and a breath test which showed bacteria in my stomach, he wrote up labs, an MRI (with and without gadolinium) and ultrasound of my stomach, liver and pancreas.  I already had the labs yesterday . . . 33 individual tests taking ten vials of blood.  The most blood I've ever had taken has been six vials.  I wondered if I would faint, but miraculously I did not.  I would call that a significant "workup." 

He thinks the problems are mostly in my stomach, not my liver, but we will see.  I will get the tests done as soon as possible because he has also scheduled me for a "Gastrolyzer" breathing test which takes one to two hours in his office, after which I will see him two days later.

I'm concerned about the gado . . . I've had it before with CT scans, but never with an MRI.  I may opt out of that one because it is so toxic.  I've never heard of the Gastrolyzer test, but that is benign, one just sits in a chair and breathes in, holds it for a certain amount of time, and then breathes out into a tube.  As I said, I have already done it once in his office yesterday, but I guess two hours of it will be more in depth.  Thing is, the prep for this test starts one month prior and includes strict dietary and medicinal modalities which are going to be a real challenge.  However, I will do what I have to in order to find out what's been going on with me.

Anyone have any experience with any of this?

[wagirl]

I have a fatty liver---it sounds alot worse than it is, in my case,  but I went thru some of the testing but not the extensive blood labs, just normal ,that checks the AST/ALT and all were in normal range. Was dx in 2012 with breast cancer so that is the reason for the MRI/CAT scans with contrast. And I did the breath test too--the one at the gastro office to see if I had a virus in my gut ; I didn't. And I had to prep 2 weeks out for a combo of a colonoscopy and endoscopy Not aware of the toxic nature of gado and don't know what it is, however, all those tests I had were because my chemo was toxic as well.  Guess as long as you feel your dr is competent, you will be good. And ask any questions you think of. Good luck!

[Q4u]

It sounds like your doctor is on top of everything and giving you the best tests.  My very best to you and hope your ultimate outcome is a very good one.  Take care.... 

[LilacTree]

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@wagirl wrote:

I have a fatty liver---it sounds alot worse than it is, in my case,  but I went thru some of the testing but not the extensive blood labs, just normal ,that checks the AST/ALT and all were in normal range. Was dx in 2012 with breast cancer so that is the reason for the MRI/CAT scans with contrast. And I did the breath test too--the one at the gastro office to see if I had a virus in my gut ; I didn't. And I had to prep 2 weeks out for a combo of a colonoscopy and endoscopy Not aware of the toxic nature of gado and don't know what it is, however, all those tests I had were because my chemo was toxic as well.  Guess as long as you feel your dr is competent, you will be good. And ask any questions you think of. Good luck!

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@wagirl

Sounds like you came through all of that healthy and whole.  Thank you for your good wishes!

[LilacTree]

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@Q4u wrote:

It sounds like your doctor is on top of everything and giving you the best tests.  My very best to you and hope your ultimate outcome is a very good one.  Take care.... 

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@Q4u

Thank you Q4U!!

[LilacTree]

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@wagirl wrote:

I have a fatty liver---it sounds alot worse than it is, in my case,  but I went thru some of the testing but not the extensive blood labs, just normal ,that checks the AST/ALT and all were in normal range. Was dx in 2012 with breast cancer so that is the reason for the MRI/CAT scans with contrast. And I did the breath test too--the one at the gastro office to see if I had a virus in my gut ; I didn't. And I had to prep 2 weeks out for a combo of a colonoscopy and endoscopy Not aware of the toxic nature of gado and don't know what it is, however, all those tests I had were because my chemo was toxic as well.  Guess as long as you feel your dr is competent, you will be good. And ask any questions you think of. Good luck!

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@wagirl

"Fatty" sounds as though it may be the same as "cystic." Do you have any symptoms?

[chrystaltree]

Sounds like a good doctor, he's very thorough and he's ordered all that testing because he want's to find out what's wrong, so he ordered every test now.  I like that. 

[LilacTree]

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@chrystaltree wrote:

Sounds like a good doctor, he's very thorough and he's ordered all that testing because he want's to find out what's wrong, so he ordered every test now.  I like that. 

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@chrystaltree

Yes, he cares about me.  Sometimes we just sit a talk for a few minutes.  Yesterday was unusual because I was his last patient on a half day.  I was so shocked to walk in there and see no one in the waiting room, which is usually packed!!

[Trinity11]

@LilacTree.....good luck with everything.

One thought I had, though, was haven't you morphed into a vegetarian diet. No time have I ever had such a distinct issue with my stomach as when I went vegan for a month. I ended up anemic and showed low protein on my labs. The moment I added a little fish, beef and chicken I started feeling a lot better. It may be you are lacking enough protein in your diet....check with your gastro and see what he has to say.

Hope you are having a good day today.....

[cherry]

I recently had an endoscopy. It showed I had chronic gastritis