which liver would you prefer?
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
presentation
I am getting more comfortable with doing presentations about hep c and the audience is very willing to participate in a discussion. Our presentation is meant to increase awareness of hep c and touches on the following, what it is, how hep c is spread, the liver functions and what a healthy liver looks like and what an unhealthy looks like, the symptoms of the disease, the treatment agenda, side effects of the medication, the measures taken by people who are infected with hiv and hep c, and of course some personal anecdotes about my own experiences.
I always remember my highschool d teacher who would tell us stories about the war in Germany. He was German and had been a soldier on the front lines and he made history much more exciting because we entered into his world and it became more real. He told of passing an enemy soldier in an empty field. They both looked at each other and looked down and passed by each other and no shots were fired. His story sent shivers down my back.
I hope I am getting through to the people who hear my presentations. I am encouraged by their participation.
I always remember my highschool d teacher who would tell us stories about the war in Germany. He was German and had been a soldier on the front lines and he made history much more exciting because we entered into his world and it became more real. He told of passing an enemy soldier in an empty field. They both looked at each other and looked down and passed by each other and no shots were fired. His story sent shivers down my back.
I hope I am getting through to the people who hear my presentations. I am encouraged by their participation.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
My recent post is a link-although my blog is mostly about hepatitis c and personal anecdotes I found this information regarding South Africa and their aids problems quite informative and tragic. I also am acquainted with people in Winnipeg who are co-infected with both hiv and hepatitis c. In canada many persons with the disease are aware of treatment agendas and harm reduction and many are living healthy lives. They are educated and informed.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Ascites
If you ever have a fear of contracting hepatitis c you should be tested and treated to avoid this terrible condition. I have known people who have died from this. It is very painful and much suffering occurs,what is Ascites and why you do not want it
Ascites is the accumulation of fluid (usually serous fluid which is a pale yellow and clear fluid) in the abdominal (peritoneal) cavity. The abdominal cavity is located below the chest cavity, separated from it by the diaphragm. Ascitic fluid can have many sources such as liver disease, cancers, congestive heart failure, or kidney failure.
this is quoted from MedicineNet.com
The most common cause of ascites is advanced liver disease or cirrhosis. Approximately 80% of the ascites cases are thought to be due to cirrhosis. Although the exact mechanism of ascites development is not completely understood, most theories suggest portal hypertension (increased pressure in the liver blood flow) as the main contributor. The basic principle is similar to the formation of edema elsewhere in the body due to an imbalance of pressure between inside the circulation (high pressure system) and outside, in this case, the abdominal cavity (low pressure space). The increase in portal blood pressure and decrease in albumin (a protein that is carried in the blood) may be responsible in forming the pressure gradient and resulting in abdominal ascites. Other factors that may contribute to ascites are salt and water retention. The circulating blood volume may be perceived low by the sensors in the kidneys as the formation of ascites may deplete some volume from the blood. This signals the kidneys to reabsorb more salt and water to compensate for the volume loss.
This is quoted from MedicineNet.com
this is quoted from MedicineNet.com
The most common cause of ascites is advanced liver disease or cirrhosis. Approximately 80% of the ascites cases are thought to be due to cirrhosis. Although the exact mechanism of ascites development is not completely understood, most theories suggest portal hypertension (increased pressure in the liver blood flow) as the main contributor. The basic principle is similar to the formation of edema elsewhere in the body due to an imbalance of pressure between inside the circulation (high pressure system) and outside, in this case, the abdominal cavity (low pressure space). The increase in portal blood pressure and decrease in albumin (a protein that is carried in the blood) may be responsible in forming the pressure gradient and resulting in abdominal ascites. Other factors that may contribute to ascites are salt and water retention. The circulating blood volume may be perceived low by the sensors in the kidneys as the formation of ascites may deplete some volume from the blood. This signals the kidneys to reabsorb more salt and water to compensate for the volume loss.
This is quoted from MedicineNet.com
sonogram results
The liver is the same as a year ago-cirrhosis, portal hypertension, enlarged spleen.The good news is that the liver is not damaged following my treatment agenda and we have bit the bullet on a horrible condition called ascites.No one wold want to look forward to that condition on their calendar.I will post what ascitis is next.
Friday, January 8, 2010
how am I feeling
I saw Dr. Kaita and he is passing me off to my family physician who will manage my ultrasounds from now on. I should be seeing the results of the ultrasound from New Year's eve. very soon.I told dr. K. that my appetite is zero but my weight remains at 147 pounds and he said that I must be eating o.k. as I am not losing weight-not the precise answer I desired. I still feel very very tired at times especially after eating something very sweet. When I am extremely busy I do not dwell on the way I feel. Plus I can not focus on reading for long periods of time.
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