Swollen Abdomen - Hepatitis Message Board

Pugman · 09-22-2003, 11:51 AM

My abdomen is swelling up over the last 2 days. I normally have kind of a dented in chest, but it's so swollen it's just straight across now. My entire abodomen is very puffy though and it seems to be getting worse. I've already called my doctor and am going in soon, but was curious if anyone here has had a similar experience or knows what this is. I'm feeling very tired and a bit nauseous.

I've had Hep C for approx 15 years but biopsy 6 years ago came back good and imaging from just a few months ago looked perfect.

Pugman

hepperterry · 09-23-2003, 07:03 AM

Hey Pugman! It could be due to fluid around the liver. This can cause the abdomen to swell. I don't have any fluid around my liver but I do get a "swelled bump" over my liver area occassionally. My wife was the first one to notice this. The doctors dont know what to tell me but say its prob due to the liver swelling. Your doctor will prob do an ultrasound to see if there is any swelling or fluid around your liver. Hang in there!

Terry

Pugman · 09-23-2003, 03:03 PM

Thanks Terry. This really took me by surprise. Up until Sunday I thought my liver was fine and I wasn't expecting any significant liver damage for years to come given the results my past biopsy and ultrasound. I'm bracing myself for the bad news that I have cirrhosis but won't know for sure until I get the results from my next ultrasound. Boy am I depressed.

Pugman

hepperterry · 09-24-2003, 06:42 AM

Hang in there Pugman! Hopefully they will be able to find out what is wrong and get it taken care of pretty quick. I understand about the concern about the cirrhosis. We found out in Feb that my ultrasound shows my cirrhosis is progressing pretty fast now also. Didnt suprise us but still wasnt good news. Take care and hoping and praying the best for you!

Terry

Pugman · 09-24-2003, 10:01 AM

So sorry to hear about your cirrhosis progressing Terry. Are you in line for a transplant or do you think it will be necessary? I hope IP-501 pans out in reversing cirrhosis & fibrosis. It's been in phase 3 since 2001 but I can't seem to find any results of how it's going. As you told me, hang in there. I'm sure better days are coming.

As for my situation, now I'm totally confused. The person who did my ultrasound this morning said my liver and everything else she looked at looks perfect. I know she's not a doctor, but she's been doing this for 11 years so I would think she would notice a problem. Then again, she told me I could have cirrhosis and it not even show up on the ultrasound at which point I think, "What the hell am I doing here then?" As much as I hate to, I think I'm going to insist on a biopsy so I know for sure what shape my liver is in.

Pugman