That's what Dr. Hudson said at my appointment on Wednesday.
A normal spleen is only supposed to be 3-5 cm and mine is 17 cm.
I know gross!
If only my body would function normally and grow a accessory liver instead of an accessory spleen. The good news is that the spleen hasn't gotten bigger in the last 6 months.
The ultrasound tech said there wasn't any water in my abdomen but by the time it was over there was 3 technicians in there doing it. They couldn't get a great view of my portal vein. Finally got one but my ribs were red and sore because of it.
My blood test results came back great too! My bilirubin which measures my jaundice level was .8 and my tumor marker was negative. The only count down was my platelets but only slightly. I have been having nausea after meals. It doesn't really matter what it is i have eaten so its not really food related. Dr. Hudson will do yet another EGD to check for a ulcer or a blockage somewhere but I doubt its either one.
My MELD score they use to determine where you are on the transplant list is a 7 now. Six months ago it was a 9. You would think that would be good but its not really. I have to be a 15 to be listed at all and approximately a 24 to be transplanted. We asked with the spleen enlarging so much what that meant with time until transplant was needed. Answer: 2-5 years. At the beginning my spleen wasn't big at all so the time frame was about 9 years. So that was kinda scary to me and Jeremy. That's not much time and I sure don't like the thought of having such a HUGE operation.....if I can get a liver when I need one.
I would be more than happy to just continue seeing the specialist every 6 months and go about my business. It is nice to have advanced warning and be able to plan for certain things like insurance and coverage stuff.
The funny thing is the doctor pretty much said all the same things last time(minus the 2-5 yrs) and I feel so much better about this visit than the last one. Don't know why, maybe being more up to date on the time frame.
Jeremy and I both agree we have the best specialist there is on the subject of liver transplant. Dr. Hudson is very knowledgeable, down to earth, and kind. But more than that he is not a beat around the bush kinda doctor. He tells us straight up every time whats happening and that means so much to both of us.
So I will continue my course of going about my life trying my hardest to lose the weight I need to, being with my family that I love and making the most out of life while I still feel great.
I guess a lot of cirrhosis patients don't have a lot of energy and feel pretty crappy.
I on the other had ran on the treadmill at the gym today!
6 comments:
Wow, 2-5 years. I'm glad you have such a good doctor. I love your positive attitude, it is so awesome. It's funny how these kinds of trials can make us have more gratitude for the really important things in life. Can't get better thn family. I hope your nausea will subside, do you take medication for reflux? I had chronic nausea for years and that finally helped me. Just want to say we love you and are praying for you.
Nicole what in the world am I going to do with you? I'm so glad you have a great doctor. I love you and always hope that all will be well.
Nicole, How truely lucky I am to have you as one of my very best friends. I have learned so much from you, like staying positive and facing life with courage and strength. You are an amazing person and me and Josh always keep you in our prayers, if you ever need anything you let me know! Stay strong, I love ya girl.
You are so amazing. You talk so positive about it all it doesn't even seem like anything is wrong :) I hope everything works out. We are definitely going out one of these days.. I swear I will call you after all of our court stuff with Eli. Love ur guts!
I hope you know how much I love you Nicole! You are always in my prayers. Let's get together soon and have lunch.
Nicole and Jeremy, Thanks for the fun afternoon in Mesquite. Keith was good with Owen in the park...just taking my time to be postive this time. Thanks for the update on your check-up keep up the good work and wish I could get to the gym six days a week! You go girl!
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