i am sorry you are suffering. one of the cruel jokes of cirrhosis is that the only safe pain medication is tylenol.
are you being treated by hepatologist, who has experience with treating the effects of cirrhosis?
eric
There are many people in these forums that can give you advice but in the meantime post it in the ask the experts forum and get another physicians advice. Hang in there.
Bootcamp
I looked on a Google map. You may be closer to Morganton, N.C or Durham, N.C.
Carolinas HealthCare System (CHS)
The Liver Transplant Program at the Carolinas Center for Liver Diseases
800-821-1535
1000 Blythe Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28203
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Satellite Location Now Open to Serve Patients in western North Carolina, eastern Tennessee
In addition to our location on the main campus of Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, N.C., the CMC Liver Transplant Program has an outpatient office site at Valdese Hospital near Morganton, N.C.
Education is the key to making informed decisions, whether you're a patient or family member of a person with liver disease or a physician considering making a referral. The Liver Transplant Program urges you to read more about our program, our staff, the evaluation process, aftercare and patient expectations.
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Duke University Medical Center (which has one of the best liver disease services in the entire US)
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 919-684-6437.
Duke Clinic 2G/2H
40 Duke Medicine Circle
Durham, NC 27710
Office: 919-684-1817
Fax: 919-479-2664
Duke Gastroenterology
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Managing Complicated Liver Diseases
"Transplant is an option when the liver can no longer perform vital functions and when the liver disease can't be corrected in any other way.
Duke hepatologists, skilled hepatobiliary and transplant surgeons, and specialized nurse coordinators work with other specialists to diagnose and manage liver diseases, including hepatitis C viral infection, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and glycogen storage disease.
Once a patient has been referred to Duke, our dedicated team of physicians, nurses, social workers, pharmacists, dietitians, and medical psychologists will help determine if a liver transplant is the right treatment for you. If and when you become a transplant patient, the same group of professionals will take care of you throughout the transplant process."
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Here is a link to Duke's web page for liver care.
http://www.dukehealth.org/services/gastroenterology/programs/liver
By the way I have hepatitis C, cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer and have had ascites develop 3 years ago. I have changed my diet and take diuretics daily to manage my ascites. I am also listed for a liver transplant at two liver transplant centers. One on each coast.
Cheers!
Hector
You continue to amaze me!!
Your biggest fan
Dee
If the fluid in your abdomen is or becomes infected it can be life-threatening! This is a very serious condition you have. you must see a doctor ASAP!!!
Ascites is a very serious complication. Tell the doctor at ER you have hepatitis C and cirrhosis of the liver they will know what needs to be done. They can drain off the fluid.
After this current issue is resolved, you need to be under the care of a hepatologist at a liver transplant center. They are the only doctors that can help someone with such advanced liver disease. There are treatment to help you manage your ascites and other complications of advanced cirrhosis.
If you are near Lexington contact the University of Kentucky Medical Center.
Gastroenterology Administrative Offices
Telephone: (859) 323-3555
Fax: (859) 257-8860
Liver Transplant
AB Chandler Medical Center, 4th Floor
Telephone: (859) 323-1691
Fax: (859) 323-1700
Tell them your current situation with hepatitis C and cirrhosis and tell them you have had an episode of ascites.
If you are near Louisville, Kentucky contact the Jewish Hospital & St. Mary's HealthCare. 200 Abraham Flexner Way, Louisville, KY 40202
Contact the Transplant Center via email or for transplant referral information, call 1-800-866-7539 and follow the organ-specific telephone prompts. Or call 1-800-333-2230 or 502-587-4011.
Hang in there.
Good luck!
Hector