splenic infarct

[Flowerchild700]

Hi,
I have Hepatitis C and Cirrhosis of the liver. A few years ago I had an aneurism on my spleen. They did a coil embolization of the splenic artery.A couple of years later I saw a report of a CT scan done and it said I had a new splenic Infarct. What does this mean? Is it dangerous?  

[Flowerchild700]

I had  a mental health aid that was going to act as my advocate. But, then the government did away with her job. They said that now I have to go through a different county to get Mental health help. I lost the letter. But, anyway I'm working now on trying  to move closer to Duke. I'm on section 8 here, so they would have to be willing to accept me into another county. If not I'll move to the end of this county that is closest to Durham. That would be in Mebane,  I think.  
Anyway, I look that meld score thing from the Mayo Clinic. Everything, My Bilirubin, Creatinine, and INR, all that was normal. I think my score was some like 7 That was about six or seven months ago. I'm due for an appointment now. My problem is not knowing what to say or ask when I'm there. And they always act so hurried, that even if I write stuff down I end up scanning it for what seems most important at the time. Anyway, she wants me back on treatment. But, I didn't tolerate the interferon very well at all. My main problem is panic attacks. I was on a antidepressant that was suppose to help with that, and I suppose it did help. I'd have never got past the first shot without it. Anyway, I haven't seen the Liver Doctor in ages. I see a PA now,  that works with him. She said a new treatment is coming up that doesn't use interferon. I asked her if I could wait that long she said she wouldn't let me die. Ha, I don't believe that. Anyway they don't  let me ride the vans anymore because I have and old broken down car that won't make many more trips t o Durham, in my name. I always had a car in my name, they just changed the rules. The last time I rode that van to Duke, they forgot to pick me up. But, I'm afraid to get the highway with my car, so that's one reason I want to move. The other reason is I have Grandchildren in Durham, that I hardly ever see. But, I couldn't stand living in the city. I'm going for the country outside of Durham.

[Flowerchild700]

I just started writing you a real long letter. I was halfway through, when suddenly, I must have hit the wrong button, anyway it disappeared. I'm tired now and so's my old computer so I'll try again tomorrow. :-)

[HectorSF]

I was wondering what are you doing about your cirrhosis?
I know Duke said you didn't qualify for listing for a transplant because of a history of depression. So you have no plans to try to overcome their objection to your mental health issues and try to get listed for a transplant?

I am just asking these questions out of curiosity and to make sure you are aware of the consequences of your non-action. I know it is a personal matter and you don't have to answer.  

You do realize that the medicines that you are taking are to manage End-Stage Liver Disease (ESLD) (not just stable being cirrhosis) which is the final stage of liver disease and a fatal illness if you don't get a liver transplant?

So you have already have plans as you get sicker and sicker and become disabled and eventually are unable to care for yourself? Are you aware of the years of suffering with ESLD symptoms and complications, hospitalizations that lay ahead as the disease progresses until your liver completely fails? I assume you are under surveillance for liver cancer at Duke and have some type of imaging every 6 months?

I am just curious, as very few people choose to give up and let the disease take its inevitable course all hope so early in its progression.

Take care.
Hector

[Flowerchild700]

Thank you. That's what I thought. I was looking at a Ct scan I'd had done two years ago at Duke. A couple of years before that I went UNC Hospital with a stomach bleed. They did a Ct scan there and told me I had an aneurism on my spleen. They did a coil embolization on it, I think. A few weeks later I was back in the hospital with Pneumonia. It was a very bad time for me and my memory of the whole incident is blurry. I was in and out of the hospital a lot over a three month period.