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Avatar universal

I think my brother needs transplant now

I think my brother needs a liver transplant now and we are desperate to connect with the right resources.

In background: My brother has had Hep-C for years. He is disabled (for other reasons) and has Medicare and has applied for Medicaid. He has been free of syptoms and waiting for the interferon-free treatment to be approved. He has been seeing a gastroenterologist.

In the past few months he has had numerous episodes of severe anemia requiring transfusions every 6 weeks or so. He's had EGD's and Colonoscpies and there has been no source of bleeding found.

Within the past month, he developed ascites. His gastroenterologist seemed surprised, but then gave him a referral to a scirrosis expert who comes to Las Vegas only twice a month. My brother's appointment is two days after Christmas.

My brother had his abdomen drained about two weeks ago and he filled up again almost immediately. He is getting sicker by the moment. He has a wet cough. He is able to eat only small amounts. He vomits. He has diarrhea. He now has a very large painful hemmorhoid. He is weak. His skin is dry and flaky. I empty his urinal for him and have noticed that his urine is becoming less brown ( I do not know what this means).

My brother probably needs to be hospitalized, but he refuses to go. To be honest, our local hospital does not seem to know what to do with him besides transfusions. I know he's probably dehydrated and could use IV fluid replacement. But otherwise, what they could do???

I suspect my brother needs a liver transplant now - if it is not too late. I am concerned he might not last until after Christmas to see the specialist. In the Las Vegas area we do not have facilities for liver transpant.

I am his full sister, in good health, and have the same blood type as my brother. I might be a match as a donor. I feel the situation is urgent.

Please, I would be so greatful for any insights you might share.
6 Responses
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517301 tn?1229797785
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
dr gish is outstanding
Helpful - 0
1504401 tn?1387565861
I am going to send you a message privately on MedHelp.  My APOLOGIES not seeing this!  I do better off the site, depending on what machine I am using.  I very much want to talk to you.  Would be my pleasure to even see you..whatever works.  God Bless.
Janee
Helpful - 0
517301 tn?1229797785
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
...a lot may also depend on what type of insurance your brother has, as it might direct you to a specific area.  I think that he should be evaluated for transplantation ASAP and it does sound like he might require hospitalization
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Dear Jane,

I don't know how these forums work or how to reply off site. It was a real stretch for me to even post a question here in the first place. Do I need to supply you my email address on this forum or how does this work?

It is so comforting to get a response from you right here in Las Vegas.

The  gastroenterologist my brother has been seeing is Dr. Sood in Henderson. He offered no prognosis and did not discuss my brother's condition or would not speculate about possible treatments. He referred my brother to Dr. Kayali at Digestive Associates in North Las Vegas. I have no idea exactly what Dr. Kayali's specialty is, but I am going to call tomorrow and try to learn more.

In the meantime, I am very interested in hearing more about Dr. Gish, the transplant wiz.

Thanks so much for your help.
Margaret

Helpful - 0
1504401 tn?1387565861
They referred you to Dr. Gish, I am assuming? He was my dr in SD.  He  recently left UCSD and he is the transplant wizard.  My local GI, who I see on Wed., surely knows where he went.
I read your posting in haste, and saw that you DO have a GI...and hope that he Has given your brother a prognosis.  ...waiting for your email off site and we can talk.  
Helpful - 0
1504401 tn?1387565861
I am here in LV, dear one, and know a couple of good doctors.  Don't forget we are not far from LA (Cedars-Sinai) or San Diego (UCSD) I have been to both, UCSD has the transplant center, as does Cedars, but I found UCSD to be more aggressive.  Just moved home here from a few months in LA, and now my doctors are suggesting Mayo Clinic in AZ?  I see my GI on Wed.

There are a few great GIs here.  and they do take Medicare. Since you are the sis, write to me at my regular address.  I have no fear.  ha ha.

***@****  Be my pleasure to talk to you...J
Helpful - 0

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