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Making it mean something

by 7 Comments
Jan
22
2012
I wear green for the Organ Donor that saved my Mommy's life.

Hello my fellow fighters! Lately I have been thinking a lot about the journey my sickness has taken me and my family on, and how I can make something good out of it... Lemonade out of lemons (with a whole lot of added sugar, hehe), as one would say. For me, sharing my story and my knowledge on liver disease and transplants first hand, validates it some. If I can help to comfort at least one person, and show them that if a 5'1", 115 pound, mousy sounding girl can do it then they can too, then it will be worth it to me (I was going to go through it whether I liked it or not anyway). But besides sharing my story, I feel it is just as important for me to spread awareness  on the need for organ donation. I, for one, wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for this life saving procedure and the kindness of others. In November 2009, my husband's cousin Nancy, decided to give me part of her liver (54% to be exact). In July of 2010 we both went into surgery, and I came out feeling better then I … [Read more...]

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Is it time for a liver transplant?

by 11 Comments
Aug
18
2011
Surgery Liver Transplant

Hello my friends! I am writing this next article (finally, I know) on needing a transplant because it is a question I get often, usually after I have scared someone with liver disease by telling my story. (whoa Nelly, hold your horses, I was sick for many years before being transferred to USC to discuss  a transplant, and everyone is different). Once diagnosed with liver disease, a lot of people jump straight to the thought of needing a transplant, but remember that a transplant should be your "last resort". No matter where you are in your disease, there is something that you can do (see my previous article on Do's and Don'ts for your liver here on the FLAGC site, and even more details on The Antics of Larry the Liver - Yes, I'm plugging one of my own blogs. teheheee) Like I have said before... The liver is so resilient!! However, there is nothing that can replace its function, even temporarily. In other words, no dialysis like there is for kidney failure... etc. Once your liver … [Read more...]

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The Other Hepatitis’

by 1 Comment
Apr
27
2011
Hepatitis

The last of two Hepatitis in my trilogy may surprise you. The first one, Alcoholic Steatohepatitis is a syndrome of progressive inflammatory liver injury caused by long-term or heavy alcohol abuse and is one of the leading causes of cirrhosis in America. This form of hepatitis is not contagious. (Remember, Hepatitis broken down only means inflammation of the liver) In the beginning there are not usually many symptoms, but once damage to the liver begins due to the constant inflammation, the same symptoms of Cirrhosis become present. Ascites (fluid retention in the stomach area) and/or Edema is usually one of the first symptoms, along with spider nevi. Hepatic encephalopathy, variceal hemorrhages, and Jaundice are also commonly present. Damage from Alcoholic Steatohepatitis can be stopped, and if caught early enough, even reversed. This is only possible if all alcohol consumption is stopped. If alcohol abuse continues, Cirrhosis will usually cause liver failure and a liver transplant … [Read more...]

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Heppers not Lepers (Part 2)

by 5 Comments
Feb
05
2011
Hepatitis-C

Hepatitis C (HCV) -- My nemesis. Though only 20-30% of HCV patients develop cirrhosis of the liver, it is one of the leading causes of liver transplants in America. There are a small percentage of patients that can clear the virus on their own within months of contracting HCV, but most develop the chronic form (meaning long term) Hepatitis C is a blood borne virus, it can be contracted at birth if the mother is HCV positive (Statistics for this is @ 1 in 20 births), blood transfusions before 1992, drug users that share needles (or items to snort drugs), people who work with blood products, sharing razors or toothbrushes with an HCV infected person, having unprotected sex with someone infected (though uncommon, chances increase if person is HIV infected or has multiple sex partners), or receiving a tattoo with contaminated instruments (again, uncommon if using a licensed, commercial facility).  Usually there are few or no symptoms at all when contracted, Some people  (around 10%) may … [Read more...]

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Angela’s Fight Like A Girl Story (Liver Disease)

by 1 Comment
Dec
14
2010
Angela's Story (Liver Disease)

Swinging my feet back and forth off the end of the examining table—repeatedly drooping a sandal to the floor, I found my self lost in the framed print of a lavender field beside me on the wall. The sea of purple mesmerized me as I tried not to contemplate what news would greet me when the doctor came in. Moments later a white clad one opened the door, and she was smiling. Good news, I thought. But it was only her attempt at a bedside manner, her smile was a mask—a mask she thought would protect me (and herself) from the news she had to give me. “Angela, your blood work and radiological procedure results have come back and I am sorry to tell you that the situation is serious. You have Cirrhosis, a type related to NASH. NASH stands for Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis. As a secondary affect of that you also have diabetes and I will need to refer you to a Specialist in order to get you placed on the Liver Transplant List in Chapel Hill.” I sat stunned, trying to process all the … [Read more...]

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Bobby’s Story (Liver Disease – Hepatitis C)

by 6 Comments
Nov
04
2010
Bobby's Story (Hepatitis C) LR

I am a 59-year-old man. I worked with women in the Hospital for many years. I would prefer to have a woman for me than against me. I contracted Hepatitis C back in 1972 starting an IV on a woman in Viet Nam. I got poked in the finger with a needle used on her. She died 2 weeks later of TB. The major populis of Viet Nam have Hep C. I went through the treatments of Pegulated inerfurion and Riboviron for 52 weeks. As long as I was on treatment my liver values remained low. I was considered to be a non-responder. I did this treatment 7 years ago. When I first started treatments I was told that I might feel like I had the Flu. That was it - nothing else. I did this alone other than God. I would be dead if not for him. I will be going back on treatments again for 18 months. This time I have help. I can survive through others like me. I found help through Fight like a Girl Club. I will be eternally grateful for Ricki Albertoni. She has given me new strength to endure this … [Read more...]

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Do’s, Don’ts, and Vitamins For Your Liver!

by 8 Comments
Sep
26
2010
Pills for you

In my search for finding an alternative to the transplant and removal of Larry (Yes, I had grown quite attached to my lil liver, and more importantly, yes, I had named him) I had "googled" I had "binged". I have searched high and low, yet I have not seen anything that can CURE end-stage-liver-disease.... What I have found is TONS of information on how to stop or slow its progression, and though they are life altering changes (such as strict diet and some exercise) your life is worth it, right? RIGHT!! Unfortunately, once your liver becomes as bad as Larry had become, and symptoms such as jaundice, encephalopathy, and ascites are present, there do not seem to be any other options (especially when Hep C is present... poor Larry) There is no magic cure for liver problems but first thing is first. Find out what is causing the damage. It could be something genetic (like Wilson's disease, PBC, or Hemochromatosis) or it could be something environmental, toxins. It could be drugs, alcohol, … [Read more...]

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Eating for your Liver… and your Life!

by 4 Comments
Sep
11
2010
ist2_6148437-i-love-healthy-eating

I have been asked many times about my diet prior to my liver transplant. Having advanced liver disease does limit your food, however, even if you are not in liver failure -- even if you do not have liver disease at all, a liver friendly diet can improve your health. There are a few "tweaks" though, if you are suffering from the symptoms of ESLD (End Stage Liver Disease), such as Ascites/Edema or HE (Hepatic Encephalopathy).  I have been researching this for quite some time now, and have put most of this into play with my diet, and the diets of my family. For more in depth information, visit my... well my former livers blog @ LarrysAntics.blogspot.com :). First thing is first, always talk to your doc or nutritionist about any changes, I do not pretend to be a professional. Automatically if you are suffering from Ascites/Edema, your nutritionist will say NO canned, frozen, or packaged food, I find this a little misleading. I do get some canned fruits and vegetables, but I do NOT get … [Read more...]

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What does the liver do and what happens when it is damaged?

by 9 Comments
Aug
17
2010
learn-live-hope

The basics on the liver as a “Filtering System, Chemical Factory, and a Warehouse” The liver is one of the largest organs in the body, consisting of 2 lobes – The smaller, left lobe and larger, right lobe. Many don’t know that there are 8 sections in the liver, each functioning as “little livers” and that the liver can regenerate itself – making it great for sharing! The liver plays an important role in many life processes, including •    Breaking down food into chemicals our bodies need. •    Producing Bile (needed for digestion). •    Storing and controlling sugar levels, vitamins, and minerals. •    Maintaining hormonal balance •    Removing poisons and toxins from the bloodstream. •    And more… This is why when the liver goes awry, so many things in your body are affected. Any chronic liver disease can cause cirrhosis – Notice, I said CAN, not WILL. Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) can be stopped or slowed if the … [Read more...]

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Fighting Liver Disease Like A Girl

by 4 Comments
Jul
29
2010
Combat Girl Liver Disease

Right now, I am less than 2 weeks away from a partial liver transplant. I am 29 years old and finding out you have any life-threatening disease is scary (to put it mildly), but finding out you have a disease that carries the stigma of Cirrhosis… well, let’s just say it sometimes makes it tough to handle like a “dignified” gal. I can honestly say, being that I found out I had Hepatitis C when I was 12 years old; I have had a lot of experience with this. However, (in my expert opinion) I also feel that if you are going to have a diseased organ – the liver is the way to go. (As if we had a choice) Why do I say that? Well, not to be biased, but the liver is an amazing organ! Not only because of all of its jobs it usually completes seamlessly, but because it is one of the only organs that can regenerate itself. Why is that important for us? Because that means in most situations, the liver CAN heal! Liver disease is not a death sentence, even if it advances to cirrhosis, there … [Read more...]

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