MRCP & Results

I had my MRCP/MRI type deal. It was actually a couple of weeks ago and I got my results back pretty quickly! I am happy and disappointed at the same time. While the tests came back normal and I am not dying of anything (yeah!!!), I still have unknown pain that flairs up every so often, and is "unlabeled" (or labeled as unknown). According to this test, my liver looks normal. The Dr. basically said to go to OHSU for a second opinion (my last second opinion from them cost $75 AFTER insurance covered it...all for just looking at my test results). I told him no, I will just sit for a while after doing all these tests, and see what happens in a few months.

I have a follow up appt. in July, do my blood work in June before my appt. and we will see if my liver panel went up or down. If down...I will continue to make positive changes in my life. If up, well then off to OHSU for a 2nd opinion and for an appt. with a liver specialist. I still have a hard time with the fact that for years now I have these "flare ups" of random things and then they just disappear, totally! I guess we'll know more after the next flare up, and just hope that it isn't too bad of whatever flares up next? Going the healthy positive route, I can only hope that I get healthier overall and less flare ups, because I know the foods I eat (they aren't that bad actually) do create inflammation in my body so bad sometimes, for weeks, that my back and hips and legs and torso are just stiff from pain and swelling. All processed through the liver? One can only guess, and I am done with research for now. Just guessing games online and at the Dr's office. Just life now!

I am disappointed it wasn't something treatable, so I would KNOW nothing worse is wrong with me, so my pain would go away and so all this money and time spent wasn't in total vain.

For now, eating healthier, exercise, abandoning caffeine, fats & sweets, getting more sleep, positive thinking, happiness, meeting with my Chiropractor/Nutritional Consultant and taking Tylenol when the pain gets really bad should suffice! But isn't that the prescription for everyone really? Just basic good healthy habits leads to a good life. Jeez, and I spent all those thousands and thousands (or owe I should say) to find out that gem?

Mild Focal Acute Cholangitis

My Gasto, Dr. Em, says he isn't sure it is PBC now, or even PCS (which the name of the "possible" diagnosis is in the PCS description, but apparently not it?). Basically, I am in the "early stages" of inflammation of the bile ducts. My tests/biopsy was sent up to OHSU now to be reviewed and will know more in 2 weeks. As much as I want to know more, understand what exactly IT is, I appreciate that Dr. Em doesn't know and is getting another opinion, instead of bluffing his way through it for more money.

I have all the early symptoms of PBC/PCS (similar symptoms, very different outcomes in the end), and will just follow along w/ the dietary changes most PBCers make. They are common sense changes, low sodium, low fat, healthy & fresh fruits & veggies, drink lots of water, exercise...all the stuff we know we are supposed to do already!

The best outcome would be an infection that isn't showing many symptoms and taking a lot of antibiotics to get rid of it out of my body, and all will be good (hopefully). The worst outcome it seems is being diagnosed w/ one of the above, in which medication will be dolled out to slow damage.

Who knew something could go wrong w/ bile ducts! There are funny names for some too, the sphincter of Oddi, Ampulla Vader...makes you feel the "force" within you, haha.

So, NO CANCER, my ultimate fear! Yeah!

Results are in...

and they are sitting on my Dr's desk, since early this morning! I have called twice already, but he has a bunch of appointments and procedures today. Ugh. I hope he isn't planning reading them "after hours" and getting back to me tonight, or worse yet, tomorrow! I will call again, soon, just to keep the squeaky wheel effect going.

The nurse said she doesn't know how to read them, so he has to interpret them and take notes, and then he or she will call.

And so I wait, for my fate (thank goodness it is sunny and I am feeling up today!).